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Milele Safari: An Eternal Journey
Milele Safari - An Eternal Journey ...twines around a single day, in an unremarkable border village that snuffs out the lives of four people and shatters many others, only to draw the survivors back to a different time and, perhaps, a hope of atonement and peace. Step out on the journey and discover an Africa that could have been, is and might one day come to be.
This book deals with strong adult themes, including genocide and war rape. It is therefore NOT suitable for persons under the age of 18, or of a sensitive disposition.
EDITORIAL REVIEW
It was Dorothy L. Sayers who noted, in ‘Gaudy Night’, the significance of what she called a ‘chance assemblage of persons.’ Who knows what they might talk about? Who knows what each is privately remembering?
In the ‘present day’ of this debut novel, Jan Hawke exploits the potential of such a gathering to the full. Sophie is our main focus and way into the story, and from the beginning we are aware of her memories of previous times in Africa and the pain and loss she suffered then. Meanwhile, on the surface, she and her companions are enjoying their safari, chatting about animals they have seen, animals they hope to see, battling scorpions and drinking beer.
Just to make it really hard for herself, however, Jan Hawke then delves back not only into Sophie’s personal African tragedy, but into the memories and sorrows of many other characters, into the violent history of genocide and civil war, into myth and folklore and into the tangling together of some of those stories.
This is a bold venture for a first novel, but Hawke knows how to do it. The multiple strands of story, the different time-periods, the pain and the happiness, are skilfully brought together so that events and people are solid and four-dimensional, so that the reader can walk into these histories of love and loss and hope and sorrow, and feel as keenly as if they were there.
While reading, one is always aware of how solidly founded the story is on Hawke’s knowledge of Africa and her love for it. All the details that anchor the tale in our own non-fictional world are the fruit, not of targeted research, but of felt conviction.
This is a book worth reading. In the flood of available fiction in which we feel we may drown, this is one to seize hold of and keep. Buy it.
Sue Bridgwater, Editor
This book deals with strong adult themes, including genocide and war rape. It is therefore NOT suitable for persons under the age of 18, or of a sensitive disposition.
EDITORIAL REVIEW
It was Dorothy L. Sayers who noted, in ‘Gaudy Night’, the significance of what she called a ‘chance assemblage of persons.’ Who knows what they might talk about? Who knows what each is privately remembering?
In the ‘present day’ of this debut novel, Jan Hawke exploits the potential of such a gathering to the full. Sophie is our main focus and way into the story, and from the beginning we are aware of her memories of previous times in Africa and the pain and loss she suffered then. Meanwhile, on the surface, she and her companions are enjoying their safari, chatting about animals they have seen, animals they hope to see, battling scorpions and drinking beer.
Just to make it really hard for herself, however, Jan Hawke then delves back not only into Sophie’s personal African tragedy, but into the memories and sorrows of many other characters, into the violent history of genocide and civil war, into myth and folklore and into the tangling together of some of those stories.
This is a bold venture for a first novel, but Hawke knows how to do it. The multiple strands of story, the different time-periods, the pain and the happiness, are skilfully brought together so that events and people are solid and four-dimensional, so that the reader can walk into these histories of love and loss and hope and sorrow, and feel as keenly as if they were there.
While reading, one is always aware of how solidly founded the story is on Hawke’s knowledge of Africa and her love for it. All the details that anchor the tale in our own non-fictional world are the fruit, not of targeted research, but of felt conviction.
This is a book worth reading. In the flood of available fiction in which we feel we may drown, this is one to seize hold of and keep. Buy it.
Sue Bridgwater, Editor
470 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 17, 2014
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 22, 2017
I admit, I was nervous when I started reading “Milele Safari” knowing rape and genocide were part of the story. I was worried it would be difficult to read, and parts of it were. But, I found myself quickly taken in by the story and strong characters, especially Sophie. She was a compelling character that I was rooting for. Ms. Hawke brought history, events, and Africa into a fictional story, in a unique way. It was a clever approach to tell a story through many points of view (including a panther) to get a full picture of complicated events. I found myself learning, as well as being entertained. It is a book that requires a little more focus to read, but it is well worth it!
November 6, 2015
"Milele Safari" by Jan Hawke is wonderful - full stop.
The writing is top notch, with beautiful imagery, scene setting and detailed character description. The dialog is also intricate with distinct points-of-view, unique voices and well defined identifiable personas. Ms Hawke is obviously an accomplished writer and her polished prose shines. My only, (small), critique would be that in some parts of the story the density of the dialog distracts, but as this is basically a story of relationships the dialog is both necessary and a core element.
Milele is an enigmatic story, in the sense that it is not a singular narrative but rather a collection of different stories, woven together in a sort of Chaucerian montage, with various tales telling the same series of events from a different characters' perspective. The characters are interesting as well, from protagonist to antagonist to predator to prey, with Africa itself becoming both the all encompassing world as well as a subtle character and active participant in the progression of the plot.
Our story opens and we are introduced to our heroine, Sophie Taylor, a doctor who is traveling as part of a safari-tourist group to both provide her expert services and to help heal herself through revisiting and confronting ghosts of her past life.
The environs of Africa, Victoria Falls, bring her back to events both euphoric and tragic. Tom, her first love, and the recurring dreams of him and their child become powerful forces that echo and shape her present reality. As Africa re-envelops her and as her journey unfolds we too become enraptured and begin to understand her hurt and how it is reflected and refracted by the prism of her past. No spoilers but this is an engrossing and substantial feast of a tale and there is really something for everyone within it. It is romantic but not romance, adventurous while maintaining intimacy and tragic without being a tragedy. It portrays the range of human frailty and weakness as well as great human strength and resilience.
At the risk of repeating myself, it is just a wonderful work of fiction and I highly recommend it.
The writing is top notch, with beautiful imagery, scene setting and detailed character description. The dialog is also intricate with distinct points-of-view, unique voices and well defined identifiable personas. Ms Hawke is obviously an accomplished writer and her polished prose shines. My only, (small), critique would be that in some parts of the story the density of the dialog distracts, but as this is basically a story of relationships the dialog is both necessary and a core element.
Milele is an enigmatic story, in the sense that it is not a singular narrative but rather a collection of different stories, woven together in a sort of Chaucerian montage, with various tales telling the same series of events from a different characters' perspective. The characters are interesting as well, from protagonist to antagonist to predator to prey, with Africa itself becoming both the all encompassing world as well as a subtle character and active participant in the progression of the plot.
Our story opens and we are introduced to our heroine, Sophie Taylor, a doctor who is traveling as part of a safari-tourist group to both provide her expert services and to help heal herself through revisiting and confronting ghosts of her past life.
The environs of Africa, Victoria Falls, bring her back to events both euphoric and tragic. Tom, her first love, and the recurring dreams of him and their child become powerful forces that echo and shape her present reality. As Africa re-envelops her and as her journey unfolds we too become enraptured and begin to understand her hurt and how it is reflected and refracted by the prism of her past. No spoilers but this is an engrossing and substantial feast of a tale and there is really something for everyone within it. It is romantic but not romance, adventurous while maintaining intimacy and tragic without being a tragedy. It portrays the range of human frailty and weakness as well as great human strength and resilience.
At the risk of repeating myself, it is just a wonderful work of fiction and I highly recommend it.
July 6, 2015
In Jan Hawke's epic story Milele Safari she explores idea that the beauty and brutality of Africa come as a package deal.
Taking us on a journey, we see this world through the eyes of Sophie, who falls in love with Tom, and shares an idyllic moment in time with him in Africa's garden of Eden. Tom later finds himself on the edge of conflict, being at the wrong place at a sensitive time and losses his life trying to protect his friend Teresa.
Jan Hawke demonstrates the contrast between viewing the continent as a tourist, where one has idealistic romantic notions that adventure awaits - to the realistic situations of people who have given their sweat and toil to working for the welfare of the ordinary people of Africa where the picture is very different and where danger and possibly death lurks around every corner.
Jan knows Africa and her love of the place is evident in her description of the Victoria Falls and Kariba Dam and it's surrounds in Zimbabwe. Her glimpse at the elephants taking to the water is a breathlessly beautiful depiction of these magnificent animals.
