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Tea, Scones, and Malaria: A memoir of growing up in Africa
Hilarious, touching, raw, and deeply honest, this memoir records the journey from child to teenager to woman against the backdrop of a vanishing world, as Rhodesia begins its long and tumultuous transition into the independent country of Zimbabwe.
336 pages, Paperback
Published March 12, 2021
369 people are currently reading
515 people want to read
About the author
Katlynn Brooke
12 books62 followersKatlynn Brooke is an upcoming author of fiction that includes young adult fantasy, and a memoir about her childhood in Africa.
Katlynn was born and raised in Zimbabwe and currently lives in Virginia, USA.
Katlynn was born and raised in Zimbabwe and currently lives in Virginia, USA.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
August 25, 2021
I got to the end of this memoir far too soon and it's left me wanting more.....I can't wait for the sequel!! I grew up in South Africa in the same era, but have been living in Canada for the past 23 years so this was extra special for me as it brought back lots of wonderful memories. I really enjoyed Katlynn Brooke's sense of humour, she is funny without sounding glib or contrived. I hope that readers from other countries enjoy this just as much, and come away with a little more understanding of what life in Southern Africa was like in the 50's and 60's. A solid 5 Stars from me !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 13, 2021
Tea, Scones and Malaria is a charming book, a beautifully written memoir about growing up in Africa, and I could relate to the author on smaller scale, as I grew up in rural Newfoundland in the mid 1960’s, where neighbours were like extended family.
This book depicts a real life “Jungle Book” scenario, where being one with nature takes on whole meaning, while living a non urban existence in the bush, surrounded by living things that could kill you, sometimes within arms reach. I grew up in the outhouse era, but I never had to worry about a snake coiled around waiting to strike or a scorpion ready to sting. Living conditions are harsh in the bush, but life goes on and you make do with your surroundings. Acceptance is key to survival.
The book is so eloquently written and within its pages the humour pours out. I guess finding a snake coiled above you, in an outhouse, is a real cure for diarrhea and when an elephant wants your bike, you simply give it to them. Ask no questions.
Through the eyes of an innocent child, social injustices and the segregation of black and white in Africa is revealed. She grew up in the midst of the Apartheid System. The author who is white, grasps at a young age that not all African people are treated equally, there is a divide between the black and white people, placing the black African people at a greater disadvantage. Katlynn Brooke in her own words states that, “Racism had been built into the system”. On one particular occasion when she wanted to thank a black man for his assistance, her wish was denied. It was a sign of the times.
This was a poignant memoir depicting the tumultuous life of a young white girl growing up in Africa. I enjoyed this book and it resonates that old saying: “ what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
This book depicts a real life “Jungle Book” scenario, where being one with nature takes on whole meaning, while living a non urban existence in the bush, surrounded by living things that could kill you, sometimes within arms reach. I grew up in the outhouse era, but I never had to worry about a snake coiled around waiting to strike or a scorpion ready to sting. Living conditions are harsh in the bush, but life goes on and you make do with your surroundings. Acceptance is key to survival.
The book is so eloquently written and within its pages the humour pours out. I guess finding a snake coiled above you, in an outhouse, is a real cure for diarrhea and when an elephant wants your bike, you simply give it to them. Ask no questions.
Through the eyes of an innocent child, social injustices and the segregation of black and white in Africa is revealed. She grew up in the midst of the Apartheid System. The author who is white, grasps at a young age that not all African people are treated equally, there is a divide between the black and white people, placing the black African people at a greater disadvantage. Katlynn Brooke in her own words states that, “Racism had been built into the system”. On one particular occasion when she wanted to thank a black man for his assistance, her wish was denied. It was a sign of the times.
This was a poignant memoir depicting the tumultuous life of a young white girl growing up in Africa. I enjoyed this book and it resonates that old saying: “ what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.
July 30, 2022
An easy read, the author grew up in the 50's and 60's like I did, soI could relate to a lot of things. But would have liked more about Africa rather than just her childhood scrapes and family doings. Still, I enjoyed this book and didn't want it to end (it ended on the note of a sequel).
