Read Your Way Aroubd the World - Botswana

This installment of Read Your Way Around the World is taking us to Botswana.

Affectionately known as the Last Eden, Botswana is country of unsurpassed beauty. Some consider it the cradle of mankind. Begin a journey to Botswana within these pages. Experience the Kalahari Desert, the magnificent Okavango Delta and the many magical places in between. Explore the complex fabric of Batswana life and traditions. A trip well worth taking.

The Heavens May Fall, by Unity Dow. (2008)

Author Dow, the first female High Court judge in Botswana, uses her legal experience to create a dramatic, yet sobering tale of abuse and injustice. This well written and gripping story is sure to move you.

Tales of Tenderness and Power, by Bessie Head. (1990)

Stories of the displaced and disowned. Bessie Head’s writings offers the reader an insider’s view of living in exile, both physically and psychologically. A touching collection of insightful stories.

Botswana Time, by Will Randall. (2005)

London inner city school teacher finds himself teaching at a school in the tiny town of Kasane, Botswana. A light and amusing travel tale.

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith. (2001)

Precious Ramotswe uses an inheritance to open a detective agency in Gaborone, Botswana. This is the first book in continuing series. McCall Smith has been charming readers worldwide with Precious’s adventures and innate sense of goodness.

Cry of the Kalahari, by Mark Owens. (1984)

Mark and Delia Owens spent seven years in the Kalahari desert documenting animal life and behavior. Their studies of and friendship with the hyenas and lions are reminiscent of Dian Fossey’s work with gorillas.

Lost World of the Kalahari, by Laurens van der Post (1958).

Van der Post introduced the Bushmen of the Kalahari to the western world in work published first in the 1950's. Today, genetic evidence suggests that all humankind can trace their heritage back to this group.

Mortals, by Norman Rush (2003).

Three American ex-pats are somewhat at odds with Botswanean culture. A densely written, but humourous novel.