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Longing for Africa: Journeys Inspired by the Life of Jane Goodall. Part Two: Kenya
When Annie returns to Kenya from New York to live among the Great Rift Valley tribes for her work on a children’s book series, she believes she now understands real physical deprivation and who she is after a harrowing year in the mountains of Ethiopia. Driving across the savanna with a Land Rover stuffed with Samburu warriors, dancing with a tribe of fishermen on the dark shore of a crocodile-infested lake in one of the hottest places on earth, and falling passionately in love with an extraordinary Australian pilot who introduces her to the plight of orphaned girls in East Africa, will Annie truly learn to face her deepest fears and find compassion, purpose, and love, or will she head home, heartbroken? Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Gilbert, Alexandra Fuller, or Isak Dinesen (Karen Blixen).
“With a title like this, of course, I was compelled to read this beautifully written book! A fascinating and adventurous life, spiced with danger, and with a love story thrown in. You can’t go wrong.” Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE. Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute. UN Messenger of Peace. “This swept me away. Ann Schrank writes like a magical spider, spinning continental webs that ensnare the reader. There’s flavor, fragrance, wit, perseverance, and pinpoint observational awareness. Owning a great story doesn’t guarantee being able to tell it well. It’s a gift with which Ms. Schrank is lavishly endowed.” Richard Bangs. TV host and producer and author of numerous travel books. “Each chapter brims with anticipation and springs alive with poignant description. A girl reveals in a glance the story of her desperate hunger, told in words so intense we can smell Africa, from the spices to the rotting fruit. Teeming with historical overview and literary flourish, Longing for Africa reads like Graham Greene plus romance.” Cathy Luchetti. Author of Women of the West, Children of the West, and Men of the West. “A memorable story of love, loss and Italian cooking, Schrank’s descriptions of the Palmucci’s Sunday lunch table had me dining right there alongside her. Schrank is a skillful storyteller, writing with compassion and fondness for the people who care about Africa and those who have come to call the continent home.” Robyn Keene-Young. Author and wildlife documentary producer.
“With a title like this, of course, I was compelled to read this beautifully written book! A fascinating and adventurous life, spiced with danger, and with a love story thrown in. You can’t go wrong.” Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE. Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute. UN Messenger of Peace. “This swept me away. Ann Schrank writes like a magical spider, spinning continental webs that ensnare the reader. There’s flavor, fragrance, wit, perseverance, and pinpoint observational awareness. Owning a great story doesn’t guarantee being able to tell it well. It’s a gift with which Ms. Schrank is lavishly endowed.” Richard Bangs. TV host and producer and author of numerous travel books. “Each chapter brims with anticipation and springs alive with poignant description. A girl reveals in a glance the story of her desperate hunger, told in words so intense we can smell Africa, from the spices to the rotting fruit. Teeming with historical overview and literary flourish, Longing for Africa reads like Graham Greene plus romance.” Cathy Luchetti. Author of Women of the West, Children of the West, and Men of the West. “A memorable story of love, loss and Italian cooking, Schrank’s descriptions of the Palmucci’s Sunday lunch table had me dining right there alongside her. Schrank is a skillful storyteller, writing with compassion and fondness for the people who care about Africa and those who have come to call the continent home.” Robyn Keene-Young. Author and wildlife documentary producer.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 8, 2025
I am in love with Annie Schrank. Not in a Sapphic way, you understand, but with her attitude, her determination, and her unrequited love for a country she had only visited for a month. I honor her for her courage and empathy, and her ability to take everything Africa threw at her without flinching.
Kenya touched her heartstrings, and although life takes her back to her homeland in the US, the longing to return never leaves her. Arriving back in Kenya, I was struck by her bravery. Going off for weeks at a time to take photos and live with the natives is an act consistent with that of her hero, Jane Goodall. Suffering hardship and privation without complaint is something I admire because I know I couldn't do it. And there is an incredible love story, too, which leads her to discover the sad state of orphaned girls in Africa.
This is an amazing book: it's Africa as it was in the 1970s, and life was very different then. I absolutely loved it. I usually read two books at a time, but I couldn't put this one down. Annie's story, and the stories she tells of the people she meets, will stay with me for a long, long, time. I know this is a book I will reread in the future. Thank you Annie, for sharing your story with us.
Kenya touched her heartstrings, and although life takes her back to her homeland in the US, the longing to return never leaves her. Arriving back in Kenya, I was struck by her bravery. Going off for weeks at a time to take photos and live with the natives is an act consistent with that of her hero, Jane Goodall. Suffering hardship and privation without complaint is something I admire because I know I couldn't do it. And there is an incredible love story, too, which leads her to discover the sad state of orphaned girls in Africa.
This is an amazing book: it's Africa as it was in the 1970s, and life was very different then. I absolutely loved it. I usually read two books at a time, but I couldn't put this one down. Annie's story, and the stories she tells of the people she meets, will stay with me for a long, long, time. I know this is a book I will reread in the future. Thank you Annie, for sharing your story with us.
May 1, 2019
I was lucky enough to beta read this book. My favourite type of memoir - a different country - Keyna - a different life - wow what a time the author had! It’s very well written in my humble opinion - and, I’m grateful the author put pen to paper to share her time with us readers. I have no concern in recommending it.
April 3, 2024
Informative and Enjoyable
So glad that I discovered these two books. I learned so much about life in Africa and also learned more about the author who I was privileged to spend a day with many years ago. Truly remarkable books written by a multi talented and remarkable woman!
So glad that I discovered these two books. I learned so much about life in Africa and also learned more about the author who I was privileged to spend a day with many years ago. Truly remarkable books written by a multi talented and remarkable woman!
February 27, 2020
Starts well, gets better and becomes exceptional!
If you like memoirs and Africa, I highly recommend this book. It starts well, gets better and becomes exceptional! Enjoy!
If you like memoirs and Africa, I highly recommend this book. It starts well, gets better and becomes exceptional! Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews