Borderline

by William Dicey

Readers are taken on a fascinating journey down the Orange River in South Africa in this travelogue that interweaves historical detail from the places the author visits with the history of South Africa as a whole. Augmented with the author's own photographs, this is a document of discovery, much like the source material that Dicey himself quotes from-the first European explorers of the South African interior. But unlike early depictions of outlandish animals and men, Dicey's travelogue investigates the waves of human occupation-the San, the Nama, the Griqua, and the Basters-and the subsequent fallout as the indigenous people were moved off their land around the Orange River.

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction

287 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

About the author

William Dicey is the author of the critically acclaimed Borderline (2004). He has worked as a mathematics lecturer, a book designer and a farmer. He divides his time between Ceres and Cape Town.

Reviews

[Wayne Jordaan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An gem of a book, which at first appeared to be a description of a kayaking trip down the Great (Orange) River) but quickly revealed itself to be an excellent historical account of the peoples, both past and present, who tried to secure a livelihood from this lifeline, and the harsh environment through which it flows for most of its journey to the Atlantic. In fact, the copy I read was from my local public library, but I will try to secure my own. It being such a rich source of information, that I can see myself dipping into it again and again in times to come.

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible book that every South African should read. It's a travelogue interwoven with history and musings on race and identity, beautifully written, and illustrated with gorgeous photographs.

[Karina Szczurek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pure joy of travel writing.