Description
Book Synopsis**THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER**
A compulsively readable account of an African country now virtually inaccessible to the outside world and one journalist''s daring and adventurous journey.
When war correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa in 2000 he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M. Stanley''s famous nineteenth century trans-Africa expedition - but travelling alone.
Despite warnings that his plan was ''suicidal'', Butcher set out for the Congo''s eastern border with just a rucksack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots. Making his way in an assortment of vessels including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, helped along by a cast of unlikely characters, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurers.
Butcher''s journey was a remarkable feat, but the story of the Congo, told expertly and vividly in this book, is more remarkable still.
A masterpiece' Jo
Trade Review
A remarkable, fascinating book by a courageous and perceptive writer. One of the most exciting books to emerge from Africa in recent years -- Alexander McCall Smith
An intrepid adventure. In making and describing this journey, Tim Butcher has followed in the footsteps of Stanley and Conrad. It takes a lot of guts to yomp through the Congo and he obviously has plenty of those. But it is the wit and passion of the writing which keeps you engrossed -- Giles Foden
This is a terrific book, an adventure story about a journey of great bravery in one of the world's most dangerous places. It keeps the heart beating and the attention fixed from beginning to end -- Fergal Keane
A masterpiece -- John le Carre
Tim Butcher deserves a medal for this crazy feat. I marvel at his courage and his empathy -- Thomas Pakenham
