Yet again, I found myself
nearing Friday (my one day at university- 3 grand for one day, don’t get me
started) and yet to pick up the novel for this week’s lecture. Although these
books tend to have interesting covers I still judge it by the predecessors in
the module! However, Mungo Park’s travels in Africa are so endearing and
quirky!
PLOT
Mungo Park was an explorer,
embarking on his first trip to Africa funded by the African Association in
1794. During this time Africa was still considered to be a very dangerous place
for exploration and travellers. Mungo Park’s first novel describes the
conditions and discovery that Mungo comes across- whilst travelling towards the
Niger River.
Mungo begins by telling the
readers of his journey to Africa- although he does not linger on his experience
of the ship. He jumps straight into his first glimpse of Africa and the people
inhabiting it. His novel is concerned
with the display of hospitality from the natives, or more prominently the lack
of!
Mungo’s novel is based upon
his journey and what he encounters on the way. This includes stories the
natives tell him- for example the harsh truths of the West African traditions
called ‘Mumbo Jumbo’. Mungo come across many dangerous exploits and becomes a
hostage of the renowned ‘Moors’- however, will he escape and finish his
journey?
Rating 4*- This
is another novel that surprised me. The historical and cultural aspect of Mungo’s
journey is fascinating and involves so much content that was first discovered
on his journey.
In using his personal stories
he brings his text to life- straying away from the guidelines set by other travellers
of the time, he produces a very different text. Knowing this was a real journey
undertaken by a lone man, it is easy to relate to the dangerous setting and
Mungo is determined to not return home until he has completed his exploration.
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