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A Passage to Africa
As a five-year-old, George Alagiah emigrated with his family to Ghana—the first African country to attain independence from the British Empire. A Passage to Africa is Alagiah's shattering catalogue of atrocities crafted into a portrait of Africa that is infused with hope, insight, and outrage. In vivid and evocative prose and with a fine eye for detail, Alagiah's viewpoint is spiked with the freshness of the young George on his arrival in Ghana, the wonder with which he recounts his first impressions of Africa, and the affection with which he dresses his stories of his early family life. A sense of possibility lingers, even though the book is full of uncomfortable truths. It is a book neatly balanced on his integrity and sense of obligation in his role as a writer and reporter.
304 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 4, 2020
This is an important book. Published back in 2001, former BBC Africa correspondent, George Alagiah, skillfully blends his personal experience with the dispassionate insight of a political commentator, as he traces the difficult and painful road to independence and beyond for the African continent.
Although very well written, it's not always an easy read, as he faithfully describes conflict, torture and genocide across hotspots such as Somalia, Rwanda, Zaire and Zimbabwe, and finally South Africa. However, viewed now, almost twenty years on, this is an insightful historical and contextual reference for anyone interested in African affairs.
Alagiah finishes his testimony on a note of optimism, which sadly seems somewhat unfounded when one looks at the present situation in almost all of these countries. From a personal perspective, as one living in South Africa these past ten years, it's especially saddening to see that his hope for the future of this beautiful country, put on a positive and inclusive road by Nelson Mandela, has since succumbed to the twin blights of corruption and governmental mismanagement.
Highly recommended to anyone with an interest or connection to the continent of Africa.
Although very well written, it's not always an easy read, as he faithfully describes conflict, torture and genocide across hotspots such as Somalia, Rwanda, Zaire and Zimbabwe, and finally South Africa. However, viewed now, almost twenty years on, this is an insightful historical and contextual reference for anyone interested in African affairs.
Alagiah finishes his testimony on a note of optimism, which sadly seems somewhat unfounded when one looks at the present situation in almost all of these countries. From a personal perspective, as one living in South Africa these past ten years, it's especially saddening to see that his hope for the future of this beautiful country, put on a positive and inclusive road by Nelson Mandela, has since succumbed to the twin blights of corruption and governmental mismanagement.
Highly recommended to anyone with an interest or connection to the continent of Africa.
May 16, 2019
What an insight George Alagiah has into Africa but also into the UK. Also he is a really nice man who gave my Mum an ice cream many years ago when she couldn’t get into a shop with her mobility scooter in the Peak District.
September 21, 2011
Really really enjoyed this book. Its not one that was on my reading list, but I picked it up at a a second hand shop simply because I was familiar with George Alagiah from watching BBC News when I was in the UK. It isn't really a autobiography of himself but more about his perspectives on Africa. I think it was particularly good compared to most other autobiographies because he is not self indulgent and instead seeks to give the reader an alternative view of Africa, from the the very unique perspective of a person who left one developing country, Sri Lanka to make a life on another. Despite being a journalist working for the BBC, he doesn't give you the typical doom and gloom story of Africa that you might expect from a Westerner. While his account of Africa is realistic and balanced, it is also hopeful.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a unique overview of some of the most important developments on the African continent during the 1980s and 1990s.
I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain a unique overview of some of the most important developments on the African continent during the 1980s and 1990s.
June 25, 2015
Bought this book in a charity shop. Wonderful book. Hugely entertaining and informative
July 29, 2018
The BBC's correspondent to Africa writes clearly and intelligently with shocking, hopeful and heartfelt feeling. His personal account is unforgettable, a very good read.
November 29, 2019
I first read this book soon after it was published but it was no hardship to re-read it when it was chosen by my reading group!
Using a combination of autobiographical detail, his comprehensive knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and his many years of reporting conflicts, famines and crises on that continent, George Alagiah explores and analyses the history and development of several of the countries which have, over decades, made headline news. For most people the impact of the reporting of these stories of famine, genocide, rebellion, corruption etc, whilst initially shocking, is usually also all too quickly forgotten as normal, everyday life continues. Newspapers and television show merely a “snapshot” moment of these huge events before focusing attention on the next headline-grabbing story. However, this book explores the events and influences which occurred before, as well as what went on after the all too brief media interest died down.
The author’s intimate, comprehensive understanding of the complex history, culture, politics, ethnic tensions, tribal and religious clashes of the countries he describes is a powerful and convincing feature of his writing; as is his literate and eloquent prose. As an Asian, whose Tamil parents fled Ceylon in 1961 and fled to Ghana when George was five years old, when that African country was, with huge optimism, celebrating its independence, he also speaks with the authority of both an “outsider” and an “insider”. He is proud of being a “son of Africa” but, whilst he is passionate in his support of the continent, he is not blind to the huge problems much of the continent faces. He acknowledges that situations often appear desperate, and the problems intransigent, but he is not without hope that solutions can, and will, be found.
In his preface to the book the author said that what he wanted to write was “a personal, intimate portrait of the continent that gives an insight into how it came to be and what it is today.” I think he achieved this and much, much more. He certainly challenged my thinking about Africa, and the Western World’s response to the problems facing many regions of the continent. For anyone interested in Africa, its past, present and future, this highly readable book should prove both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
Using a combination of autobiographical detail, his comprehensive knowledge of sub-Saharan Africa and his many years of reporting conflicts, famines and crises on that continent, George Alagiah explores and analyses the history and development of several of the countries which have, over decades, made headline news. For most people the impact of the reporting of these stories of famine, genocide, rebellion, corruption etc, whilst initially shocking, is usually also all too quickly forgotten as normal, everyday life continues. Newspapers and television show merely a “snapshot” moment of these huge events before focusing attention on the next headline-grabbing story. However, this book explores the events and influences which occurred before, as well as what went on after the all too brief media interest died down.
The author’s intimate, comprehensive understanding of the complex history, culture, politics, ethnic tensions, tribal and religious clashes of the countries he describes is a powerful and convincing feature of his writing; as is his literate and eloquent prose. As an Asian, whose Tamil parents fled Ceylon in 1961 and fled to Ghana when George was five years old, when that African country was, with huge optimism, celebrating its independence, he also speaks with the authority of both an “outsider” and an “insider”. He is proud of being a “son of Africa” but, whilst he is passionate in his support of the continent, he is not blind to the huge problems much of the continent faces. He acknowledges that situations often appear desperate, and the problems intransigent, but he is not without hope that solutions can, and will, be found.
In his preface to the book the author said that what he wanted to write was “a personal, intimate portrait of the continent that gives an insight into how it came to be and what it is today.” I think he achieved this and much, much more. He certainly challenged my thinking about Africa, and the Western World’s response to the problems facing many regions of the continent. For anyone interested in Africa, its past, present and future, this highly readable book should prove both thought-provoking and enjoyable.
September 13, 2022
Instantly engaging, this is a superbly informative and highly readable overview of a continental character flaw - how national potential can be overrun by personal gain.
Each episode is given greater poignancy by the author’s on-the-ground experience and insight, using his journalistic eye for an unbiased story.
Although over 15 years old now, this is still a highly relevant insight into the tragic squandering of exciting possibilities in a number of African nations.
Supremely well written and hugely enjoyable. A fab read.
Each episode is given greater poignancy by the author’s on-the-ground experience and insight, using his journalistic eye for an unbiased story.
Although over 15 years old now, this is still a highly relevant insight into the tragic squandering of exciting possibilities in a number of African nations.
Supremely well written and hugely enjoyable. A fab read.
April 23, 2025
This was a random pick in a used book store. But boy, it was a very good one. Really loved the way George Alagiah blends with the subjects in each of the countries. Reading this book almost 25 years after it was written, feels like looking through a time capsule the experience of the author through his journey in Africa. But the pain in voice of tribulations the continent was going through is palpable, as if it’s happening now.
Also, pleasantly surprised that the copy I old is signed in ink by George Alagiah.
Also, pleasantly surprised that the copy I old is signed in ink by George Alagiah.
September 11, 2023
Disappointingly full of BBC style bias.
After reading Home from Home, I was struck by how well-informed and impartial Alagiah was. Sadly this book is riddle with errors, omissions and bias, some unintentional. This is an interesting read but appears to be one of the plethora of books which attempt to rewrite history to suit the views of the writer. I had been impressed by George Alagiah the man and the author of Home from Home but this book does memory an injustice.
After reading Home from Home, I was struck by how well-informed and impartial Alagiah was. Sadly this book is riddle with errors, omissions and bias, some unintentional. This is an interesting read but appears to be one of the plethora of books which attempt to rewrite history to suit the views of the writer. I had been impressed by George Alagiah the man and the author of Home from Home but this book does memory an injustice.
July 2, 2019
Alagaih's journey with his family from India to Africa to England in the 1960s is fascinating. He returns to Africa as an adult, when all is changed. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has ties with Africa.
January 2, 2020
The writer was able to showcase Africa's situation quite graphically using highly descriptive sentences and imagery. This serves as quite the eye-opener towards the issues Africa was facing at the time of his visit. Pretty good.
July 21, 2020
Read ages ago, but dated as it is, the truth within it is both inspiring and the stuff of despair. Will Africa ever make its pirates accountable? Rwanda gives bus hop, as once did South Africa. We have to believe in a divine plan
January 20, 2022
This was a lucky find at my local book exchange and even though it was written 20 years ago, the points the author makes about Africa are still relevant. It is well written and insightful; this is one I will probably read again.
August 15, 2024
A bit dry and obviously a bit dated, published 2001, but good to read about Africa from someone who has lived there and reported from there. But still has strong connections to other parts of the world.
July 16, 2020
A fascinating look into various places in Africa through the eyes of George ALagiah as a journalist and when he was a young boy.
July 26, 2020
Autobiography /History /Travel book - but so much more - a love letter to the continent
June 15, 2022
Brilliant book. So helpful in opening my eyes to the continent we live on but often struggle to understand.
July 22, 2022
Beautiful, nuanced.
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August 2, 2023Brilliantly written but gruelling and upsetting to read
February 10, 2012
A friend gave me a loan of this, and at first I thought it would be lightweight and of no real substance - a boastful account of a cossetted BBC reporter. I was wrong. It is in fact two things. Firstly, a part biography of Mr Alagiah, who moved with his family from Sri Lanka (who fled due to the civil war there - his family are tamil) to Ghana when African was liberating itself from its colonial shackles. It follows George as he becomes a reporter for the BBC for Africa, and through this, he takes us through much of the recent history of Africa (which sadly has involved many civil wars, corrupt dicators and famines). I learnt a lot - about Liberia, Rwanda - about Somalia and its warlords and the US intevention there. I do recommend this book therefore, if you wish to learn about Africa in recent times.
September 5, 2015
Read this ages ago.
Interesting stuff on the legacy of colonialism, and problems of the borders bequeathed by colonial powers. In the end he talks of two Africas, the one the colonialisers decided to settle ('borrowed ideas and imported customs') from an older, more genuine Africa.
He describes the subtlety of the legacy 'black people in places like malawi or kenya still show a vestigial diffidence in the company of whites, the result of the drip-draining of confidence over more than a century of playing second fiddle... I remember the way my own parents would fuss if they expected a visit from one of a few of their white friends"
Interesting stuff on the legacy of colonialism, and problems of the borders bequeathed by colonial powers. In the end he talks of two Africas, the one the colonialisers decided to settle ('borrowed ideas and imported customs') from an older, more genuine Africa.
He describes the subtlety of the legacy 'black people in places like malawi or kenya still show a vestigial diffidence in the company of whites, the result of the drip-draining of confidence over more than a century of playing second fiddle... I remember the way my own parents would fuss if they expected a visit from one of a few of their white friends"
June 23, 2008
Love this book! It takes you through Alagaiah's experiences as a child and later in his professional career. It's an interesting balance between his autobiography and the biography of Africa so to speak. I enjoyed his analysis of the continent's history and some of its famous and infamous leaders, though I'm not sure if I would agree with the glowing review of some of them. All the same, I was sucked in from the begining and hate the fact that I've finished it!
March 21, 2012
wonderful book! so well-written, funny and erudite. It gives a wonderful overview of some of Africa's most harrowing histories. I was really impressed with the chapter on Mandela. There are no sacred cows and lots of villains in this book. Makes us all look at ourselves a little harder.
I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because I think he should have included a serious discussion on Kony and the LRA in his chapter on Uganda. Not sure why he chose not to (even though its mentioned later in the book).
I gave it a 4 instead of 5 because I think he should have included a serious discussion on Kony and the LRA in his chapter on Uganda. Not sure why he chose not to (even though its mentioned later in the book).
June 13, 2016
This is a balanced and ultimately optimistic trip through Africa's recent history by a man who grew up there as a child and has reported on it's triumphs and disasters as an adult - and the moral issues that reporting can throw out.
The early chapters really chimed as his fond memories of a childhood in Africa echo my own - the people, the sunshine, the food etc.
The early chapters really chimed as his fond memories of a childhood in Africa echo my own - the people, the sunshine, the food etc.
January 12, 2009
George Alagiah takes one on a tour of the areas of the continent he covered while at the BBC, interwoven with biographical detail and his personal impressions of the time and place. This is a wonderful book, and an accessible introduction to African studies.
November 4, 2013
A really enjoyable read and difficult to put down! It was really interesting to learn about Africa's history and how Alagiah mixed fact with his personal and emotional experiences. I loved the way Alagiah writes with such a sophisticated dialogue. I would definitely recommend!
November 12, 2009
Now that I'm a resident of Africa myself, there's more to disagree with in this book. Still, I felt like I learned a lot about the continent and the writing was engaging.
April 26, 2011
Every sentence is exciting and informative. A must read for anyone interested in Africa
January 21, 2008
different stories of a journalist in troubled africa
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February 19, 2016i love this book when i was in year 11 i red this book and i love it its great stroy book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews