{"title":"Kirsten Drysdale","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelve into the compelling narratives crafted by Kirsten Drysdale, an author who effortlessly weaves together elements of history and personal exploration. Her works offer insightful perspectives into various historical contexts, encouraging readers to engage deeply with the past and its myriad stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Drysdale's notable works, \u003cem\u003eI Built No Schools in Kenya\u003c\/em\u003e, takes readers on a unique journey that challenges common perceptions about international aid and development. Through humorous and thought-provoking anecdotes, she unravels the complexities of cultural interactions and personal discoveries, offering readers a fresh view on global issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a history enthusiast or new to the genre, Kirsten Drysdale's books promise a captivating blend of factual narrative and personal reflection. Her engaging storytelling style makes learning about history not only informative but also highly enjoyable. Explore her collection and embark on a journey that melds past with present in the most intriguing ways.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"i-built-no-schools-in-kenya-by-kirsten-drysdale-9780857988546","title":"I Built No Schools in Kenya","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is not your standard white-girl-in-Africa tale. I fed no babies, I built no schools, I saved no rhinos. Self-discovery came a distant second to self-preservation on this particular adventure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn September 2010, Kirsten Drysdale was tricked. Her friend called with a job offer too curious to refuse—a cruisey gig as a dementia carer for a rich old man in Kenya. All expenses paid, plenty of free time to travel or do some freelance reporting. There seemed no good reason to say no... so she got on a plane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOnly Kirsten's friend hadn't given her the full story. It was only on arrival in Nairobi that she discovered the rich old man's family was fighting a war around him, and that she would be on the front line. Caught in the crossfire of all kinds of wild accusations, she also had to spy on his wife, keep his daughter placated, rebuff his marriage proposals, hide the car keys and clip his toenails, all while trying to retain her own sanity in the colonial time warp of his home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeanwhile, the Kenyan army was invading Somalia, Al-Shabaab was threatening terror attacks, the East African bodybuilding scene beckoned, and Kirsten discovered she had long-lost cousins running a bar on the other side of the city.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eI Built No Schools in Kenya\u003c\/em\u003e is a travelogue-tragedy-farce about race, wealth, love, death, family, nationhood, sanity, benzodiazepines, monkeys and whisky.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt is almost entirely true.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46343592509676,"sku":"9780857988546","price":36.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12810993482493.jpg?v=1743999177"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/kirsten-drysdale.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}