What do you think?
Rate this book
Into Africa #3
MUCH MORE INTO AFRICA: with kids, dogs, horses and a husband
Four years after leaving England to live in Zambia, the Patras family are still enjoying their lives in the African sun, when they relocate to the country’s capital city and embark upon a whole new set of challenges.
Naturally, the family embraces these in their inimitable crazy way with the chaos, tears and laughter we have come to expect from this author.
Join the Patras family now, where they are Much More Into Africa.
Naturally, the family embraces these in their inimitable crazy way with the chaos, tears and laughter we have come to expect from this author.
Join the Patras family now, where they are Much More Into Africa.
- GenresAfrica
504 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 11, 2020
28 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Ann Patras
6 books11 followersAnn Patras was born in Burton upon Trent, England quite a while ago.
In 1971 she emigrated to Canada for a year before returning to the UK where, in 1974, she married her boyfriend of five years. In 1980 she and her husband Ziggy rounded up their three small children and headed for Zambia, initially on a 2 year contract. They eventually left Zambia in 1989, moving down to South Africa where they lived for 22 years.
Career-wise, on leaving school Ann commenced work as a legal secretary, changing tack to Administration in the brewing industry after she got married. Being officially not permitted to work in Zambia, her time was occupied by voluntary posts with various social or sports organisations. In South Africa her work ranged from the shipping industry, secretary to an insurance loss adjuster through to spending her last nine working years as the Administration Manager of the Watercolour Society of SA and its gallery. In her spare time she spent several years as a Police Reservist, chiefly in the Mounted Unit in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Always a keen letter writer, Ann entertained numerous family members and friends with tales of their various adventures, calamities and just plain silly activities over the years. She was constantly nagged by them to “write a book about it!”. So far she has written three.
Having retired to Spain, she now spends most of her time recalling the plethora of weird and wonderful experiences in her life, so that she can write about more of them.
In 1971 she emigrated to Canada for a year before returning to the UK where, in 1974, she married her boyfriend of five years. In 1980 she and her husband Ziggy rounded up their three small children and headed for Zambia, initially on a 2 year contract. They eventually left Zambia in 1989, moving down to South Africa where they lived for 22 years.
Career-wise, on leaving school Ann commenced work as a legal secretary, changing tack to Administration in the brewing industry after she got married. Being officially not permitted to work in Zambia, her time was occupied by voluntary posts with various social or sports organisations. In South Africa her work ranged from the shipping industry, secretary to an insurance loss adjuster through to spending her last nine working years as the Administration Manager of the Watercolour Society of SA and its gallery. In her spare time she spent several years as a Police Reservist, chiefly in the Mounted Unit in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Always a keen letter writer, Ann entertained numerous family members and friends with tales of their various adventures, calamities and just plain silly activities over the years. She was constantly nagged by them to “write a book about it!”. So far she has written three.
Having retired to Spain, she now spends most of her time recalling the plethora of weird and wonderful experiences in her life, so that she can write about more of them.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 5, 2020
I was privileged to Beta read this book for the author, Ann Patras, and I have to say I romped through it. Reading about Ms Patras' experiences in Zambia (and later back in the UK) was akin to sitting at the kitchen table with her being spellbound by her anecdotes of life as an expat in one of Africa's gloriously chaotic countries.
The fun, laughter, escapades and adventures the family had with everything from massive spiders in the bathroom to wonderful safari trips were riveting. I imagine Ann Patras writes as she speaks so it's easy to believe you are sitting next to her with a glass of wine and shouting with mirth at another of her mishaps.
As regards Africa and its people, she writes with warmth and affection without disguising the problems entailed in living as expats in a country where people have so little. It is clear she and her family adored Zambia and everything it offered, but life was never meant to be settled for the Patras family and moving on seemed to be part of their script. This book brings the reader to the end of their Zambian period, with hints of adventures in South Africa to come. I am very much looking forward to reading that one if and when it comes out.
Highly recommended for all lovers of books on life in Africa.
The fun, laughter, escapades and adventures the family had with everything from massive spiders in the bathroom to wonderful safari trips were riveting. I imagine Ann Patras writes as she speaks so it's easy to believe you are sitting next to her with a glass of wine and shouting with mirth at another of her mishaps.
As regards Africa and its people, she writes with warmth and affection without disguising the problems entailed in living as expats in a country where people have so little. It is clear she and her family adored Zambia and everything it offered, but life was never meant to be settled for the Patras family and moving on seemed to be part of their script. This book brings the reader to the end of their Zambian period, with hints of adventures in South Africa to come. I am very much looking forward to reading that one if and when it comes out.
Highly recommended for all lovers of books on life in Africa.
September 16, 2020
Enthralling
Here we have the third instalment of Ann. Ziggy and the children's lives in Africa and like the previous books it does not disappoint. More fun, laughter and adventures, forays into the unknown, giant spiders in the bathroom. As with the previous books this one includes letters written home to the family accompanied by pictures and Ann's own drawings which are divine.
Ann loves Africa and its people, this all comes through in her unique style of writing which is an easy, relaxed style but always that underlying hint of humour is never far away.
Four years after moving to Kitwe there are big changes in the Patras´ life, Ziggy has changed job and they have now moved to Lusaka. Life soon settles down for the children busy with their school life and her husband with his work, Ann wonders what is there for her. Having left her friends behind she was at a bit of a loss...let's face it with a houseboy there was little to do around the house.
Ann soon becomes involved with the Lusaka Gymkhana Club and here more fun ensues for the family and her stories of her and the children´s riding adventures were a joy to read about. She recounts their adventures of safaris which had me in awe of the animals, white water rafting experience (more Ziggy´s idea of fun than Ann´s but she enters into the spirit of it) this had me holding onto my seat whilst they were tossed around.
The family spend more time in the UK and it is a pleasure to read more of life for them there. There are also sad times for Ann in the UK and I cried along with her.
There is yet another job change for Ziggy, feeling that Zambia has no more to offer him along comes a change of location so I look forward to more of their adventures in South Africa.
Once again you are drawn into the stories and feel as if you are there experiencing it all with them, it is a totally delightful book to read and I have loved them all so far.
Thank you Ann for a thrilling and exciting read
Here we have the third instalment of Ann. Ziggy and the children's lives in Africa and like the previous books it does not disappoint. More fun, laughter and adventures, forays into the unknown, giant spiders in the bathroom. As with the previous books this one includes letters written home to the family accompanied by pictures and Ann's own drawings which are divine.
Ann loves Africa and its people, this all comes through in her unique style of writing which is an easy, relaxed style but always that underlying hint of humour is never far away.
Four years after moving to Kitwe there are big changes in the Patras´ life, Ziggy has changed job and they have now moved to Lusaka. Life soon settles down for the children busy with their school life and her husband with his work, Ann wonders what is there for her. Having left her friends behind she was at a bit of a loss...let's face it with a houseboy there was little to do around the house.
Ann soon becomes involved with the Lusaka Gymkhana Club and here more fun ensues for the family and her stories of her and the children´s riding adventures were a joy to read about. She recounts their adventures of safaris which had me in awe of the animals, white water rafting experience (more Ziggy´s idea of fun than Ann´s but she enters into the spirit of it) this had me holding onto my seat whilst they were tossed around.
The family spend more time in the UK and it is a pleasure to read more of life for them there. There are also sad times for Ann in the UK and I cried along with her.
There is yet another job change for Ziggy, feeling that Zambia has no more to offer him along comes a change of location so I look forward to more of their adventures in South Africa.
Once again you are drawn into the stories and feel as if you are there experiencing it all with them, it is a totally delightful book to read and I have loved them all so far.
Thank you Ann for a thrilling and exciting read
March 23, 2020
I couldn't wait to read this third installation of Ann's hectic life in Zambia, and it did not disappoint! Once you start reading, it is hard to put down. I especially liked her telling of adventures rafting down the Zambezi--I had a very similar experience just a couple years ago! (The boat next to us flipped and we saw how that got handled! And the hike out of that canyon has not changed in the least, except maybe for a lovely hot meal awaiting us at the top!) I hope Ann will write about her next adventures in S.A...? As having been an expat myself, I just loved it when she talked about friendships in the expat community being so much stronger. I hope you tale the opportunity to go in this adventure with Ann and all her kids, husband, dogs and horses. Ann has a hilarious way of retelling all these details from her life--I am glad she kept such good records of her letter writing.
January 17, 2020
Another good one from Ann Patras
I loved her previous books, and truly enjoyed this book as well. Funny, optimistic, sardonic, informative, and touching content. Even the class and dangers are described with the perspective, principally, of affection. I loved her no bullying attitude and get she is a lot of fun. This led up to what I hope is another story, this time a memoir of South Africa. Then maybe one about retirement in Spain?
I loved her previous books, and truly enjoyed this book as well. Funny, optimistic, sardonic, informative, and touching content. Even the class and dangers are described with the perspective, principally, of affection. I loved her no bullying attitude and get she is a lot of fun. This led up to what I hope is another story, this time a memoir of South Africa. Then maybe one about retirement in Spain?
January 21, 2020
I love Ann’s books! She has a wry sense if humour that resonates with me! At times I laughed so much that I cried at the chaos that was her life in Zambia. At other times I cried with sadness. The death of Ann’s mother was very moving! I also relate to Ann’s very compassionate love of animals and her interest in sewing struck a personal note with me! I was sorry when I reached the end of the book! The true mark of a good book.No spoilers!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2021
The book is a delightful tale of coping with a immature husband who changed jobs in a whim. He cared not a whit for wife and kids.
I would not have put up with it. But,I'm not English.plus moving each time selling possessions and animals each time devalues each. They are just a commodity. Now they're off to SOuth Africa! I suppose another book will be written. I'll buy it for the fun stories and locations. The husband,not so much.
I would not have put up with it. But,I'm not English.plus moving each time selling possessions and animals each time devalues each. They are just a commodity. Now they're off to SOuth Africa! I suppose another book will be written. I'll buy it for the fun stories and locations. The husband,not so much.
