The plains of Camdeboo

by Eve Palmer

The Karoo is a vast semi-desert region that extends across parts of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. This environmentally important area is the largest ecosystem in the country and is abundant in wildlife, vegetation, and ancient history. The Plains of Camdeboo is a celebration of this remarkable landscape. At first encounter the Karoo may seem arid, desolate and unforgiving, but to those who know it, it is a land of secret beauty and infinite variety. For generations author Eve Palmer's family have lived on the Karoo farm of Cranemere, situated on the Plains of Camdeboo. This family have battled for decades against this harsh desert; they have had to adapt to it, learning to fear, respect, and ultimately love it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Africa, South Africa, Natural History, Nature, Biography, Animals

319 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perusing my shelves, I found this US first edition that I evidently picked up at a used bookstore 30 or more years ago. It's a memoir of nature rather than people, but even so the reader gets glimpses of ranch life over the first half of the 20th century in an arid region of South Africa. The book shows its age, using terms such as Hottentot and Bushmen which those people find offensive today. I would have loved pages of illustrations, but nowadays the web is a great resource for seeing pictures of the plants and animals that Palmer enthuses over.

[Andrea Hickman Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not nearly as interesting as I remember it, but it's been about 20 years since I originally left it and the difference between a 10-year-old and a 30-year-old is vast. Having been written in 1966, there are a number of 'facts' that I found laughable, but this is an interesting historical document in it's own right, as well as because of the material it contains.

[David Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

For many, the Karoo, like Johannesburg, is a place to pass through on your way to some other place. Both deserve a close look, and the closest look I've ever had, in book form, of the Karoo, is Eve Palmer's beautiful work. As far as information is concerned, this is as far away from twitter as one could be. The Karoo is the destination. Thanks to Christa Cameron for the recommendation.

[David George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A remarkable true account of the trials and tribulations of pioneers in the harsh and unforgiving arid area around Pearston in the Eastern Cape South Africa.

[Emma JP · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Few people have the good fortune to be born in a desert. I was"

So begins the Plains of Camdeboo, an unassuming book I picked up at a second hand store, not even sure whether it was fiction or non (it's non-fiction, for the record).

I LOVED this book. Incredible storytelling and vivid imagery that you can't help smiling at. I found myself frequently chuckling aloud to myself over the human and animal characters chronicled, and yearning to delve deeper into the Karoo landscape. Can't wait to dive deeper into her other books (if I can find them) and plan a trip to the area ASAP. An absolute delight to read.

If you enjoyed the Overstory, and its 'love letter' to American trees, this is on a level in my mind. Must read for South Africans, environmentalists, and those who love history.

Also, this book has aged exceptionally well for a book written in the 1960s in South Africa - I read the 2011 reprint, but it doesn't seem to have been revised much, other than an additional introduction, and Eve's updated foreword from the 1980s edition.

[Nicola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading this book as I love the Karoo very much. Palmer’s insights into and stories about generations of family members and friends who have lived on Cranemere was incredible. I liked the stories about the fossils and plants the best but overall a lovely read that reminded me why South Africa will always be a special place to grow up in and live.

[Pat Raab · Rating 4 out of 5]

An evocative and entrancing look at a part of my home country that I've travelled through and around, but never spent enough time exploring.
The kind of history one does not learn at school.

[Vanessa Olive · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, factual read covering all aspects and history of the Camdeboo region