Across African Sand: Journeys of a Witch-Doctor's Son-in-Law

From Library Journal
The author, an American-born teacher whose career has been primarily overseas, gives a lively recounting of nearly five years in southern Africa, in the village of Mapoka, Botswana. His stories provide an outsider's view of traditional African society and culture. A dangerous bicycle ride across the Kalahari and Namib deserts provides the framework for telling the story: as he bikes across 3000 miles of sand, dodging lions and elephants, Deutschle describes his life in Botswana through flashbacks. This method makes the book somewhat confusing and difficult to follow. Focusing more on life in Mapoka and less on the desert trip might have been better. Nonetheless this is recommended for public libraries with collections on travel and African culture.-Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, UT Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, UT
The author, an American-born teacher whose career has been primarily overseas, gives a lively recounting of nearly five years in southern Africa, in the village of Mapoka, Botswana. His stories provide an outsiders view of traditional African society and culture. A dangerous bicycle ride across the Kalahari and Namib deserts provides the framework for telling the story: as he bikes across 3000 miles of sand, dodging lions and elephants, Deutschle describes his life in Botswana through flashbacks. This method makes the book somewhat confusing and difficult to follow. Focusing more on life in Mapoka and less on the desert trip might have been better. Nonetheless this is recommended for public libraries with collections on travel and African culture.


Al Siebert, Ph.D., Author of The Survivor Personality
Across African Sand is more than a fascinating adventure story, it is a hero's journey.


Hilary Bradt, publisher of Bradt Travel Guides
Vivid descriptions of personal danger and physical endurance. An immensely rewarding book.


Matt Dickinson, Author of The Other Side of Everest
A marvelous read for anyone fascinated by Africa, and an adventure book that will satisfy all armchair travelers.


Book Description
The incredible story of a 3,000 mile bicycle trek across the world's largest stretch of sand--the Kalahari and Namib Deserts of Southern Africa. The author relates his fantastic experiences--stalked by lions, charged by a herd of elephants, and his encounters with poisonous snakes, to name a few. He also tells of his numerous observations and experiences in living and teaching in Botswana for three years. These include his marriage to the daughter of a local witch-doctor.


About the Author
Phil Deutschle is a great adventurer, travel writer, science teacher, and the author of "The Two Year Mountain that tells of his adventures in Nepal.


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The author, an American-born teacher whose career has been primarily overseas, gives a lively recounting of nearly five years in southern Africa, in the village of Mapoka, Botswana. His stories provide an outsider's view of traditional African society and culture. A dangerous bicycle ride across the Kalahari and Namib deserts provides the framework for telling the story: as he bikes across 3000 miles of sand, dodging lions and elephants, Deutschle describes his life in Botswana through flashbacks. This method makes the book somewhat confusing and difficult to follow. Focusing more on life in Mapoka and less on the desert trip might have been better. Nonetheless this is recommended for public libraries with collections on travel and African culture.--Mark L. Grover, Brigham Young Univ. Lib., Provo, UT Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.


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