August 26, 2025
Yet another very good read
I'm a sucker for well written amusing non-fiction books. A lot of the books describing life in a different country are sadly pedestrian, but not this one. As per the previous two, this bounces along and is very funny.
I'd love to have known what happened to the family later on, but I fear the book has yet to be written. Thoroughly recommended.
I'm a sucker for well written amusing non-fiction books. A lot of the books describing life in a different country are sadly pedestrian, but not this one. As per the previous two, this bounces along and is very funny.
I'd love to have known what happened to the family later on, but I fear the book has yet to be written. Thoroughly recommended.
February 3, 2020
Another good book.,
A lot of living in a few hundred pages. Well written description of living is Africa The title says it all. Liked the poetry near the end ,pretty cute . So will the stories continue?
A lot of living in a few hundred pages. Well written description of living is Africa The title says it all. Liked the poetry near the end ,pretty cute . So will the stories continue?
March 15, 2020
Not all Africa
While I very much enjoyed the first two Into Africa by Ann Patras, not this one so much as almost one-half of it was when the family was back in England for a couple of years. I would have much preferred to hear about the move to South Africa from Zambia
While I very much enjoyed the first two Into Africa by Ann Patras, not this one so much as almost one-half of it was when the family was back in England for a couple of years. I would have much preferred to hear about the move to South Africa from Zambia
August 6, 2020
A fantastic book-so much going on, can you imagine moving to Africa and everything you would have to deal with. I highly recommend this book
May 17, 2023
I loved this book and the author’s writing style! There are many humorous and interesting moments as she tells of her and family’s adventures in England and Africa. I didn’t want it to end!
February 25, 2020
Another lovely, warm, winning read.
This is the third in Ann Patras’ series of memoirs about life in Africa. I’ve enjoyed them all, and this one is so varied; it really is Ann's best book so far.
Packed with information; she really gives a flavour of what it was like to live in Africa in the 80s. As well as the lighter, fun stuff, she also perfectly portrays feelings and emotions through harder times. I love her voice coming through the writing. The chatty, conversational style is fun, amusing and entertaining.
What a great idea-having a Chapter 0-Good info to recap, catch up, and remind, or to fill you in if you've not read the others. The glossary is also very useful-and handy having it at the beginning of the book.
Ann kept all her letters and wrote her memoirs from these. I really like this sort of format. Letters are included in the book-and pictures, and Ann’s own drawings-I love all these. This instalment starts in August 1984. After four years in Kitwe, Ziggy's change of job contract means they will be moving to Lusaka, Zambia's capital city.
I love her down-to-earth style. It’s easy reading, engaging, warm and friendly, and lovely to be back in Ann's series. It's been a while to wait since the last one-and I’d forgotten how good Ann's books are!
Another lovely, warm, winning read.
This is the third in Ann Patras’ series of memoirs about life in Africa. I’ve enjoyed them all, and this one is so varied; it really is Ann's best book so far.
Packed with information; she really gives a flavour of what it was like to live in Africa in the 80s. As well as the lighter, fun stuff, she also perfectly portrays feelings and emotions through harder times. I love her voice coming through the writing. The chatty, conversational style is fun, amusing and entertaining.
What a great idea-having a Chapter 0-Good info to recap, catch up, and remind, or to fill you in if you've not read the others. The glossary is also very useful-and handy having it at the beginning of the book.
Ann kept all her letters and wrote her memoirs from these. I really like this sort of format. Letters are included in the book-and pictures, and Ann’s own drawings-I love all these. This instalment starts in August 1984. After four years in Kitwe, Ziggy's change of job contract means they will be moving to Lusaka, Zambia's capital city.
I love her down-to-earth style. It’s easy reading, engaging, warm and friendly, and lovely to be back in Ann's series. It's been a while to wait since the last one-and I’d forgotten how good Ann's books are!
Another lovely, warm, winning read.
June 28, 2020
This is Ann's third book in her Africa series, having read the previous two, I anxiously awaited book three. I was not disappointed when it finally arrived.
Ann takes us through the Zambia years, a stint back to the UK and then back to Africa again. It is never a dull moment with the Patras family, luckily for us readers!
What a treat reading about safari and a thrilling white water rafting trip (Well, thrilling for Ziggy, not so much for Ann. She carries on like the trooper that she is though!)
Being a horseback rider myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters on riding, Ann's and the children's.
I was happy to read more about life in England in this third installment as well.
All around a good read and hope to read about the Patras family in Spain someday!
Ann takes us through the Zambia years, a stint back to the UK and then back to Africa again. It is never a dull moment with the Patras family, luckily for us readers!
What a treat reading about safari and a thrilling white water rafting trip (Well, thrilling for Ziggy, not so much for Ann. She carries on like the trooper that she is though!)
Being a horseback rider myself, I thoroughly enjoyed the chapters on riding, Ann's and the children's.
I was happy to read more about life in England in this third installment as well.
All around a good read and hope to read about the Patras family in Spain someday!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews