Amie: An African Adventure

Amie #1

by Lucinda E. Clarke

Amie was just an average girl, living in her home town close to friends and family. She was happily married and she had her future all planned out. They would have two adorable children, while she made award winning programmes for television. Until the day her husband announced he was being sent to live and work in an African country she had never heard of. When she came to the notice of a Colonel in the Government, it made life very complicated, and from there things started to escalate from bad to worse. If Amie could have seen that one day she would be totally lost, fighting for her life, and enduring untold horrors, she would never have stepped foot on that plane

Genres: Africa, Fiction, Adventure, Action, Travel, Historical

382 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2014

About the author

Born in Dublin, matured in England, wanted to follow grandfather into Fleet Street, family not wildly enthusiastic - unfeminine, unreliable and dangerous. Went to dockland Liverpool - safe, respectable and pensionable. Returned south with teaching qualifications, extremely good at self defence. Went crofting in Scotland, bred Cairn Terriers among other things. Moved to Kenya with 7 week old daughter, abandoned in the bush. On to Libya, surviving riots, public hangings, imprisoned husband and eventual deportation. Queued with the unemployed millions in UK. Moved to Botswana - still teaching - opened and ran the worst riding school in the world,- with ‘How to...’ book in hand.
Moved south to South Africa taught for four years, then in 1986 became a full time freelance writer, for major corporations, UNESCO, UNICEF and the South African Broadcasting Corporation for both radio and television. Moving into video production in 1986, received over 20 awards, specializing in education, documentaries, municipal and government, one script for National Geographic.
Returned UK Jan 1994, back to SA before April elections.
Taught in 7 countries, including Britain, Kenya, France, Libya, Botswana, Swaziland and South Africa. Also found time to breed animals for pet shops, write a newspaper column, publish two books, Heinneman & Macmillan, and work for several years as a radio announcer. Married with two daughters, a stepson and stepdaughter, moved to Spain in 2008. I now write a monthly column and have published two more books, a memoir and an adventure story set in Africa.

Reviews

[Ann Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda Clarke brings us into what happens when your everyday life gets turned upside down in Amie: An African Adventure. Amie is living a normal life with dreams of a peaceful life, when her husband takes a job offer in a place far away. A town she hasn't even heard of. We watch Amie as she fights for her life and her world is never the same. Lucinda Clarke has a way of drawing us into the story, keeping us in suspense to find out what will happen! Great read, thank you Lucinda!

[Max Power · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lets start with the basics. For me I like a good story well told. It needs the obvious if you like a good opening, a strong middle and it must wrap up nicely at the end to satisfy the reader. Top marks on all fronts here. Cracking opening that sucked me in immediately. I have read a couple of Lucinda E Clarke's books before so I sort of knew what to expect. Here is a writer able to tell a story and get to the reader. Her sense of Africa is clearly on point. I do know from reading her other books and biography that she has spent time there and it shows. Although the country setting in this book is fictional, it is brought to vibrant life by the authors clarity of thought and skilled writing. The plight of Africa is so misunderstood with many people seeing the huge continent as a single generic entity, but Lucinda picks familiar African themes if you like, and develops them into a really great story. The struggle of the poor the corruption of officialdom is all here. Significantly, I enjoyed her vision of the place. You can hear see and smell Africa. The dialogue is vibrant, there is a simple scene where Amie discovers surprise deposits in her bank account and I found myself picturing the scene in detail as she describes the discomfort of her predicament while visualising the setting in the bank where African sense of personal space is clearly different than a European one. It is not a central scene but that is the point, the author writes so well and such things stick with me. The narrative is crisp and the characterisation is fantastic. I love a well written book and I loved Amie. I know you will too, pick it up and go hunt down the rest of Lucinda E. Clarke's books. You will become a fan, I certainly am.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda is a very clever writer and tells the story as if you are actually there going through it, amie well i would love to have been her very brave and courageous. The situations in the book can be scary very frightening at times but does give a good realization on what its like as every country has different rules and regulations they have in that part of the world.

When i read the first page i was hooked and can't wait to read the next adventure amie has, this book is amazing and highly recommended from teenagers to adults, wish i could say more about the book but don't want to give it away.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the synopsis and so brought this book. I was hooked after the first couple of pages, starting with the horrifying prologue and moving into the meat of the story. Amie and her husband are working abroad for what is supposed to be two years, once they get there they realise that all is not what it seems. Add to that being accused of spying for the British and the civil unrest in the country and you're in for a treat of a story. I found myself wondering if it were possible that Amie ever get home and even if she did, would she be able to settle back into the normal English life she'd had before? I won't spoil, but I will say that it is an excellent read with many twists and turns. Perfectly crafted to reflect life as an expat and brilliantly written. Highly recommended!

[Robert Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not going to say anything about the story line in Lucinda Clarke's novel - the other reviwers have done an excellent job. I will say the writing is superb, the story beyond captivating, the descriptions of Africa rival a photograph, and the characters emotions are real to the core and highly captivating (you hope beyond hope all works out well) A great novel - mayhaps based on parts of the author's life. Well worth your time.

[Sarah Stuart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amie rather reluctantly leaves her job and goes to Africa with husband Jonathan, who is offered work on a desalination plant. Her life there, in a large house with a maid and a gardener, and activities at the Expat Club is strange. Amie, and the reader, only realise its benefits when the couple go home for a holiday, to tea, telly, and disinterest in her new life.

“Home” in Africa, a colonel high up in the corrupt government threatens Johnathan’s job unless Amie uses her family’s parting gift of an expensive camera to film “progressive innovation”: no easy task as none of it has come to fruition, but Amie is taken deeper into the heart of the dark continent.

She is shopping when her world is blown apart, literally, by tribal warfare. Travel with Amie as she attempts to escape through the bush – she could use your company!

Amie: African Adventure is a brilliant thriller, but also a book that left me wondering who has got it right. First world countries working 9 to 5 and living through TV soaps? Third world countries where only the powerful benefit from aid? I’d plump for Amie’s “Little People”, and if you read this book you’ll see why.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Up to a certain point in this story, I was able to relate to Amie. First, the fear of going to another country, where the culture was different from one's own. Second, the real "culture shock" is not going to such a country, but it is returning to your own culture after you've been away for a while. You expect the other culture to be different. But when you return to your previous life, you now see it through different eyes, your priorities in life have changed after seeing the poverty and other circumstances other people in the world live.

However, I have not lived the terror of being an expatriate in a country torn by civil war. Travelling into countries where armed guards partrol the borders was terrifying enough. Having to survive when being considered a criminal would be more than terrifying.

This book is well-written and brings the life of the African people to life. It shows the extremes in how people react to the conditions. From horror to acceptance. And it makes you wonder how much "right" others have to try to change the way people other than ourselves live. When, if ever, is it appropriate to intervene in the name of "humanity"?

[Cynthia Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The beauty of this story is what initially intrigued me and what held me as a captive audience from the first to last pages. Though I felt somewhat ‘behind the 8-ball’ without having read the first in the series, the explicit detail with which the author leads the reader into Africa, through the pluck and verve of her protagonist, Aime. Young and full of heart, while retaining a very honest uncertainty about the path she walks, Aime strides boldly where many others might fear to tread, but her goal is far and away one that might lead many of us in the same direction. The story is inspiring and uplifting; yet filled with the very real, often frustrating, realities Africa/African’s face today. Well written and accurate, I would recommend it to anyone interested in reading something other than fluff and farce.

[Tony Duxbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amie and her future plans are derailed when her husband accepts a job in Africa. She way, way out of her comfort zone. At first, everything is fine and they live in old-style colonial splendour, but then, things go wrong. All the fears Amie had become reality. I liked the way Amie learned to cope when her world crumbles. For some reason, despite all the danger and horror, Africa has got under her skin and in her blood. Recommended reading for adventure fans.

[Audrey Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is certainly an adventure! After an attention-getting prologue, the story starts quite slowly as Amie, a young English woman, moves with her new husband to an African country. The first half of the book takes us through her culture shock and eventual settling in and learning the ways of her new home. Eager to practice her filmmaking skills, Amie becomes inadvertently enmeshed with people in the country's government. This gets her into serious trouble when intertribal violence erupts and the government falls.
The final third of the book presents Amie with nearly insurmountable difficulties and repeated traumas. I must admit I found some of the developments a bit of a stretch in the plausibility department. However, I cannot deny the genuine authenticity of the narrative voice. Lucinda Clarke has experienced many of the ups and downs she creates for her fictitious character. Her love for Africa, combined with her realistic view of what it's like to live there, makes this book an interesting read.

[Gordon Bickerstaff · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real true grit adventure

This is a strong drama blended into a striking travel exploration and they complement and enhance each other very well. Reluctantly, Amie relocates to Africa with her husband's new job, and her perception of Africa as she contrasts it with England, adds fascinating insight into the life and culture of the African way of life. The author employs all her senses to draw powerful descriptions and create a vivid pictures of Amie's new environment. Set in a region where intimidation and fear from tribal wars is a constant threat. The characters are very believable and fit perfectly into their situations. In particular, Amie's character grows as Africa opens her eyes, and she gains great strength from her nefarious experiences. The constant threat of danger provides the imperative for a thrilling backdrop as Amie adapts to her new life. A very well written story that does not disappoint. Highly recommended and I for one will be reading the sequel.

[P.A. Rudders · Rating 5 out of 5]

My biggest regret about this book is that it had to end at some point, as all books do. It tells the story of young couple’s move to Africa for the husband’s career, particularly that of the wife, Amie. It starts off sedately enough, detailing their preparations and Amie’s initial fears and nervousness about leaving behind everyone she knows and loves and her way of life back in England, charmingly detailing many of the fears any of us might have at such a prospect. After their arrival in Africa, things seem to be working out for Amie as she adapts to and begins to enjoy a very different way of life. Now although I say it starts ‘sedately,’ right from the start the author has already hooked the reader with a harrowing and well-placed preface of things to come, and the reader knows that this is to be no ordinary foreign posting, that danger and adventure are sure to follow their initial settling in.

As the story develops, the author introduces the reader to the real Africa and its way of life for the majority. Yes, Amie lives the comparatively comfortable and indeed luxurious life of an ex patriot, shielded from much of the hardship, but she sees it all around her, and against advice goes out of her way to help as best she can. Within the story, with some truly beautiful writing and turns of phrase, the author manages to convey a real sense of being in Amie’s shoes, providing the reader a glimpse and real insight into the everyday life and comings and goings of the native population, of the poverty and corruption, and of course the dangers. We also learn though not to judge the culture and ways of the African people in relation to European ways of doing things. Amid the vivid descriptions of Africa, the ex-patriot community, and the local culture, the reader experiences the growing unrest of a volatile society, the dilemmas Amie has to face and deal with, and the sudden and explosive upheaval of an entire country. How she copes with everything around her is a story in itself, and perfectly complements the story of her African adventure.

Quite apart from the story itself, which was thrilling to say the least, I also admired and enjoyed the way Amie adapted and grew as a person, watching her confidence and self-reliance grow a little more every day. We see the transformation of someone initially afraid of travelling much beyond her home town and who probably thought that a package holiday to Spain was the extent of travelling abroad, into a resourceful and determined young woman more than capable of surviving the dangers of wildest Africa. What I would also say here though is that, while there is an element of memoir to the writing, this is still mainly an action and adventure filled tale, and one that won’t disappoint those who like to see the adrenalin flowing in their reading, combining an imaginative and descriptive narrative with just the right degree and tone of dialogue to drive the story forward. If I had but one tiny criticism it would be the cover, which if I’m honest, didn’t quite grab me or in my opinion, reflect or do justice to the story within. Other than that, I’m delighted to say the author is currently writing a much anticipated sequel to this wonderful book.

[T.R. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author certainly has an excellent grasp of words. Considering her background I suppose this should have been foreseen but, in my experience, it is not always so. Her way of conveying scenes, emotions, tensions etc. draws you in. You have absolutely no trouble visualising the situations, frustrations, disappointments, apprehensions and fears Amie encounters and experiences.

At the start there were occasions when I feared Lucinda Clarke was going to go into too much detail but she never does. There is enough for you to understand and comprehend what is going on without dragging out every minute and unnecessary aspect or point. Neither does any of it leave you wondering what happened. She more than paints a picture with the words used.

To be honest there are times when I felt there was a memoir aspect to the tale. For example she realistically conveys the disappointment encountered on a family visit. The author is obviously an accurate observer of people and life.

I do not want to say too much about the story so as not to spoil it for those who are still to read it. Basically, it is the tale, from Amie’s perspective, of an unexpected move to live in an African country. It describes the very different society together with the accepted attitudes, practices and workings. The cultural shock to Amie is readily apparent. You can really visualise yourself being in the township as well as in the surrounding savannah (countryside). For anyone the least bit interested in Africa as a continent and in African life I would suggest this is a must read. Lucinda Clarke lived in Africa for many years and has readily and clearly conveyed what it is like to live there.

The story does have an unexpected and dramatic twist which will make you hold your breath at times. You will have to read for yourself. As I said earlier, I do not want to spoil this for future readers.

I found this an unexpectedly engaging read.

Cover: Because so many these days set such store by a book’s cover I have taken to commenting on them. Nonetheless, I have to say I think it very sad a reader will allow the decision whether to read a book or not to be governed solely by a cover design. Apparently many will not even read the synopsis. Well that is my little soap box speech over.

There can be little doubt the cover photograph was taken in Africa. It therefore does its work by letting a prospective reader know, without doubt, where the story takes place. Of course the title already does this but as mentioned above for some it is the initial glance of a cover that draws them to a book.

The book is available from Amazon both as a paperback and as an e-book:

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LWFIO5K

USA: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LWFIO5K

[Lesley Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I reached the end of ‘Amie’ with such regret that the story ended there... and then relief to find that the author is writing a sequel. During the preceding week, it hadn’t been just Amie who had had her ‘African adventure’. “If Amie could have seen that one day she would be totally lost, fighting for her life, and enduring untold horrors, she would never have stepped foot on that plane.” I had read this in the synopsis, but like Amie herself, those words meant nothing until I found myself embroiled in the actual story. The early chapters seemed benign enough, introducing Amie, the archetype innocent abroad, and describing the first year of her life in Africa. But then, at the mid-point of the book, having been lulled into admiration for her sheer willingness to adapt to ex-pat life, Africa showed its other face. By this time I truly cared for Amie; I had begun to feel protective of her as her eyes were gradually opened to the truth of the situation she was in. I found myself for the remainder of the book completely, breathlessly absorbed, alongside Amie throughout her ordeal of sometimes appalling suffering, hoping she would find her way through to some semblance of safety. Because I always look at the underside of what I’m reading, I saw the metaphor as well as the reality of Amie’s incredibly courageous journey. It described woman’s struggle everywhere: to be heard, to fight against neglect and abuse, to overcome fear and find a safe place of refuge, to discover her own strength and her own authentic voice. This book was written with such consummate skill. I have enormous admiration for Lucinda E Clarke as an author. She not only knows how to write an edge-of-the-seat, well-constructed story that would make a brilliant movie – she does it using beautiful, spare, intelligent, and amazingly descriptive language. By the time I got to the end of ‘Amie’ I felt as though I’d been to Africa – seen it, touched it, smelled it, heard it... loved it and hated it. Everything that is the truth of the country is there in this book. Can I give it six stars please? It deserves it.

[Lucy's Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

28% Of the way through!
This is a story of Amie and her husband, Jonathan's, move to Togodo, Africa for his new work commitments. A shocked Amie was initially reluctant to move here as she was leaving the safety of her home town and leaving friends and family.

This move wasn't on Amie life plan and hadn’t expected the announcement of her husbands promotion. This was because Amie had expected to grow old with Jonathan in the UK and have two kids. Amie hadn't released this could be a valuable life experience and opportunity!

Clarke is giving us a glimmer of a different life, in a different country where we are seeing Amie change and become more confident person in her strange new surroundings which are completely different to what she has experienced in the UK.

So far this book just seems an observation of her life in the new country and how she is changing as a person and is sort of meandering along. According to the reviews I have read on Amazon it looks like the book is going to get better and has a 11 five star reviews and 2 four star reviews. So far I would give the book a 3 star as very well written, but doesn't appear to be going anywhere.

100% of the way through!
The above was written on Tuesday 25th of November 2014 and I managed to finish the book last night, Sunday 30th of November. This is kind of a long time for me to finish a book and yes some things did get in the way, but I did struggle to read the book as it couldn't hold my attention for a long period of time, until I was further than 50% of the book.

Personally, for me, I fell the build up took to long and wasn't necessary in terms of the overall story, but some reviews advise the book gives a representative idea of life in Africa, but I can't say whether this was true or not, so I am guessing this part of the book is good for that! I felt some of the things that happened later in the book could have happened sooner so could be expended on.

I did however feel the book was thought provoking and well written and I will try more books by this author.

[Ian Mathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It takes someone who has lived with Africa and who knows its peoples well to write a book of this quality. Besides being well written, it delves into the thinking and power hungry behaviour that Africans so often exhibit when they get just a little authority. That it becomes total corruption so readily when the balance of power shifts, even a little, is made very apparent and Lucinda Clarke portrays this so well, together with the fear and tension that this authority engenders.
What starts out as a simple story of love and adventure for a young newlywed couple on their first overseas posting soon becomes very much more complex. Clarke’s skilled eye and fluent prose give vivid life to the golden caged existence of so many overseas wives and families when their husbands take on the challenge of working in developing countries. At the same time, she paints striking pictures of the environment, the poverty of the indigenous population, and the venal attitudes of those with influence and contrasts this with the indolence of those without.
Her descriptions of survival in the bush have the ring of truth about them. Grown out of direct experience they and give the whole story extra bite, even if straying slightly into idealism at odd moments. She shows how difficult it is for a person to step out of one culture and function flawlessly in the midst of another; the minefield of conflicting customs, attitudes and opportunities that must be navigated just to survive and make a living and the difficulty of conveying all this to one’s nearest and dearest back home.
This is a great story; one well worth reading even if you’ve never been to Africa, and it is one that should be widely lauded.

[Jo Holloway · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Amie" is startlingly good! It starts well and gets better and better; I started reading it in patches last thing at night, and on the fourth night I couldn't stop till I'd finished - at 05.45 am! Having been born and brought up and lived in various countries over central and southern Africa through most of my life, what struck me hardest was that the author pulls absolutely no punches. This is Africa, as it really is, and though this books will shock and possibly repel the gentler souls of Europe who prefer not to know the truth, those who know better - or wish to - will be on the edge of their seats as they experience what really goes on behind the scenes in many African countries. This book is an exposé of how dictators like Mugabe and Zuma hold their power, and how chaos such as in Burundi and Rwanda could possibly happen, but seen through the eyes of an English girl so naive you'll want to slap her - hard - in the beginning. But hang in there. She wises up, and does the most extraordinary things to survive. A triumph of the human spirit.

The only reason I haven't given the book 5 stars is (and I have to, reluctantly, be honest here) because the author didn't go the extra mile and have a professional editor/proof reader work with her, which would have straightened out the occasional phrasing, punctuation and other errors. But for most readers, this won't present too much of a problem. Don't let it put you off an otherwise brilliantly written book that will have your heart racing. I can't wait to read the sequel. Well done, Lucinda E Clarke!

[Tom Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An English rose strives to grow among the wild beauty and splendour of a gigantic African botanical garden. Among the wonders and the other artificially introduced species, there are many weeds and unhealthy varieties of cannibalistic flora.
We have in this tale, a young woman who expects and desires no more than marriage to a good husband, then a steady job in suburbia with a nice house and a social life which includes their relatives. Her young husband turns her world upside down when he explains the expectations of accepting a promotion at work.
When Amie arrives in Africa and makes a concerted effort to fit in as one of many ex-pats, she only thinks she has learned to adapt. What she has seen in the media back in the UK pales into insignificance when dark side of the ‘dark continent’ becomes a reality. Merciless rebels, political intrigue, and the horror of genocide all rub shoulders with the young English woman.
In her cosy life back in the UK, she had never been forced into a big decision although she sometimes longed for the opportunity. She reaches a point where she feels she is fitting into what she considers an adventurous life. On a shopping trip, she is thrust without warning into a situation that should only exist in a nightmare.
The author has brought together her writing skill, imagination and considerable insight to produce a strong, believable plot which contains natural dialogue, superb imagery and a compelling story of the need to survive. It is the strongest natural desire and is portrayed well here. Well done Lucinda.

[Angela Lockwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Working full time I don’t get to read a lot, so the fact that I managed to read it within a week says a lot about this book. It follows the story of Amie a young naïve English woman that follows her husband when he gets posted to Africa. Amie initially has her doubts about going and the author hints that at some point things are going to go very wrong, but convinced by her husband and her family Amie accepts her new life and sets out for Africa with her husband. There an experienced expat woman takes Amie under her wing and shows her the dos and don’ts of living as a white woman in Africa. As Amie initially struggles with the completely different mentality of the citizens of Togodo, she comes to enjoy her new live. So much so she longs to go back to Togodo and its capital Apatu during their annual visit back to England. And here is my slight quibble with the book, Togodo is a fictional country. It is obvious the author has a wealth of knowledge about living in Africa. I’m sure many of the things Amie experiences have happened or been told to the author. She certainly weaves all these impressions into a good story. But every time Apatu or Togodo were mentioned I was left disoriented wondering which country and which regime this was based on and where I was geographically as the story felt very real (somewhere in East Africa near the equator was all we were told) especially . However if you do like a riveting adventure story and to get a general insight into how western white workers live and work in Africa, I can certainly recommend this book.

[Paulette Mahurin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a moment is wasted in this well-written narrative as we begin the story with a prologue that captured my attention with a shocking grip that refused to let go throughout the read. The beginning is tense, bringing the reader into a prison, the prisoner being tortured, and put up on a stake, and then an order to “fire” is given. With that the story begins and I’m hooked. Very effectively written, this author is a pro and the storytelling excellent as we the reader met Amie, who undergoes a relocation to Africa. Unprepared for the acclimation of the culture, customs, geography, Amie burns off the page, and the reader experiences through this well cast protagonist emotions so deep they conjure up feelings that are hard to shake off as Amie experiences the unexpected. The vivid, descriptive scenes bring to mind the imagery to move the action along with an effective backdrop. In reading about the author’s bio it’s no wonder as she spent time living in Africa and true to what she wrote in the incipient pages, one can leave Africa but Africa doesn’t leave you. (paraphrase). This is true as the pages turn and the book comes to an ending. The images that navigate the reader through elements of the human condition are gut wrenching, nothing is spared in the storyline. When the last page is shut, Amie and Africa linger on. It is through this great writing that we get them in our cells and find it hard to stop thinking about the story. This captivating book was a treat for me and I’m thrilled I happened upon it. I look forward to more from the very talented Lucinda E. Clarke.

[D. Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating adventure
Amie: An African Adventure begins with a frightful scene, setting us up for conflict and strife. Then it backpedals nicely to bring us to Amie’s wedding to Jonathon in England. Amie has a simple life planned, but then Jonathon announces he’s being transferred with a promotion to oversee work in Africa, Togodo to be precise. Amie’s rural background has not prepared her for the degree of culture shock she experiences, and her expectations, both good and bad, prove to be completely off-target. To her credit, Amie finds the courage to evolve and mature under the circumstances, and after some harrowing, indeed, life-threatening incidents, she eventually chooses to stay in Africa and do what she can to help out rather than return to the safety of home.

Ms. Clarke spent many years in Africa, and her experiences inform the entirety of the story. Her descriptions of Amie’s shock and adjustment ring true in a way that only someone who’s been there can convey. I enjoyed this book both for its scope in showing me places I’ve never visited nor know much about and for its attention to well-defined characters whose lives are changed in surprising ways.

[C.N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amie starts off as a rather ordinary person with very ordinary expectations of a typical British woman in her home country. She has found a great husband and now wants a house in her hometown, a continuation of a good career in broadcasting and eventually, the 1.2 children to compleat the happy picture. What she doesn't bargain for is her husband's career taking them to an obscure African country where all her values are turned on their head. Uncomfortably living the life of a pampered white sahib, she starts to get caught up in the ex-patriot culture. A trip home for leave gives vivid contrasts between the life she expected and the life she now has and not the way she thought. When a revolution sweeps through the African nation Amie is caught up in it in the worst possible way and not must fend for herself. The story shows how Amie grows as a person through the good and the bad to the ending with a twist.

Aside from the story, the descriptions of the settings in Britain and the African nation give a blisteringly honest account of how things really are and why. It is a vivid insight into both worlds and adds to this fascinating story.

[Jesamine James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly brilliant book

This story is so well written and intelligent that I had to check it wasn't an autobiography and was actually fiction.
Even with the recurring message of 'You can't understand the people and way of life in Africa unless you go there' the author has such insight and Amie is so real that I do feel I understand what it's like without ever having been there.
This story is more than an adventure—it's an education in culture, human nature and primitive fear.
You'll find yourself in situations with Amie and wondering how you would have coped and reacted in her position.
I loved the way the book eases you into the decision to move to Africa, innocent and blind like Amie. An underlying tension and unease is always present and then her world is turned upside down by war and her journey to safety is not an adventure, in the usual sense, it's a mission to survive. Ending with a thought provoking twist, I can't recommend this book enough without getting too excited and dropping spoilers. Which I've tried not to do.

[Jo-anne Himmelman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was captured on the first page and couldn't put it down. I even took it to bed with me so if I woke up I could start reading it again. The book pulls you into the everyday life of the communities -the good, bad and corrupt - the impact on Amie, her family and friends. It is a smooth flowing adventure and you never knew the twists or turns. I was part of the adventure, felt the emotions, distrusted the government and was aware of its impact on the ordinary citizen. I loved this book and hated to see it end. I would recommend it to anyone. Now I must download her previous book " Walking Over Eggshells"

[Christoph Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Amie: An African Adventure” by Lucinda E Clarke is a powerful and intriguing story about a European woman who comes to live in an African Country. Cultural clash and assimilation, expected and unexpected experiences as ex-pat, colonialism, politics and many more issues are touched upon by an author who knows the continent well.
Having travelled extensively through Africa the book hit home for me on many levels and I applaud the author for her sensitive and reflective portrayal of all that is good and bad.
The character of Amie is instantly likeable and well chosen as narrator. The plot is solid and gripping. Very recommendable.

[Penny Luker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aime is persuaded to go to Africa with her husband Jonathon, who is helping to build a desalination plant. This book is the story of their adjustment to a different culture, climate and way of life. Along the way there are coups and counter coups and Aime finds herself on her own, fighting for survival in the wilds of Africa.
The book is written in a biographical style although it is a work of fiction. What it does well is give a taste for Africa. Some parts of the story were gruesome and harrowing, but these were an important part of the story.
Although I’m reading outside my usual genre I’ve given it five stars because it is well written and interesting

[Jana Petken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucinda E Clarke writes with clarity and in such engaging tones that, as a reader, I felt I was transported to Amie's Africa. This is a well written story about a girl who goes to live in Africa and quickly finds out that culturally and traditionally, things are very different from what she is used to.

There are a lot of details in the book but there was not too much and just enough to evoke the imagery that I was looking for.

Taking on the subject of a country that not everyone will know about is no easy task but this author is a talented writer who conjured up a visual banquet and a compelling story.

[Patricia Ruiz Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEWED ON AMAZON: I love books that educate with emotion and this one certainly did it for me. Seeing Africa through Amie's eyes and learning to walk beside her was not difficult because Ms. Clarke truly took me there. Seeing the dust, poverty and political differences compared to everything I have ever known shook me up. Amie learned so much by having her African adventure and I am delighted she took me along. WELL DONE!!

[Ryn Shell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story. I was glued to the page all the way through. I was also impressed by the quality of the writing as well as the superb story.
I loved learning more about Africa via the story of Amie.

[Joanne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Does this author or her editor not know basic rules of punctuation? How completely distracting. I tried to get through it, because the story was interesting, but her insertion of commas indiscriminately and her countless run-on sentences drove me crazy.