July 22, 2021
A delightful and charmingly youthful account of a childhood in Africa. Katlynn Brooke has an uncanny ability to transport the reader back to their own childhood while reading about her childhood growing up in Africa during the 1940s, 50s, and 60s. Aside from her descriptions of what are, to foreign readers, exotic locales, animals, and plants, her tales of being raised as an almost feral child in a time when parents did not spend all their time trying to schedule every moment of their childrens' days or prevent every bump or scrape is, at the same time, terrifying and refreshing. She has managed to be honest about the problems of the era while also recounting her childhood with a great amount of humor and childlike enthusiasm. In many ways, her story is that of a hard life, but it is told without bitterness or regret. Her family, like all families, was not perfect and had its share of problems. But she recounts her families' story, from her point of view, with a great amount of love and understanding. This is the story of the early life of the type of person the world could use more of now.
September 15, 2021
This is one of the best memoirs I've read of someone who grew up in the same Colonial Africa as I did.
As soon as someone finds out I was born in Africa, to missionary parents, they have a list of memoirs I need to read. I've been given a number of books written by 'white Africans' about their lives in colonial Africa. It is rare for me to read one that doesn't leave me feeling utterly depressed or heart-broken for the author of said book. Not once have I read a memoir where I felt a sense of having anything in common the author beyond the fact that we both grew up, as white children, in Africa ... until now.
Reading Katlynn's book was like reading excerpts from my own life, there were so many parallels. Her book was refreshing and even helped me to understand that fascinating and unique (and somewhat dysfunctional) world I was born into.
Katlynn does a wonderful job of writing her story, giving a clear picture to those unfamiliar with the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the 1950's - 60's, at the same time bringing that which was familiar to those of us who knew it then.
As soon as someone finds out I was born in Africa, to missionary parents, they have a list of memoirs I need to read. I've been given a number of books written by 'white Africans' about their lives in colonial Africa. It is rare for me to read one that doesn't leave me feeling utterly depressed or heart-broken for the author of said book. Not once have I read a memoir where I felt a sense of having anything in common the author beyond the fact that we both grew up, as white children, in Africa ... until now.
Reading Katlynn's book was like reading excerpts from my own life, there were so many parallels. Her book was refreshing and even helped me to understand that fascinating and unique (and somewhat dysfunctional) world I was born into.
Katlynn does a wonderful job of writing her story, giving a clear picture to those unfamiliar with the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the 1950's - 60's, at the same time bringing that which was familiar to those of us who knew it then.
January 2, 2022
Refreshingly honest
The writer paints a vivid, honest picture of her life in colonial Africa. She weaves in the harsh realities of living in an unforgiving, yet embracing world as well as dealing with somewhat dysfunctional parents. Through it all, one senses her resilience, tongue-in-the-cheek humor, and optimism. A thoroughly enjoyable and dare I say, educational read.
The writer paints a vivid, honest picture of her life in colonial Africa. She weaves in the harsh realities of living in an unforgiving, yet embracing world as well as dealing with somewhat dysfunctional parents. Through it all, one senses her resilience, tongue-in-the-cheek humor, and optimism. A thoroughly enjoyable and dare I say, educational read.
April 18, 2022
fascinating story extremely well written
It is hard to imagine the fascinating and yet very difficult childhood the author portrays. She manages to write so clearly that you feel as if you are along beside her. There is no self pity, rather a “isn’t this interesting “ droll style
It is hard to imagine the fascinating and yet very difficult childhood the author portrays. She manages to write so clearly that you feel as if you are along beside her. There is no self pity, rather a “isn’t this interesting “ droll style
July 25, 2021
Absolutely loved this book. Having grown up in Rhodesia in the early 50s myself I could relate to so many aspects. The book is well written and just a wonderful recount of the authors life. I do hope there’s a sequel…the end implied there might be. Thoroughly enjoyable.
August 23, 2021
Afternoon reading
Read over a a week I got quite pulled into this story. Am old enough to remember the 50 & 60 and world event at that time. On the one hand a delightful way to grow and in another ……….
Really enjoyed it.
Read over a a week I got quite pulled into this story. Am old enough to remember the 50 & 60 and world event at that time. On the one hand a delightful way to grow and in another ……….
Really enjoyed it.
June 9, 2022
Good Read
A very enjoyable and entertaining coming of age memoir. The setting makes it unique. A fast and delightful read that gives you a different view of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s.
A very enjoyable and entertaining coming of age memoir. The setting makes it unique. A fast and delightful read that gives you a different view of growing up in the 50’s and 60’s.
July 21, 2022
This delightful memoir covers the first sixteen years of a young girl’s life in the country formerly known as Rhodesia.
October 13, 2022
Rhodesia Perfectly Described
So enjoyed this book. Kaitlyn is only a few years younger than me and describes Rhodesia so well; looking forward to more from her.
So enjoyed this book. Kaitlyn is only a few years younger than me and describes Rhodesia so well; looking forward to more from her.
December 5, 2022
Kaylynn's memoir came too quickly to an end. I feel like I've spent a few wonderful days in the company of a friend.
August 1, 2021
Charming life stories
Short anecdotes tell of the author's childhood in Rhodesia. Reading these same stories from the mother's perspective would be quite interesting.
Short anecdotes tell of the author's childhood in Rhodesia. Reading these same stories from the mother's perspective would be quite interesting.
October 1, 2022
The author grew up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the years before independence. They moved around a lot because of her father’s construction jobs – sometimes living in the bush but other times managing to live in town. This is the account of her experiences along with her siblings up through her teenage years.
3 and a half stars. Her writing style is light which makes it an easy read. I see from her website that she's working on a sequel to pick up where this left off. I enjoyed this enough to be interested in the rest of the story.
3 and a half stars. Her writing style is light which makes it an easy read. I see from her website that she's working on a sequel to pick up where this left off. I enjoyed this enough to be interested in the rest of the story.
September 27, 2021
Loved learning about Rhodesia, its history and customs!
I loved hearing about Pi & her family members! I have recently made friends in Zambia, so that made it more interesting for me. I respect them for the strength they had to be so adaptable & able to survive with all the changes thrown their way. Katlynn has a very nice writing style & I love her humor! I hope she updates us with another book! We must know what path her life takes!
I loved hearing about Pi & her family members! I have recently made friends in Zambia, so that made it more interesting for me. I respect them for the strength they had to be so adaptable & able to survive with all the changes thrown their way. Katlynn has a very nice writing style & I love her humor! I hope she updates us with another book! We must know what path her life takes!
February 14, 2025
“I am a quiet child, and I get up to stuff.” With a vivid imagination, headstrong and possibly too much energy, Katlynn’s childhood was part make-believe with a freedom to be herself.
In this refreshingly honest memoir Katlynn takes us through two decades of her early childhood in what was then Rhodesia. It was a time after WW2 when the next generation of pioneer stock built up a country they grew to love. Times were hard, and hard times brought out the good and bad in people, many of whom are described here with no judgement but acceptance as only a child can give.
Sharing her fears of teachers, boarding school, loosing her Mother and being caught raiding the cachet of chocolates, reading books and her love of Beano comics, Katlynn reminds us all what it was once like to be a child.
However, it is her love of the bush, the freedom her ever-patient mother gives her children, the opportunity to live and explore whilst they move from camp to camp following Dad and his work which is the essence of this book. The fun as a close-knit family who make their own films – young brother being the Egyptian army “poking a frog with his spear” – as well as malaria, bilharzia, snakes and crocodiles, home-schooling, and Mum’s terrible cooking, that brings to life a way of living few ever heard of or imagined.
Great historical world-wide events are used as a guided time-line. The establishment of the vast sugar estates, with their canals that Dad built, the growth of Chiredzi in the hot and humid lowveld of Rhodesia and the development of Fort Victoria, now Masvingo, are a meaningful addition to the history of Rhodesia.
An award winning memoir (Firebird Book Award) this is a truly enjoyable read. We look forward to Katlynn Brooke’s forth-coming memoir of more years of her unusual life.
In this refreshingly honest memoir Katlynn takes us through two decades of her early childhood in what was then Rhodesia. It was a time after WW2 when the next generation of pioneer stock built up a country they grew to love. Times were hard, and hard times brought out the good and bad in people, many of whom are described here with no judgement but acceptance as only a child can give.
Sharing her fears of teachers, boarding school, loosing her Mother and being caught raiding the cachet of chocolates, reading books and her love of Beano comics, Katlynn reminds us all what it was once like to be a child.
However, it is her love of the bush, the freedom her ever-patient mother gives her children, the opportunity to live and explore whilst they move from camp to camp following Dad and his work which is the essence of this book. The fun as a close-knit family who make their own films – young brother being the Egyptian army “poking a frog with his spear” – as well as malaria, bilharzia, snakes and crocodiles, home-schooling, and Mum’s terrible cooking, that brings to life a way of living few ever heard of or imagined.
Great historical world-wide events are used as a guided time-line. The establishment of the vast sugar estates, with their canals that Dad built, the growth of Chiredzi in the hot and humid lowveld of Rhodesia and the development of Fort Victoria, now Masvingo, are a meaningful addition to the history of Rhodesia.
An award winning memoir (Firebird Book Award) this is a truly enjoyable read. We look forward to Katlynn Brooke’s forth-coming memoir of more years of her unusual life.
September 14, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book
Your only reason for reading this book may have been to find out what life was like in South Africa in the 50’s and 60’s.
It’s certainly a different time and a really different place from where I grew up in Boston.
My dad was a city kid. He and my mom raised three city kids. My mom called me a hothouse flower, and she did not mean it in a nice way. We went to public schools that were close to our home. We dressed well, had things we needed and things we wanted. we only moved one time from our massive Victorian to a nice two-story brick front, with a white picket fence. As kids we went on the Swan Boats and visited the Public Gardens, the State House, the museums.
These kids were raised loosely, often without running water and electricity. The family struggled. They contracted strange and daunting diseases. They were always on the move. Tin roofs. Often not enough food. But beautiful and wild surroundings and a sense of adventure.
And , they all made it out alive while living in really dangerous places surrounded by really dangerous critters, both great and small. I hope there are more books going forward to let us know what happened to the family. I agree that reading is far superior to math.
Your only reason for reading this book may have been to find out what life was like in South Africa in the 50’s and 60’s.
It’s certainly a different time and a really different place from where I grew up in Boston.
My dad was a city kid. He and my mom raised three city kids. My mom called me a hothouse flower, and she did not mean it in a nice way. We went to public schools that were close to our home. We dressed well, had things we needed and things we wanted. we only moved one time from our massive Victorian to a nice two-story brick front, with a white picket fence. As kids we went on the Swan Boats and visited the Public Gardens, the State House, the museums.
These kids were raised loosely, often without running water and electricity. The family struggled. They contracted strange and daunting diseases. They were always on the move. Tin roofs. Often not enough food. But beautiful and wild surroundings and a sense of adventure.
And , they all made it out alive while living in really dangerous places surrounded by really dangerous critters, both great and small. I hope there are more books going forward to let us know what happened to the family. I agree that reading is far superior to math.
April 1, 2024
A genuine first person report of growing up in Rhodesia in late 50's and 60's. This will challenge some stereotypes around growing up white in a country of Africans. Certainly the author's family lived close to the edge economically (including for long stretches in makeshift shelters in the bush) and experienced some of the worst of colonial life--lingering harsh Victorian values, often predatory religious schooling, and serious gender boundaries. What I appreciated most was the honest look at one family's life trying to make things work with 4 kids in a place and at a time where they could not count on much except their own ingenuity. The writing is straightforward, occasionally lyrical, but most blunt. It is a quick read and if you are interested in this part of Africa and its historical antecedents, it is worth the read.
October 12, 2023
This book provided a fascinating, intimate glimpse into a polar opposite environment and culture from my own. However, remembering my outdoorsy childhood, I related easily to the wild, and sometimes comical, adventures of Pie, Butch, Rabbit, and Queenie as they treated the natural world at their doorstep as their playground from morning to suppertime. Their lives were not without challenges and danger, yet there was a strong sense of togetherness and resilience. This candid memoir invoked a range of emotions from laughter to shock to heartache. At times, just like the author herself, I marvelled that they survived.
December 22, 2025
what a life!
Katlynn Brooke regales her readers with tales of her formative years in southern Africa. These stories, often of hardship and with more than a little danger, are told with humour which lightens encounters with snakes, spiders, predators, near fatal illnesses, and alcoholic neighbours.
The book is reminiscent of A Glass Castle, chronicling the families many moves, often to remote and isolated locations, where Brooke and her siblings played barefoot in the African scrublands with few modern conveniences.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its glimpses into a lifestyle that rivals any fictional story I have read.
Katlynn Brooke regales her readers with tales of her formative years in southern Africa. These stories, often of hardship and with more than a little danger, are told with humour which lightens encounters with snakes, spiders, predators, near fatal illnesses, and alcoholic neighbours.
The book is reminiscent of A Glass Castle, chronicling the families many moves, often to remote and isolated locations, where Brooke and her siblings played barefoot in the African scrublands with few modern conveniences.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, with its glimpses into a lifestyle that rivals any fictional story I have read.
November 12, 2022
Interesting but sporadic read
Katlynn certainly had an interesting childhood in Africa. Her book reads a little sporadic but always interesting and fun. She tells her childhood through stories 1 year at a time, each more crazy than the last.
Fun read, even if it reads as just a collection of small stories.
Katlynn certainly had an interesting childhood in Africa. Her book reads a little sporadic but always interesting and fun. She tells her childhood through stories 1 year at a time, each more crazy than the last.
Fun read, even if it reads as just a collection of small stories.
January 26, 2023
I chose to read this because it takes place in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe, when we had family living temporarily in Zimbabwe. It is a memoir of the author’s childhood while her father moved from place to place building bridges. I’m not sure why the title mentions malaria, since in my reading of it, no one is ill with it. It is an okay story but it didn’t really grab me and I certainly did not find it memorable.
April 13, 2023
Old days in Rhodesia
I loved the descriptive and humorous writing - I grew up in Bulawayo from 1955 and leaving early in 1966 after UDI. So the book brought back so many memories and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The only reason for my 4* rating was that it was a fairly slow read.
Highly recommended.
I loved the descriptive and humorous writing - I grew up in Bulawayo from 1955 and leaving early in 1966 after UDI. So the book brought back so many memories and I thoroughly enjoyed everything about it. The only reason for my 4* rating was that it was a fairly slow read.
Highly recommended.
October 14, 2021
We are proud to announce that TEA, SCONES, AND MALARIA by Katlynn Brooke has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
December 17, 2023
My mother grew up in in Rhodesia so it was lovely hearing stories similar to her childhood. Having grown up in South Africa myself and now living in Ireland I can relate so well to the wild life of the bushveld and the adventure of the wilds of africa something I long for even now.
March 30, 2025
Great Read of a childhood in Africa
What a fun read this was, full of adventure, coming of age honesty, and a humbling experience through many hardships. Great thanks for sharing your story.
What a fun read this was, full of adventure, coming of age honesty, and a humbling experience through many hardships. Great thanks for sharing your story.
May 9, 2025
Unique upbringing in the South African bush
This book tells the story of a young white girl raised by unusual parents in rough conditions in rural South Africa. I enjoyed the stories but was disappointed with its abrupt ending.
This book tells the story of a young white girl raised by unusual parents in rough conditions in rural South Africa. I enjoyed the stories but was disappointed with its abrupt ending.
October 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this book, story of a family living in Africa. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews