waiting for the rains

Waiting for the Rains is an autobiography of Roger J. Barton about life in Africa. He lived and worked in Malawi and Zambia from the 1970s onwards and has visited the continent over many years.

The book is colour illustrated, and a quality production. It covers all facits of life and is suitable for both the academic and interested layman. It is divided into chapters covering separate topics. This includes the following: transport by bus, minibus, train, lake steamer, climate, rains and dry season, travel, living in isolated areas, dealing with beauacracy, crossing borders, insect and animal life, village life, working conditions, people and politics, expatriate life. All accessible separately and individually.

There is enough information to enable any reader to feel they understand so much more about Africa. The description of the terrain and savannah landscapes makes you feel as though you have actually been there.

The author travelled widely by bus, train, lake steamer, truck and even ordinary car. Countries covered include not only Malawi and Zambia where he worked, but South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia.

The author was not like a foreign correspondent, flown in for short coverage. He was a contract based expatriate staying for several years at a time. Therefore always close to the people and observing them at work and play.

While in Zambia the author was near to the conflicts raging in the local wars of independence. The material is documented while displaying a balanced commentary of events.

Whether you want to feel the force of rain or the trauma of a minibus journey through one of the largest cities, it is all here.