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The Watermelon King
After being laid off from his job at a prestigious consulting firm, Dean decides to embark on a journey across East Africa with his younger brother. Unknowingly, they travel into bandit territory where a medical emergency forces them to choose between their safety and their health.
Inspired by true events, The Watermelon King follows the journey of two brothers as they backpack across one of East Africa’s most inhospitable regions. As they endure endless days of difficult travel, a series of short stories written by their father begins to uncover their inherent desire for adventure and their connection to the past. Along the way they begin to understand the beauty and frustration of life in Africa.
Inspired by true events, The Watermelon King follows the journey of two brothers as they backpack across one of East Africa’s most inhospitable regions. As they endure endless days of difficult travel, a series of short stories written by their father begins to uncover their inherent desire for adventure and their connection to the past. Along the way they begin to understand the beauty and frustration of life in Africa.
196 pages, Paperback
First published July 28, 2015
92 people are currently reading
1701 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Royse
1 book73 followersDaniel Royse is the founder and editor in chief of the online travel publication, This Boundless World. He has written numerous articles on travel, business and politics. The Watermelon King is his first full-length novel.
Daniel is an obsessive writer and explorer who has backpacked to over 50 countries, spanning five continents. He is a North Dakota native who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. To the disbelief of many he still enjoys long, hot bus rides through chaotic places.
Daniel is an obsessive writer and explorer who has backpacked to over 50 countries, spanning five continents. He is a North Dakota native who currently resides in Los Angeles, California. To the disbelief of many he still enjoys long, hot bus rides through chaotic places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 21, 2015
The Watermelon King is a quick read that will have you engaged until the very last page. I found myself invested in the brothers' journey and wanting to know how it would turn out. The stories about the grandfather are outrageously funny and entertaining. They made me wish that I had a chance to meet him! In the end, Royse was able to tie everything together in such a way that put a smile on my face. I'm so glad I read this book. You will be too!
August 23, 2015
I like to think I'm not biased about this ;)
March 28, 2016
I am always intrigued by stories of other people's adventures abroad. I am in awe of their ability to survive in harsh climates with nothing more than the packs on their back. Stories about Africa seem to intrigue me the most. I know that it is a very beautiful continent, and I know that there is still a lot of ugliness there. At the beginning of this book, Daniel promises to just tell it like it is, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and he did.
The majority of the story in Africa tells of the brothers' journey from Ethiopia to Kenya. I can perfectly picture the various modes of transportation, the "hotel" rooms, the busy streets, and the potential hostile encounters that he describes. I cannot imagine trying to travel that way, and yet am curious about seeing it for myself.
This story about Africa is the framework of the story. Just as Africa runs on its own meandering time, so does this story about their African adventure. In fact, I found myself wanting more from that part of the story. I want to know more of their experiences, though I know the purpose of the story was to tell of their travels south and to share their father's writings.
Their father's stories about his own father, known as The Watermelon King, were extremely interesting and amusing. The man sounds like a real trip and someone I would have enjoyed meeting. You can tell that someone else wrote these stories, as the voice definitely changes. They are interspersed throughout the African adventure, supposedly shared at each point where Daniel actually read them along the way.
Throughout much of the book, it was hard to see why these two stories were interwoven, other than Daniel was reading them to help pass time while traveling in Africa. At the same time, you can see that he is learning more about himself and his heritage as he reads these stories, sort of how he and his brother are finding out more about themselves and each other as they travel through Africa. It isn't some deep and profound realization that shatters their world and turns it inside out like in those big novels that were turned into movies. This one felt a bit more realistic. And again, they were entertaining.
It is not a typical memoir and I am ashamed to say that I am struggling to put my finger on just what made it so different. These two worlds being described are so different. You wonder why they are together, and yet, it makes perfect sense. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and hope that Daniel shares more of his adventure stories with us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The majority of the story in Africa tells of the brothers' journey from Ethiopia to Kenya. I can perfectly picture the various modes of transportation, the "hotel" rooms, the busy streets, and the potential hostile encounters that he describes. I cannot imagine trying to travel that way, and yet am curious about seeing it for myself.
This story about Africa is the framework of the story. Just as Africa runs on its own meandering time, so does this story about their African adventure. In fact, I found myself wanting more from that part of the story. I want to know more of their experiences, though I know the purpose of the story was to tell of their travels south and to share their father's writings.
Their father's stories about his own father, known as The Watermelon King, were extremely interesting and amusing. The man sounds like a real trip and someone I would have enjoyed meeting. You can tell that someone else wrote these stories, as the voice definitely changes. They are interspersed throughout the African adventure, supposedly shared at each point where Daniel actually read them along the way.
Throughout much of the book, it was hard to see why these two stories were interwoven, other than Daniel was reading them to help pass time while traveling in Africa. At the same time, you can see that he is learning more about himself and his heritage as he reads these stories, sort of how he and his brother are finding out more about themselves and each other as they travel through Africa. It isn't some deep and profound realization that shatters their world and turns it inside out like in those big novels that were turned into movies. This one felt a bit more realistic. And again, they were entertaining.
It is not a typical memoir and I am ashamed to say that I am struggling to put my finger on just what made it so different. These two worlds being described are so different. You wonder why they are together, and yet, it makes perfect sense. I am glad I had the opportunity to read it and hope that Daniel shares more of his adventure stories with us.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 2, 2016
Normally I wouldn’t gravitate to a semi-autobiographical story about someone’s trip to Africa. Lately, however, I’ve been deliberately choosing books that I might normally pass over. I’ve found a lot of gems in my new, more open-minded approach to selecting titles. The Watermelon King is one of these.
The story follows two brothers as they travel a less beaten path through Ethiopia and Kenya. Royse describes his characters’ experiences with crisp writing and a frankness that at moments really moved me. I learned some things about life in Ethiopia that I’ve never seen in a National Geographic documentary.
The story is more than a trip to Africa, though; it’s a family history of sorts, seen not only through the eyes of the adventurous brothers on their eventful trek in Africa, but through the eyes of their father and grandfather, whose lives in rural, post World War II South Dakota, can only be described as colorful.
Altogether an enjoyable piece.
The story follows two brothers as they travel a less beaten path through Ethiopia and Kenya. Royse describes his characters’ experiences with crisp writing and a frankness that at moments really moved me. I learned some things about life in Ethiopia that I’ve never seen in a National Geographic documentary.
The story is more than a trip to Africa, though; it’s a family history of sorts, seen not only through the eyes of the adventurous brothers on their eventful trek in Africa, but through the eyes of their father and grandfather, whose lives in rural, post World War II South Dakota, can only be described as colorful.
Altogether an enjoyable piece.
November 10, 2015
Reviewing this book, after winning a copy through goodreads. Really enjoyed this book. A very well written & compelling book. An easy read.
February 16, 2016
The Watermelon King by Daniel Royse is a must read for readers everywhere. Traveling to another continent, finding an adventure of a lifetime, and a little bit of an education read is one that will inspire many readers. This novel will take readers, where many can't go themselves. It leaves readers with suspense, intrigue, and a passion, to travel. Decisions...can leave major impacts. Dean definitely finds that out as his journey continues. Readers will see the scenes as though they were watching a movie, on screen. Daniel Royse talent for writing is one that will take readers anywhere...he wants. The well-developed yet exciting plot will keep readers turning the pages. Then, there's Dean's grandfather whose has left him letters that will have readers falling in love with this spectacular read. I read this entire novel in one sitting. Readers will be happy that they picked this book. The Watermelon King is not just a fictional travel read but a little bit of a memoir too. It's amazing how this novel can wrap its readers deep into the heart of the story. Overall, I highly recommend Daniel Royse's novel, The Watermelon King, to all.
March 21, 2016
Book Review originally published here: http://www.iheartreading.net/book-tou...
In The Watermelon King, Dean and his younger brother embark on a journey across Africa. But when they enter Northern Kenya, they venture into badit territory, and a medical emergency forces them to choose between dafety and health. What I thought was most intriguing about the book was that it was inspired by true events. It shows the beauty of Africa, and the struggles of the continent, as well as the beauty of travel and the dangerous part of it. As a reader, you go along on the journey, and you live through it alongside the characters.
The connection to the past works well. For me, having never been in Africa before, the novel did a great job describing the settings – I could actually picture being there, and the book certainly inspired me to go there some day.
The writing was excellent and pulled me right into the story. If you love travel, I would recommend this book.
In The Watermelon King, Dean and his younger brother embark on a journey across Africa. But when they enter Northern Kenya, they venture into badit territory, and a medical emergency forces them to choose between dafety and health. What I thought was most intriguing about the book was that it was inspired by true events. It shows the beauty of Africa, and the struggles of the continent, as well as the beauty of travel and the dangerous part of it. As a reader, you go along on the journey, and you live through it alongside the characters.
The connection to the past works well. For me, having never been in Africa before, the novel did a great job describing the settings – I could actually picture being there, and the book certainly inspired me to go there some day.
The writing was excellent and pulled me right into the story. If you love travel, I would recommend this book.
December 4, 2015
Absolutely loved it!! My friend recommend it to me and it kept me engaged all the way. I loved how the story moved seamlessly between Africa and North Dakota...something that I wouldn't have thought was possible...lol.
September 7, 2015
Great book, easy read....and learned a lot about East Africa. Loved it!
May 16, 2016
Loving this book so far!
January 15, 2017
The Watermelon King, which features two juxtaposed story lines, reminded me of the structure of Fried Green Tomatoes. The main story is an adventure of two brothers as they make their way through the small towns and sometimes frightening roads of Africa. The second read by the main character his grandfather's stories of becoming "The Watermelon King" and running a large scale fruit stand.
Both parts were equally enjoyable, and the read fairly quick.
While interesting, the African story failed to make me want to go on an African adventure, although this was probably not the author's goal. More than once I could picture myself there feeling trapped with no way home. There were many days or riding bumpy, hot vehicles through long stretches of nothing, only to end up in small towns with one hotel, a restaurant with only one offering, and a dingy bar for entertainment.
Ethan, the author's foil, was mostly an annoying. He spent his time whining about the food, accommodations, and about going to the beach. He eventually becomes inflicted with a fairly serious mosquito bite which causes them to cancel their plans.
The gems were the stories of the grandfather, which were scattered throughout the book. These included, starting his business with a watermelon scheme which led him to becoming the Watermelon King, buying and selling used cars for a profit, a great white shark roadside attraction (my favorite), playing tricks on his simply minded employees and dealing with the town mayor by dripping ice cream on his office carpet.
*** I was given a free copy to read for the Book of the month in the group: Book Club (Young Adult Edition) for Authors Looking directly for Readers
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Both parts were equally enjoyable, and the read fairly quick.
While interesting, the African story failed to make me want to go on an African adventure, although this was probably not the author's goal. More than once I could picture myself there feeling trapped with no way home. There were many days or riding bumpy, hot vehicles through long stretches of nothing, only to end up in small towns with one hotel, a restaurant with only one offering, and a dingy bar for entertainment.
Ethan, the author's foil, was mostly an annoying. He spent his time whining about the food, accommodations, and about going to the beach. He eventually becomes inflicted with a fairly serious mosquito bite which causes them to cancel their plans.
The gems were the stories of the grandfather, which were scattered throughout the book. These included, starting his business with a watermelon scheme which led him to becoming the Watermelon King, buying and selling used cars for a profit, a great white shark roadside attraction (my favorite), playing tricks on his simply minded employees and dealing with the town mayor by dripping ice cream on his office carpet.
*** I was given a free copy to read for the Book of the month in the group: Book Club (Young Adult Edition) for Authors Looking directly for Readers
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
February 7, 2017
Really enjoyed this so much. 4.5 stars.
Review on my blog:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/201...
And author spotlight:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/201...
The Watermelon King is humorous, thirst quenching, and full of little pips, (trials and tribulations.) The hard shell that holds it together is undoubtedly the subsidiary story about the brothers' grandfather that sits in between the backpacking tale - what a salesman, and when he got ill, what a fighter!
I'd highly recommend The Watermelon King to those who love to travel. This novel will particularly appeal to backpackers who enjoy exploring off the beaten track destinations, and for those with a sense of adventure which matches their ability to find humour in all sorts of circumstances !! This isn't for the package holiday makers..... who like plush comforts, and five-star hotels. Or for those who prefer to sit on the beach, oil themselves, and turn over. This is about the 'real Africa,' that most travellers never get to see. The 'real Africa,' may not be comfortable, the food may be dire, the buses non-existent but nevertheless there is a charm that transcends all that, making the experience an unforgettable smile which is etched on the heart of those who experience it.
I loved The Watermelon King. I thought I would! It did not disappoint. I read it on the way to work, (whilst travelling on the bus!) and it really made me smile.
Review on my blog:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/201...
And author spotlight:
https://kyrosmagica.wordpress.com/201...
The Watermelon King is humorous, thirst quenching, and full of little pips, (trials and tribulations.) The hard shell that holds it together is undoubtedly the subsidiary story about the brothers' grandfather that sits in between the backpacking tale - what a salesman, and when he got ill, what a fighter!
I'd highly recommend The Watermelon King to those who love to travel. This novel will particularly appeal to backpackers who enjoy exploring off the beaten track destinations, and for those with a sense of adventure which matches their ability to find humour in all sorts of circumstances !! This isn't for the package holiday makers..... who like plush comforts, and five-star hotels. Or for those who prefer to sit on the beach, oil themselves, and turn over. This is about the 'real Africa,' that most travellers never get to see. The 'real Africa,' may not be comfortable, the food may be dire, the buses non-existent but nevertheless there is a charm that transcends all that, making the experience an unforgettable smile which is etched on the heart of those who experience it.
I loved The Watermelon King. I thought I would! It did not disappoint. I read it on the way to work, (whilst travelling on the bus!) and it really made me smile.
December 12, 2016
2/13/2009, Dean (brother, business degree) took his younger brother Ethan & the 2 will go on a journey across East Africa.
They started out at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (capital city).
Dad Royse had a Watermelon Kingdom.
What cities does Dean & Ethan’s adventuress take them to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written African adventure book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another African adventure great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
They started out at Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (capital city).
Dad Royse had a Watermelon Kingdom.
What cities does Dean & Ethan’s adventuress take them to?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.
A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A fairly well written African adventure book. It wasn’t always very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish, but never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another African adventure great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. It was just OK for me so I will rate it at 4/5 stars.
Thank you for the free Amazon Digital Services LLC; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
September 11, 2016
I thought this was a really interesting read, and probably not quite what you'd expect based on the title. I don't think it skews the book at all to say this, but you may have a slight assumption about the book considering it's called The Watermelon King and it's about a guy going to Africa. In reality, the title has nothing to do with the trip to Africa at all, but is part of a side story throughout. While we follow Daniel Royse on his African "adventure", he also periodically breaks away from that story to read stories that his father wrote about his own father, who happened to sell produce- mainly watermelons.
The way the story flips back and forth is a bit weird because it's almost like you're reading two tales at once- that, combined with a slight amateurish feel in the writing at times is what made me give this 4 out of 5 stars. I felt slightly disjointed reading it, but on their own, each story was very interesting and fun to read along. It was an easy enough read, and I'd recommend it.
The way the story flips back and forth is a bit weird because it's almost like you're reading two tales at once- that, combined with a slight amateurish feel in the writing at times is what made me give this 4 out of 5 stars. I felt slightly disjointed reading it, but on their own, each story was very interesting and fun to read along. It was an easy enough read, and I'd recommend it.
December 19, 2015
This novel is very well written! I loved the connection to the past through Dean and Ethan's father's stories written about their grandfather. The Watermelon King must have been quite the character! Someone I would have loved to have met.
Learning about the remote villages of Africa through the travels of these two was very interesting to me. Especially since I've never traveled outside of the United States. It may not have been perfect or even pleasant, but it was definitely an adventure to remember.
Being a true story, I felt like I knew the characters. I would love to visit Royse's Twin City Produce!
This was a quick read, but only because I was completely hooked on the story.
Learning about the remote villages of Africa through the travels of these two was very interesting to me. Especially since I've never traveled outside of the United States. It may not have been perfect or even pleasant, but it was definitely an adventure to remember.
Being a true story, I felt like I knew the characters. I would love to visit Royse's Twin City Produce!
This was a quick read, but only because I was completely hooked on the story.
April 18, 2016
This was a great story. I really did enjoy reading this book. It is about two brothers going on a adventure in Africa. While he is reading the story of his Grandma the Watermelon King. It is fun and entertaining. I would recommend this to my friends.
Thank you to good reads and Daniel Royse for this book.
Thank you to good reads and Daniel Royse for this book.
July 26, 2023
Had my doubts but loved it!
When the story first segued to stories about a man on a whole different continent and time setting, the last thing I expected was to finish this book with a 5 star review. But I did end up loving it!
When the story first segued to stories about a man on a whole different continent and time setting, the last thing I expected was to finish this book with a 5 star review. But I did end up loving it!
February 18, 2024
This was not my usual and I’m not totally sure what I think lol. I’m confused because it’s based on a true story but fiction.
May 13, 2019
There are two storylines in this memoir. The main story is the travel experiences of two brothers, Dean and Ethan, as they journeyed from Ethiopia to Kenya. The other storyline has to do with the life of the two brothers’ father, who was nicknamed as the Watermelon King as he seemed to be a very special man, hard-working and lovable. The directness and the flow of the language and the construction of each chapter is outstanding, but the different worlds of the two storylines took some getting used to.
Fact is I enjoyed both storylines, especially the father’s as Dean read those during their trek when he could because they tell a human story of a warm and charming character. I thought what if the father’s story, with more contributions from the brothers’ memories, were to become a book in its own right…
Not to underrate from what the brothers went through while backpacking in Africa, as that too is very interesting, realistic, and more immediate. Still, I wonder if and how much the two storylines belong together even though there is that connection of the family in it. In my case, because the two stories were told alternately in chapters, each time the storyline changed, I felt startled. This took away from the feeling of getting lost in a book, which I like so much.
Even so, these memoirs are precious, and each time the brothers were waiting for transportation or having difficulties with the hotels and showering facilities, I was impatient for them and felt involved as if I were there, too. In addition, the two brothers’ similar yet different personalities and the shocking culture clashes made these adventures one of a kind for me.
Fact is I enjoyed both storylines, especially the father’s as Dean read those during their trek when he could because they tell a human story of a warm and charming character. I thought what if the father’s story, with more contributions from the brothers’ memories, were to become a book in its own right…
Not to underrate from what the brothers went through while backpacking in Africa, as that too is very interesting, realistic, and more immediate. Still, I wonder if and how much the two storylines belong together even though there is that connection of the family in it. In my case, because the two stories were told alternately in chapters, each time the storyline changed, I felt startled. This took away from the feeling of getting lost in a book, which I like so much.
Even so, these memoirs are precious, and each time the brothers were waiting for transportation or having difficulties with the hotels and showering facilities, I was impatient for them and felt involved as if I were there, too. In addition, the two brothers’ similar yet different personalities and the shocking culture clashes made these adventures one of a kind for me.
February 21, 2017
Very quick read, mildly entertaining. The author obviously is well traveled, and the parts of the story that deal with the difficulties I'm traveling in non-first world countries ring entirely true. The story itself, though, doesn't hang together terribly well. The notion of flipping back and forth between present day and 'diary' type stories about the author's father had promise, but there isn't sufficient synergy between past and present to create a meaningful story arc. The two main characters don't offer much substance for a reader to engage. And, not much really happens. Overall, I'd call this a solid first draft and would have suggested to the author to further develop his main characters, provide more meaningful linkage between past and present to give the flashbacks a reason to exist, and to create more actual tension in the present story, with a clearer problem, climax, solution than presented.
July 7, 2018
I had high hopes for this book as a perfect summer vacation read- adventure in Africa meets small-town life in North Dakota, plus a nod to my favorite food, watermelon. I was disappointed.
Transitions between the brothers' journey in Africa and the grandfather's stories of North Dakota were choppy, and there was no meaningful correlation between the two.
The "adventures" in Africa: Find the local beer, eat bland food, find a cheap hotel, wait for the arrival of the next truck, repeat (many times over). The most detailed description in the book was of Ethan's infected foot.
I lost count of all the typos, and it felt like every set of dialogue ended in "Alright." The book's concept had great potential but needed a skilled editor to develop it further. I'm sure it's fun for the Royse family to have those stories in print, but if you don't know the author personally, I'd spend your time reading something else.
Transitions between the brothers' journey in Africa and the grandfather's stories of North Dakota were choppy, and there was no meaningful correlation between the two.
The "adventures" in Africa: Find the local beer, eat bland food, find a cheap hotel, wait for the arrival of the next truck, repeat (many times over). The most detailed description in the book was of Ethan's infected foot.
I lost count of all the typos, and it felt like every set of dialogue ended in "Alright." The book's concept had great potential but needed a skilled editor to develop it further. I'm sure it's fun for the Royse family to have those stories in print, but if you don't know the author personally, I'd spend your time reading something else.
May 14, 2017
I gave the book four stars. It was not really my type of book. It started out kind of boring and all over the place. Once I got settled in the story it became much more interesting.
It is about two brothers who go on this journey to different parts of Africa and in the end get to a wonderful beach in Kenya. The two seem to encounter many obstacles along the way. They have to wait on rides to get to other towns, have to be on the lookout for road bandits, and even get a medical scare, but they stick it out and get rewarded. In between all of this there is funny parts to the book, and sad times as well. You walk away feeling like you truly have been on an adventure with them.
What I ended up taking away from this book is sometimes go out on a whim in life. You might just get to meet new people and find out how they live. Overall, it is a good read.
It is about two brothers who go on this journey to different parts of Africa and in the end get to a wonderful beach in Kenya. The two seem to encounter many obstacles along the way. They have to wait on rides to get to other towns, have to be on the lookout for road bandits, and even get a medical scare, but they stick it out and get rewarded. In between all of this there is funny parts to the book, and sad times as well. You walk away feeling like you truly have been on an adventure with them.
What I ended up taking away from this book is sometimes go out on a whim in life. You might just get to meet new people and find out how they live. Overall, it is a good read.
May 5, 2017
I won a copy of this book from Goodreads. I was a bit reluctant to read it as my daughter is currently working in Africa and I did not want to read about the violence and horrible things that happen there. But I read the book and I quite enjoyed it. To me it almost seemed like two separate books. The part about the two brothers travelling through small villages in Africa was interesting and the part about their grandfather in the States was interesting and amusing. But they seemed like two separate stories that did not flow well together. That is not to say that I did not enjoy both parts of the story - just that they did really mesh together really well. But I did enjoy the book and I would recommend that others read this book.
December 18, 2016
I liked this book because it was based on the authors true story of his travels to Africa as well as his memoirs of his grandfather. It was compelling to read about the African culture and its people. It was very intriguing to read about the one African's perspective on the UN and volunteerism. The grandfather's memoirs were entertaining. He was such a shrewd businessman. Throughout the book I couldn't understand the connection between the 2 stories until the very end and it was somewhat distracting. I did have a very nice "ah-ha" at the end. I would recommend to others to keep an open mind re this and know that the 2 stories will come together and make sense in the end.
October 12, 2016
Brothers trek through Africa
Entertaining story of two brothers travel from Ethiopia to the beaches near Nairobi. Starts rather slowly, but picks up as their travel continues. The reading of stories written by their father about their grandfather and how he became known as the Watermelon King brings an interesting story within the story. It is well written and provides insight into the interaction of two young adult brothers making their way through foreign countries.
Entertaining story of two brothers travel from Ethiopia to the beaches near Nairobi. Starts rather slowly, but picks up as their travel continues. The reading of stories written by their father about their grandfather and how he became known as the Watermelon King brings an interesting story within the story. It is well written and provides insight into the interaction of two young adult brothers making their way through foreign countries.
May 15, 2017
A light fun read, I loved the way the author introduces his grandfather's stories within his own travelogue.
Tightly written, you wouldn't find a single loose word in the book. It covers all aspects of the trip and makes you almost want to take the unconventional route he and his travel partner embark on. But once you finish the book and are back to the reality of basic comforts you tend to decide otherwise.
All in all a great read, filled with humour and travel tales.
Tightly written, you wouldn't find a single loose word in the book. It covers all aspects of the trip and makes you almost want to take the unconventional route he and his travel partner embark on. But once you finish the book and are back to the reality of basic comforts you tend to decide otherwise.
All in all a great read, filled with humour and travel tales.
September 15, 2018
Well, for such a short read it did give the reader a taste of life in Ethiopia and Kenya however, I’d have given it a higher rating if there had been more detail. I JUST finished it so, it’s fresh in my memory, and yet what sticks out the most is the grandfather’s surgery and the travelers getting beer. One due to details, and the latter due to repetition. Neither of these moments is Africa specific.
April 11, 2017
At first a great read, until younger brother appears. The Stories from the grandfather would make a great other book. And then calling it a novel because of the last chapter ...in the future? Sorry. K.I.S.S. There are probably a number of stories referred to in the previous Ethiopian adventures that would support a travelogue of substance and depth when added to the journey into Kenya.
December 11, 2018
Felt like I was there
I had just returned from a trip alone to Montevideo, Uruguay. I don't intend to make long flights again at my age, but I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling way of this book. I don't think I would have enjoyed some of their hotels, the food, or the bucket baths, but I liked reading about the authors experiences. It was almost like being there.
I had just returned from a trip alone to Montevideo, Uruguay. I don't intend to make long flights again at my age, but I thoroughly enjoyed the storytelling way of this book. I don't think I would have enjoyed some of their hotels, the food, or the bucket baths, but I liked reading about the authors experiences. It was almost like being there.
April 23, 2020
Interesting combo
This is an interesting combo of two young brothers, traveling through Africa, and their grandfather's stories. It was kind of an amazing adventure through Africa. Kind of scary how much you have to put trust in strangers to get a long. The grandfathers stories kind of broke things up with some comedy. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this story.
This is an interesting combo of two young brothers, traveling through Africa, and their grandfather's stories. It was kind of an amazing adventure through Africa. Kind of scary how much you have to put trust in strangers to get a long. The grandfathers stories kind of broke things up with some comedy. I was surprised how much I enjoyed this story.
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