However she also understands the predicament of innocent people caught up in conflicts not of their making because of the political machinations of cruel despotic government. There is no dressing it up, it exists and rears it's ugly head all over the land.
I read the story as one who was born and brought up in Southern Africa and can only applaud her for her insightful approach.
I would recommend the book to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa because it offers a sense of hope and healing but also makes you aware of the pitfalls.
Sophie is reconciled with her past and finds love where she lost it.
Taking us on a journey, we see this world through the eyes of Sophie, who falls in love with Tom, and shares an idyllic moment in time with him in Africa's garden of Eden. Tom later finds himself on the edge of conflict, being at the wrong place at a sensitive time and losses his life trying to protect his friend Teresa.
Jan Hawke demonstrates the contrast between viewing the continent as a tourist, where one has idealistic romantic notions that adventure awaits - to the realistic situations of people who have given their sweat and toil to working for the welfare of the ordinary people of Africa where the picture is very different and where danger and possibly death lurks around every corner.
Jan knows Africa and her love of the place is evident in her description of the Victoria Falls and Kariba Dam and it's surrounds in Zimbabwe. Her glimpse at the elephants taking to the water is a breathlessly beautiful depiction of these magnificent animals.
However she also understands the predicament of innocent people caught up in conflicts not of their making because of the political machinations of cruel despotic government. There is no dressing it up, it exists and rears it's ugly head all over the land.
I read the story as one who was born and brought up in Southern Africa and can only applaud her for her insightful approach.
I would recommend the book to anyone thinking of travelling to Africa because it offers a sense of hope and healing but also makes you aware of the pitfalls.
Sophie is reconciled with her past and finds love where she lost it.
August 19, 2015
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, August 18, 2015
By KAREN INGALLS
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Milele Safari: An Eternal Journey (Kindle Edition)
What an amazing book with so much historical, social, and geographical information. The characters were strong, well described, and ones I could "see". I learned about the topography, animals, and botany of that area of Africa. Descriptions of the atrocities captured my emotions, the descriptions were sometimes hard to read, but I accepted this is a fact of history. I highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2018
Milele Safari is a long, hard read, but I knew that going in. The author drew me into the story quickly and I never slowed down. I didn’t always understand some of the language, terms, and the whole setting was confusing at first, but I did not lose sight of the story. It was much like a roller coaster ride, but by the time I finished, I realized that I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
There were some things that rubbed me the wrong way such as the religious overtones, the humanitarian aid groups as a whole, which I don’t believe in, and phrases like: “...they had to bugger all to use in the way of bandages...” or “...I’m feeling a little shaken up with everything. Probably just knackered.” Why not just say tired dammit? lol
BUT, despite the things I didn’t like about Milele Safari, the author had such a wonderful way of weaving the story together that I couldn’t stop reading. The characters were well-developed and likable. That’s probably what held the book together for me and made it so enjoyable. Sofie was a survivor and one tough lady who loved things which are close to my heart as well, like kingfishers and being on the water. Her affinity for elephants was also appealing.
Surviving a terrible ordeal and being left for dead at an early age hit home with me too. I’ve been in several close calls with the grim reaper and anyone who can survive them and become stronger for the ordeal gets my respect.
So, will I recommend Milele Safari to you? Absolutely! The things for which I had an aversion to are not likely to be a problem for most people. I’m not your average Joe and I enjoyed the book and story in spite of my upbringing. Then why didn’t I give the book five stars? Though most people I suspect will give it the top rating, it takes slightly more for me to give it the perfect score. Don’t let this stop you from reading the book though. It really is a good story.
There were some things that rubbed me the wrong way such as the religious overtones, the humanitarian aid groups as a whole, which I don’t believe in, and phrases like: “...they had to bugger all to use in the way of bandages...” or “...I’m feeling a little shaken up with everything. Probably just knackered.” Why not just say tired dammit? lol
BUT, despite the things I didn’t like about Milele Safari, the author had such a wonderful way of weaving the story together that I couldn’t stop reading. The characters were well-developed and likable. That’s probably what held the book together for me and made it so enjoyable. Sofie was a survivor and one tough lady who loved things which are close to my heart as well, like kingfishers and being on the water. Her affinity for elephants was also appealing.
