Rated four stars ****

Written as a series of stream-of-consciousness stand-alone essays, but organized in a linear fashion, this book covers the period of time from the author's birth, through her marriage. I live in Africa, which makes me appreciate the author's descriptions even more. I have traveled extensively in both southern and central Africa, although I've never been to the locations described in the book. Her descriptions are extremely vivid - after reading this book, I feel that I've been to these places, and experienced her life with her.

Nevertheless, I found her young life shocking in many ways. The book also helped me understand the current political climate of Zimbabwe today, and the origin of why the blacks are dispossessing the white farmers today.

A very good book.