African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe [Hardcover]

Doris May Lessing (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1992

The British author writes about her homeland--from which she was exiled by the former all-white government--discussing political corruption, AIDS, communal living, and much more. By the author of The Fifth Child. 35,000 first printing. $35,000 ad/promo. Tour.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After the wars fought by black nationalists for the liberation of Rhodesia ended in 1980 and the nation of Zimbabwe came into being, Lessing was able to return to the homeland that had officially exiled her 25 years earlier because of her opposition to the white government. The distinguished novelist ( The Fifth Child , etc.) details four trips she made to Zimbabwe in 1982, 1988, 1989 and 1992 in a series of haunting vignettes dealing with facets of life there: the corruption--and achievements--of the black government, poverty, land erosion, wildlife destruction, the emergence of feminism, the death of Marxism, AIDS and the daily problems of the people as they cope with social change. Lessing's keen descriptions of the entrenched white racism demonstrated by her friends and family are as discouraging as her observations of the new mixing between the races are inspiring of hope. A powerfully written, passionately felt memoir by a writer of conscience. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Because Lessing grew up in Zimbabwe, she has drawn upon her African experiences in many of her writings, including Going Home (1957. o.p.), the story of her return to a land still ruled by a white minority. This time, she returns to an independent Zimbabwe in 1982 to be greeted by The Monologue: white complaints about black ineptitude. Subsequent trips in 1988 and 1989 focus on black frustration with the slowness of change ("Why can't Mugabe chief of state do anything about . . . ?") as well as with corruption. A 1992 update ends the book on a somber note: economic decline, drought, and AIDS. This is quite a fascinating look at life in Zimbabwe from someone who has an intimate knowledge of the country. Af rican Laughter is highly recommended. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/15/92.
- Paul H. Thomas, Hoover Inst. Lib., Stanford, Cal.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 442 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins; First Edition edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060168544
• ISBN-13: 978-0060168544
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,438,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #58 in Books > Travel > Africa > Zimbabwe

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars notitle, November 18, 2005

By 

C. L Wilson (Elmhurst, Illinois United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe (Hardcover)

Woof! What a read! 442 pages in 6 days. Ask me anything about Zimbabwe. The home of Lessing's childhood from 5 til 30, when she moved to England. Easy reading, at times not too organized, nor, I think, rewritten too much. Could have been better. But what she is so good at is the small detail - about the dogs, or food, or dress. The small things that make up life. I think she tries hard not to be judgmental, to give both sides of the picture after 1980, when Zimbabwe became an independent nation. But it would seem like many countries in Africa today, riddled with corruption and stupidity and lack of foresight. Or the world in general, for that matter. Nowadays, why single out Africa? Sounds like it once was (is?) a beautiful country with a mild climate because it is so high. Very interesting book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful book about Zimbabwe, January 4, 2006

By 

Reader "cvrcak1" (Boca Raton, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe (Paperback)

I have never been in Africa and have never read any of the books about the continent except for Nadine Gordiner's fiction. While I loved the begginning of the book, the later parts become a bit sloppy and at time impatient in terms of writing style. The observations, however, about the country of Zimbabwe over the decades, and in the time after declaration of independence are amazing. One is able to follow up on lives of writer's old friends, new people she meets on her trips, amazing animals, plants and food. I have learned a lot about country , it's people and customs, racism, reverse racism, sexism, deseases and corruption a new country is struggling with. Highly recommended read for anyone interested in learning more about this amazing country and African continent.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An Unsure Joy, June 26, 2003

By 

N. Swartzendruber (Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: African Laughter: Four Visits to Zimbabwe (Paperback)

This was the only non-travel guide about Africa in my local library branch when I got back from 8 months in East Africa, so I picked it up. Certainly a very interesting picture of the slow death of British colonialism, despite Zimbabwean independence in 1980. And the successive trips provide a living view of changing attitudes and opinions, both of European expatriates and Nationals. Her inner dialogue of changes, good and bad (both very grey categories), is very informative as well.

That said, there is only a loose thread of continuing story that flows through the entire text. Granted, she's documenting her travels, but it seems a bit more perspective (or a more involved editor) could have helped give the book a bit more flow. I'd recommend it quickly to those interested in an authentic look at Africa, but probably not for those looking for a casual read during lunch breaks.