Surviving a terrible ordeal and being left for dead at an early age hit home with me too. I’ve been in several close calls with the grim reaper and anyone who can survive them and become stronger for the ordeal gets my respect.
So, will I recommend Milele Safari to you? Absolutely! The things for which I had an aversion to are not likely to be a problem for most people. I’m not your average Joe and I enjoyed the book and story in spite of my upbringing. Then why didn’t I give the book five stars? Though most people I suspect will give it the top rating, it takes slightly more for me to give it the perfect score. Don’t let this stop you from reading the book though. It really is a good story.
April 20, 2016
Milele safari; an eternal journey – by Jan Hawke.
It was Dorothy L. Sayers who noted, in ‘Gaudy Night’, the significance of what she called a ‘chance assemblage of persons.’ Who knows what they might talk about? Who knows what each is privately remembering?
In the ‘present day’ of this debut novel, Jan Hawke exploits the potential of such a gathering to the full. Sophie is our main focus and way into the story, and from the beginning we are aware of her memories of previous times in Africa and the pain and loss she suffered then. Meanwhile, on the surface, she and her companions are enjoying their safari, chatting about animals they have seen, animals they hope to see, battling scorpions and drinking beer.
Just to make it really hard for herself, however, Jan Hawke then delves back not only into Sophie’s personal African tragedy, but into the memories and sorrows of many other characters, into the violent history of genocide and civil war, into myth and folklore and into the tangling together of some of those stories.
This is a bold venture for a first novel, but Hawke knows how to do it. The multiple strands of story, the different time-periods, the pain and the happiness, are skilfully brought together so that events and people are solid and four-dimensional, so that the reader can walk into these histories of love and loss and hope and sorrow, and feel as keenly as if they were there.
While reading, one is always aware of how solidly founded the story is on Hawke’s knowledge of Africa and her love for it. All the details that anchor the tale in our own non-fictional world are the fruit, not of targeted research, but of felt conviction.
This is a book worth reading. In the flood of available fiction in which we feel we may drown, this is one to seize hold of and keep. Find it.
It was Dorothy L. Sayers who noted, in ‘Gaudy Night’, the significance of what she called a ‘chance assemblage of persons.’ Who knows what they might talk about? Who knows what each is privately remembering?
In the ‘present day’ of this debut novel, Jan Hawke exploits the potential of such a gathering to the full. Sophie is our main focus and way into the story, and from the beginning we are aware of her memories of previous times in Africa and the pain and loss she suffered then. Meanwhile, on the surface, she and her companions are enjoying their safari, chatting about animals they have seen, animals they hope to see, battling scorpions and drinking beer.
Just to make it really hard for herself, however, Jan Hawke then delves back not only into Sophie’s personal African tragedy, but into the memories and sorrows of many other characters, into the violent history of genocide and civil war, into myth and folklore and into the tangling together of some of those stories.
This is a bold venture for a first novel, but Hawke knows how to do it. The multiple strands of story, the different time-periods, the pain and the happiness, are skilfully brought together so that events and people are solid and four-dimensional, so that the reader can walk into these histories of love and loss and hope and sorrow, and feel as keenly as if they were there.
While reading, one is always aware of how solidly founded the story is on Hawke’s knowledge of Africa and her love for it. All the details that anchor the tale in our own non-fictional world are the fruit, not of targeted research, but of felt conviction.
This is a book worth reading. In the flood of available fiction in which we feel we may drown, this is one to seize hold of and keep. Find it.
December 4, 2015
Africa, that dark and troubled continent plagued by civil wars, terrorism, famines and genocides, is the setting for Jan Hawke’s MILELE SAFARI. It is centred on a horrifying incident that took place in a village school which is besieged by a band of rag-tag militants who murder some of the aid-workers who are helping there, including the fiancé of the heroine of the story, Sophie Taylor, and a nun who is brutally hacked to death by a rabid priest. Sophie returns to the country several years later with a team of film-makers on a photo-safari, and the story meanders between the past and the present and also includes charming little detours, like the leopard and her cubs, and the rhino and the dik-dik, which are craftily woven into the story. Sometimes these changes of POV can become a little confusing, but font changes keeps the reader on track. There are delightful scenes of the geographical beauty and wildlife of the Victoria Falls area, with wild elephants bathing in the Lake Kariba that evoked memories of elephants bathing in India, which I witnessed as a child.
I felt the story lagged a little in the middle of the book with the love affair that develops between Sophie and a handsome veterinarian while they are on film location, and there are a few exchanges of instant messaging between the couple which I found somewhat distracting. But the story soon comes on track again, and I was absorbed once more.
However, Milile Safari is not an easy read, and there are some graphic scenes of the utter brutality that took place in the genocide of the Tutsis (Lutse) by the Hutus (Matu) in that troubled land, Rwanda (Zyanda) in 1994 that is so easily forgotten in this day and age. I compliment Jan Hawke for bringing this vividly back to mind, and she has done so with the great skill of a gifted writer.
I felt the story lagged a little in the middle of the book with the love affair that develops between Sophie and a handsome veterinarian while they are on film location, and there are a few exchanges of instant messaging between the couple which I found somewhat distracting. But the story soon comes on track again, and I was absorbed once more.
However, Milile Safari is not an easy read, and there are some graphic scenes of the utter brutality that took place in the genocide of the Tutsis (Lutse) by the Hutus (Matu) in that troubled land, Rwanda (Zyanda) in 1994 that is so easily forgotten in this day and age. I compliment Jan Hawke for bringing this vividly back to mind, and she has done so with the great skill of a gifted writer.
March 15, 2016
I had read a lot about this book before I bought a copy. The promo's and chatter convinced me to purchase the book even though in the past I have been disappointed following the advice of others. I could not have been more pleased to find out all the positive things said about the story and writing proved to be true. The story itself grabbed me and would not let go. The writing of the story kept me involved throughout this marvelous book.
There is so much to grasp in Ms. Hawke's exceptional telling of both the more general and shockingly brutal elements of Miele Safari. One can usually expect an author to handle one or two similar components of a narration well. Ms. Hawke seems to be a writing master in the way she is comfortable detailing a high number of diverse emotions. She is not one dimensional when writing of murder and mayhem and has the wisdom of providing a moral balance and sense of justice in the unpleasant aspects of the story. In the same vein, she provides the reader with in my opinion an open and refreshing look at love that is not hampered by the usual trite man and women circumstances that lately seems to haunt any two fictional characters who want happiness.
The descriptions of Africa and its people reflect the extensive research that the reader senses went into this novel. The research is not of the travelog variety but is felt in each word and not overtly pushed to a point of tediousness. The reader knows that an event described is an event that probably took place even if the names have been changed.
I bought this book with the idea of enjoying a well written and compelling story. I was not disappointed and would recommend Milele Safari to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a high-quality piece of fiction.
There is so much to grasp in Ms. Hawke's exceptional telling of both the more general and shockingly brutal elements of Miele Safari. One can usually expect an author to handle one or two similar components of a narration well. Ms. Hawke seems to be a writing master in the way she is comfortable detailing a high number of diverse emotions. She is not one dimensional when writing of murder and mayhem and has the wisdom of providing a moral balance and sense of justice in the unpleasant aspects of the story. In the same vein, she provides the reader with in my opinion an open and refreshing look at love that is not hampered by the usual trite man and women circumstances that lately seems to haunt any two fictional characters who want happiness.
The descriptions of Africa and its people reflect the extensive research that the reader senses went into this novel. The research is not of the travelog variety but is felt in each word and not overtly pushed to a point of tediousness. The reader knows that an event described is an event that probably took place even if the names have been changed.
I bought this book with the idea of enjoying a well written and compelling story. I was not disappointed and would recommend Milele Safari to anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a high-quality piece of fiction.
February 7, 2017
I don't know that I've ever read a book quite like this, and I probably would not have picked it up had it not been recommended to me. I saw the book trailer for it which intrigued me even more. As I have many young readers who read my reviews, I want to mention that this book is for a mature audience. What I mean by that is that the topics are heavy and traumatic at times. It is not a book that I could read quickly or with distractions.
The story follows several different characters, although all of them in some way tie into the main character, Sophie. Each character is so beautifully unique in his/her dreams, desires, and traumas. The author does such a brilliant job in sharing the various stories through the characters' perspectives. There are parts that even take on the viewpoint of a couple of the predators (animals).
I can't really pick any one character as most riveting. This was a heart-wrenching read for me at times because my heart broke for the amount of loss that took place. David's characters floored me. To see his story and to know that so many "Davids" exist saddens me. I have a newfound respect for UN workers and those who volunteer in war torn countries. They have an unending capacity for empathy and love. Wow.
With all of the heaviness, there is also light and beauty. The descriptions of Africa were stunning. I am a magnet for mosquitoes, so I'm not sure if I will ever go there, but after reading this book, I definitely would love to see it firsthand.
This book is beautifully written and has a story definitely worth reading. Just be prepared for a roller coaster ride of awe and wonder on the highs and heartache and sadness on the lows. But when the ride is over, you will know that it was worth it all. :-)
The story follows several different characters, although all of them in some way tie into the main character, Sophie. Each character is so beautifully unique in his/her dreams, desires, and traumas. The author does such a brilliant job in sharing the various stories through the characters' perspectives. There are parts that even take on the viewpoint of a couple of the predators (animals).
I can't really pick any one character as most riveting. This was a heart-wrenching read for me at times because my heart broke for the amount of loss that took place. David's characters floored me. To see his story and to know that so many "Davids" exist saddens me. I have a newfound respect for UN workers and those who volunteer in war torn countries. They have an unending capacity for empathy and love. Wow.
With all of the heaviness, there is also light and beauty. The descriptions of Africa were stunning. I am a magnet for mosquitoes, so I'm not sure if I will ever go there, but after reading this book, I definitely would love to see it firsthand.
This book is beautifully written and has a story definitely worth reading. Just be prepared for a roller coaster ride of awe and wonder on the highs and heartache and sadness on the lows. But when the ride is over, you will know that it was worth it all. :-)
March 29, 2016
MILELE SAFARI: ANIMALS & GENOCIDE
I love the idea of this book. It was difficult for me to read, except for the section about the lion which I adored because it was written in the first person – as if we were reading the animals mind. I love that! Very clever way of writing. But I got lost and maybe it’s because of the culture. I know most of your reviewers seem to get what you were doing and so I attribute my lapse in intelligent reading to a culture barrier. Having said that, the topic was very familiar having heard to some degree the horrors of Rwanda. Learning what the main character and her tragic past laced with romance was about took really getting into her diary very closely. I was lost most of the time trying to understand it. And half way through I started to really enjoy reading this book. The psychology of the so-called Apostle David was mind blowing. How can a person kill and remain sane was baffling to me. It took way too much of my time trying to understand the definitions so that I could better understand the story. I got kind of lost with the different characters and time-frames. It’s a wonderful story but was too much to sift through. I give it 3 stars.
I love the idea of this book. It was difficult for me to read, except for the section about the lion which I adored because it was written in the first person – as if we were reading the animals mind. I love that! Very clever way of writing. But I got lost and maybe it’s because of the culture. I know most of your reviewers seem to get what you were doing and so I attribute my lapse in intelligent reading to a culture barrier. Having said that, the topic was very familiar having heard to some degree the horrors of Rwanda. Learning what the main character and her tragic past laced with romance was about took really getting into her diary very closely. I was lost most of the time trying to understand it. And half way through I started to really enjoy reading this book. The psychology of the so-called Apostle David was mind blowing. How can a person kill and remain sane was baffling to me. It took way too much of my time trying to understand the definitions so that I could better understand the story. I got kind of lost with the different characters and time-frames. It’s a wonderful story but was too much to sift through. I give it 3 stars.
April 27, 2017
I'll go back to it later. I guess that it includes genocide made it hard to continue. I got queasy.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews