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Blood River

A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart (Vintage Voyages)
Series: Vintage Voyages
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Blood River is an enthralling travelogue by Tim Butcher, chronicling his daring solo journey through the perilous Congo. Inspired by H.M. Stanley's famous expedition, Butcher navigates the vast and largely inaccessible African country armed with little more than a rucksack and determination. Traversing diverse terrains by motorbike, dugout canoe, and other means, he encounters a vivid cast of characters including UN aid workers and local campaigners, uncovering a world fraught with danger yet rich in history and humanity.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy travel and adventure stories, African history enthusiasts, and those fascinated by accounts of personal courage and exploration. It appeals to fans of classic expedition tales and contemporary journalism alike.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A compulsively readable account of an African country now virtually inaccessible to the outside world and one journalist's daring and adventurous journey.

When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M.

VINTAGE VOYAGES- A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

VINTAGE VOYAGES: A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind

A compulsively readable account of an African country now virtually inaccessible to the outside world and one journalist's daring and adventurous journey.

When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa, he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M. Stanley's famous expeditionβ€”travelling alone. Despite warnings that his plan was 'suicidal', Butcher set out for the Congo's eastern border with just a rucksack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots. Making his way in an assortment of vessels including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, helped along by a cast of characters from UN aid workers to a campaigning pygmy, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurers.

VINTAGE VOYAGES: A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind

Series: Vintage Voyages

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  • Blood River
    VINTAGE VOYAGES: A world of journeys, from the tallest mountains to the depths of the mind A compulsively readable account of an African country now virtually inaccessible to the outside world and one journalist's daring and adventurous journey. When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa, he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H.M. Stanley's...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A remarkable, fascinating book praised for its courage and perceptiveness by Alexander McCall Smith. Critics commend Butcher's blend of travel narrative and history, with Max Hastings highlighting the book as a remarkable marriage of travelogue and history that showcases both prose and bravery. Giles Foden and John Simpson laud Butcher’s tenacity and the gripping storytelling that honours the legacy of Victorian explorers. Fergal Keane notes the book as a terrific adventure story that captivates readers from start to finish.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784875381

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 266g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Tim Butcher is a best-selling author who blends travel with history. His first book, Blood River, was a number one bestseller, a Richard & Judy Book Club selection and was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize, while his next, Chasing the Devil, was longlisted for the George Orwell Prize. A journalist with the Daily Telegraph from 1990 to 2009, in 2010 he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Northampton for services to writing. Born in Great Britain, he is based in Cape Town with his family.

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