VivienneR visits the Commonwealth

February 12, 2013: Now that I've completed the Canadian provinces challenge and the Europe Endess challenge, I'm ready to start on Commonwealth countries. I have sub-divided the United Kingdom countries making a total of 57 current member nations, plus a category for the Commonwealth of Nations generally.

Books read from this date forward will be counted. Because I'm trying to reduce Mount TBR, there will be multiple entries for countries for which I already have a number of unread books, like England and Canada.

I've created a Commonwealth challenge collection to keep track of my journey.

Commonwealth

Philip & Elizabeth : portrait of a royal marriage by Gyles Brandreth
Antigua and Barbuda

Our Kind of Traitor by John Le Carré
Australia

Dead Man's Chest by Kerry Greenwood

Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood
Bahamas

A Conspiracy of Crowns by Alfred de Marigny
Bangladesh

Scenes From Early Life by Philip Hensher
Barbados

A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie
Belize

Whiplash River by Lou Berney
Botswana

Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith
Brunei

Brunei : The Modern Southeast-Asian Islamic Sultanate by David Leake
Cameroon

The Bafut Beagles by Gerald Durrell
Canada

100 Grey Cups : This is our game by Stephen Brunt

Mister Roger and Me by Marie-Renée Lavoie

Death of a Sunday Writer by Eric Wright

Stray Bullets by Robert Rotenberg
Cyprus

Small Wars by Sadie Jones
Dominica

The Orchid House by Phyllis Shand Allfrey

The Collected Short Stories by Jean Rhys
Fiji

The Sailmaker's Daughter by Stephanie Johnson
Gambia

Wild Wings by Gill Lewis
Ghana

Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey
Grenada

Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk
Guyana

A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh
India

The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach
Jamaica

Pao by Kerry Young
Kenya

Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
Kiribati

Amelia Earhart's Shoes : is the mystery solved? by Thomas F. King
Lesotho

Tselane by J. Louw Van Wijk
Malawi

Laugh With the Moon by Shana Burg
Malaysia

Inspector Singh Investigates : A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint
Maldives

The Strode Venturer by Hammond Innes
Malta

The Information Officer by Mark Mills
Mauritius

Ark on the Move by Gerald Durrell
Mozambique

At the mercy of the river : an exploration of the last African wilderness by Peter Stark
Namibia

The Best of Friends: two women, two continents, and one enduring friendship by Sara James and Ginger Mauney
Nauru

Paradise for sale by Carl N. McDaniel
New Zealand

The Garden Party and other stories by Katherine Mansfield

Land of the long white cloud : Maori myths, tales, and legends by Kiri Te Kanawa
Nigeria

Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe
Pakistan

Our Lady of Bhatti by Mohammed Hanif
Papua New Guinea

Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
Rwanda

Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin
Saint Kitts and Nevis

A State of Independence by Caryl Phillips
Saint Lucia

Homeland and other stories by Barbara Kingsolver

Saint Lucia : Helen of the West Indies by Guy Ellis
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm, Union, Psv : A Plural Country by Jill Bobrow
Samoa

In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Trembling of a Leaf by W. Somerset Maugham
Seychelles

For Your Eyes Only : a James Bond novel by Ian Fleming
Sierra Leone

The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris
Singapore

Dead in the Dog by Bernard Knight
Solomon Islands

One Blood by Graeme Kent
South Africa

Blessed are the dead by Malla Nunn
Sri Lanka

Wave: a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala
Swaziland

When Hoopoes Go to Heaven by Gaile Parkin
Tanzania

Death in Zanzibar by M.M. Kaye
Tonga

Queen Salote and her Kingdom by Sir Harry Luke
Trinidad and Tobago

The Return of Eva Peron with the Killings in Trinidad by V.S. Naipaul
Tuvalu

Time & tide: the islands of Tuvalu by Peter Bennetts
Uganda

The queen of Katwe : a story of life, chess, and one extraordinary girl's dream of becoming a grandmaster by Tim Crothers
United Kingdom: England

How it all began by Penelope Lively

The Heir by Vita Sackville-West

Foxhunt by Baron Bertie Denham

The Sibyl in Her Grave by Sarah L. Caudwell

The Rising of the Moon by Gladys Mitchell

Oxford Proof by Veronica Stallwood

Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley
United Kingdom: Northern Ireland

The Tavern on Maple Street by Sharon Owens
United Kingdom: Scotland

Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson
United Kingdom: Wales

Sixpence House : lost in a town of books by Paul Collins
Vanuatu

Port Vila Blues by Garry Disher
Zambia

Bulu : African Wonder Dog by Dick Houston

Welcome Vivienne! I also expect to spend a lot of time in the UK and Canada. I'll be reading Alias Grace in April, and too many books set in the UK to count.

Thanks Carrie. I'm considering alternating UK and Canada books with the rest of the Commonwealth. A method of spreading them out over time.

But the main thing I have to do is to reduce my tbr before I can bring any more books into the house. Oh, what a problem :-)

Cameroon - The Bafut Beagles by Gerald Durrell

This is a memoir of the author's animal collecting trip in The Cameroons in 1949 for which no explanation was given. Durrell nicknamed the dogs belonging to the native men of Bafut who aided him "the Bafut beagles" a title the dog owners also assumed as it implied prestige and status. The Fon, the gin-loving Bafut chief, was described in Durrell's typically entertaining style.

Much of the dialogue is related in Pidgin English, which after a short time I skipped. And although not politically correct - in either the animal-collecting or attitudes - the story is filled with Durrell's humour and his love of all living creatures. His descriptions of animals are without equal. My favourite story was about the Brow-leaf Toads, who looked sneering and supercilious, "waddled with all the dignity of a couple of Lord Mayors" but were actually shy and easily embarrassed.

The book is sadly dated but the animal descriptions and stories are pure Durrell, for that reason alone I gave it 4 stars.

That's the book I' ve got on my list to read for Cameroon! The public library has a copy I can borrow.

Our local library will weed out books that are old and a bit scruffy so I jumped at the chance of getting Durrell's book published in the 50s, which is why it's up first. Luckily, it probably missed weeding because it was mis-shelved. You'll enjoy it.

Welcome to the challenge, I read My Family And Other Animals earlier this year, and immediately ordered the next book in his trilogy. He is so very readable!

Nice to see you here, Judy. I believe we talked about Durrell on another thread. I read several of his books a long time ago and was a fan of his tv program, The Stationary Ark. I still frequently use a number of phrases from his books, that's how unforgettable they are and how much of an impression he made. My favourites will always be the series you mention.

UK: England - How it all began by Penelope Lively

A single event brings about certain actions, which in turn give rise to others, producing more happenings that would not have come to pass without the first occurrence. Lively has created colourful characters and a pleasant, deceptively simple story set in London. 4 stars

Set in London? This one needs to be on my list. Off to check the public library catalog...

Probably the first of several for Canada: 100 Grey Cups : This is our game by Stephen Brunt

Although there are a lot of sidebars and inserts that interrupt the story, which is not chronological in any case, this still makes for an interesting history of the sport and of Canada. Brunt is able to bring out the excitement of the game in his writing.

I have added "Commonwealth" to the list of countries so that I can add this book that surely belongs here.

Queen Elizabeth's commitment to the Commonwealth is legendary. As head of the Commonwealth, she, with Prince Philip, has visited every nation (with the exception of Cameroon and Rwanda, both recently joined).

Philip & Elizabeth : portrait of a royal marriage by Gyles Brandreth

The difference between Brandreth's account and many other writings or the press reports that we are used to seeing is immediately evident. There is no subterfuge, no sensationalism, no quotes taken out of context. It is forthright and believable, mostly because it is drawn from conversations with the individuals concerned and the author identifies all his sources. A lot has happened in the Royal family since it was published in 2004, but the state of the royal marriage has not changed.

I planned to glance through it and read only the parts that grabbed my attention. Instead, I read every word of an excellent book that is truly interesting and absorbing. Highly recommended. I'm giving it 5 stars.

>14 VivienneR: That one's definitely going on my wish list!

Carrie, I know you'll like it. I've been a royal-watcher for a long time, but I learned so much from this book that I'd never heard mentioned before. He's the first person I've ever heard speak of Princess Diana without glorifying her.

I think that reading a book about the head of the Commonwealth is an excellent idea and I am also adding this book to my wishlist. I've just checked my library and they have this book as well as one on Charles and Camilla by the same author which might also be worth taking a look at.

After reading what he said of Charles in 2004, it would be interesting to see what he says about him now. Not that he was critical or disrespectful, but he wasn't exactly complimentary. Before reading this, I didn't know that Princes Andrew and Edward also went to Gordonstoun school and so did Princess Anne's two children, all without the anguish that Charles suffered. But the bulk of the book was about Philip and Elizabeth.

I was reading an Ian Rankin book for Scotland, but it was just too depressing so I abandoned it. Not something I do very often, but there is so much available for Scotland that there was no point in sticking with is.

Scotland: After the Rankin failure, I went on to Emotionally Weird by Kate Atkinson which has all the ingredients for a classic Atkinson story, but turned out to be my least favourite of her books. Just 3 stars for this one.

New Zealand: The Garden Party and other stories by Katherine Mansfield

I can't think why I haven't read this before. I love Mansfield's lyrical style of writing and will add her to my favourite authors list. Lovely, gentle stories about women.

I've been meaning to try something by Katherine Mansfield. I have one of her short story collections on my e-reader but haven't managed to get to it yet.

Not all her stories are set in New Zealand, she lived in England for a time. But I enjoyed all of this collection.

Solomon Islands: One Blood by Graeme Kent

The second in the series from Kent, set in the Solomon Islands in 1960. Sgt. Kella is a policeman as well as aofia, a spiritual leader. He is assisted by Sister Conchita, a nun introduced in Devil-Devil. In this tale, the plot relates to the U.S. presidential campaign and the fact that John F. Kennedy was shipwrecked on one of the Solomons in 1943.

I particularly enjoy the description of the islands with many details of the indigenous culture, flora and fauna. A winner that gets 4.5 stars.

It sounds like this is a good series. That makes me happy since I'm olanning on book 1 for my Solomon Islands visit!

The Gambia: Wild Wings by Gill Lewis

This is a story of an osprey sighting in Scotland, on a farm where ospreys have not been seen for about 100 years. The aerie was discovered by a couple of children who go to great trouble to keep it secret and avoid aggressive birders and egg-snatchers. When the female osprey leaves on her migration to The Gambia, the children are able to watch her progress through the use of a tracking device, attached to her back when she was having an injury tended by a wildlife ranger. When contact is lost, they launch an SOS by email to as many people as possible in The Gambia. Their efforts are successful, the observation is continued, and new friendships are made.

I enjoyed this endearing story that would be suitable for children in grades 4-6. The characters were realistic; the story well-written and interesting. Ospreys are common in my area of Canada and it was interesting to hear about them in Scotland and The Gambia and discover information new to me. The author conveniently provides links to a number of osprey-related web sites. I'm giving it 4 stars.

England: The Heir by Vita Sackville-West

I particularly love the way Vita Sackville-West writes. I can become immersed in her horticultural books even though there is no chance that I will ever be able to use the information. The Heir is a short book, written, according to Sackville-West "in 1922, or it might be 1921". Nearly 30 years later, Martin Secker asked her if it might be reprinted. She worried that it was too sentimental, too slight. Thankfully, it has remained available, and reprinted once more, very beautifully, by Hesperus.

When an elderly relative died, leaving her considerable property to her heir, Mr. Chase, a diffident insurance agent, he initially deems the place without charm, impractical. In fact, the only thing to do is to go along with the advice of solicitors and sell. However, in the weeks prior to the sale, he becomes quite endeared to the house, his aunt's greyhound, the peacocks in the garden, even the rank moat. I raced through the story to end the suspense. How could it possibly go well for Mr Chase? For the farmer tenants?

Although the story was inspired by another house entirely, Sackville-West must have thought of it often when she acquired the almost derelict Sissinghurst Castle a few years later.

You're making great progress on the challenge!

Thanks Carrie, I've also been having fun looking for books that fit each category. And, I've been reducing Mount TBR at the same time.

Well, a week in hospital put the brakes on my reading but I managed to finish a couple:

Botswana: Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith

I thought I'd had enough of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency but no, this was just as good or better than the others in the series.

Northern Ireland: The Tavern on Maple Street by Sharon Owens

Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, and perfect reading material for hospital, this was a very enjoyable, warm and fuzzy story set in Belfast. Well done chick-lit - and I mean that in a good way. I will get other books by this author.

I'm sorry to hear you had to spend time in hospital. I'm glad you were able to do a bit of reading. So often they don't leave you alone long enough to concentrate on anything.

I just a short stay in the hospital as well and I didn't get nearly enough time for reading while there. I hope all is well with you now.

When I went in I had about 20 pages of Blue Shoes and Happiness left to read, which took about 4 days to complete. Then in one sleepless night I just about finished The Tavern on Maple Street.

Hope you are well too Judy.

Another book for New Zealand:

Land of the long white cloud : Maori myths, tales, and legends by Kiri Te Kanawa

The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa that is often translated as "land of the long white cloud", a swirl of cloud caused by warm winter winds from Australia meeting cold Antarctic air over New Zealand.

One of my favourite opera singers, Kiri Te Kanawa was inspired at a family reunion (her mother is Irish and her father Maori) to write folk tales just as she remembered them being told to her when she was a child. The legends depict the fantastic mythological culture of New Zealand. This is a charming book, beautifully illustrated by Michael Foreman.

>34 VivienneR: That one sounds interesting. I've always liked Kiri Te Kanawa. The public library has a copy so I'll have to see about checking it out sometime.

India The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach

A diverse group of seniors have been given the chance to reside at a retirement home - sorry, hotel - in India. For various reasons the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is their most attractive option.

There are more characters, more complexities, and a more interesting story line, than the movie, which is significantly different. And although there is a deeper, more serious slant, the story is highly entertaining. Differences in culture are stark, but the human ability to adapt is still alive. Moggach portrays the modern India with its call centres and "Silicon Valley" existing side by side with poverty. What I least liked was that most of the characters had so much regret, and so little of their lives to look back on with joy.

The book was originally published with the title These Foolish Things. After the success of the movie it was reprinted as a movie tie-in. If I hadn't already seen the movie, I don't think I would have enjoyed this book as much. I could hear Judi Dench's voice every time Evelyn spoke.

I saw the movie on a plane last summer and I've wanted to read the book since then. I might listen to the audio download from the public library.

It has a definite sense of location, that was what I liked most. And although it showed India from a western viewpoint, with all its imperfections, it was still an attractive, hospitable, captivating country, which is pretty much the way I imagined it.

UK: Wales Sixpence House : lost in a town of books by Paul Collins

Because of their love of books, Paul Collins and his wife, with baby, moved from San Francisco to Hay-on-Wye in Wales, a town renowned for the high number of bookshops. Unfortunately this pair of incompetents are unable to find their dream house with a rock bottom price, and are dissatisfied that Britain doesn't do things as they are done in America.

This book seemed like a perfect choice for someone who loves everything to do with books. It turned out to be so disappointing, boring, tedious, and annoying. I'm sure Hay-on-Wye is a charming place but better off without Collins. I'm giving him two stars, which might be a tad on the generous side.

You've captured my feelings about Sixpence House exactly. A very disappointing read.

VivienneR -- for Australia try "We of the Never, Never" written some years back and describes life on an Outback Ranch by a woman at a time when not many women were there.

#41: I've read We of the Never Never a long time ago. Maybe it's time for a re-read. Thanks for the reminder.

I've just started a Kerry Greenwood mystery in the Phryne Fisher series, my first one. I loved the TV series and hope the book is as entertaining.

Australia Dead Man's Chest by Kerry Greenwood

This was my first Phryne Fisher mystery and although it didn't have much of a plot, it was a lot of fun. I'll be looking out for others in the series.

Nigeria Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe

One of the characters says "Now he has won our brothers, our clan can no longer act like one. He has put a knife on the things that held us together and we have fallen apart".

The author died earlier this month so it seemed to be an appropriate time to read this book that describes Nigerian village life in the late 1800s before the arrival of the white man. This is a different concept, portraying the experience from the native side instead of the white man's viewpoint. The laws and customs of the area seemed brutal, but are they so different to what was to come? Unfortunately the main character was so unlikeable that it lessened my appreciation for the work.

I would have read Things Fall Apart for my Nigeria slot if I hadn't already read it during a group read last year.

At least there isn't a shortage of material for Nigeria. I might have chosen Oil on Water by Helon Habila but the news about Achebe decided for me.

Then there's Little Bee, which I listened to last year. A lot of the action takes place in England, but it all revolves around Nigeria.

Little Bee sounds excellent and our local library has a copy. On the wishlist it goes.

Another one for Canada Mister Roger and Me by Marie-Renée Lavoie

This is a wonderful book filled with a wide range of emotions. It was moving, touching, poignant, happy, sad, funny. All portraying the joy and difficulties of growing up. Eight year-old Héléne claims to be ten so that she can get a job delivering newspapers. Her hero is a cartoon character, Oscar, and her new best friend is the old guy next door who smokes, swears and drinks beer - and becomes her protector. The story is set in Quebec around the 1980s.

I wish my French was good enough to read this in the original language. I have a feeling it would get the full 5 stars. An excellent book that I can recommend highly.

A winner from Vanuatu Port Vila Blues by Garry Disher

This is a reversal from the usual plot: crimes are described from the criminal's viewpoint. Supposedly, none of the human links know each other, which protects them as well as the mastermind. Gradually we find out who they are and why they are doing what they do.

Filled with twists and turns this is a page-turner full of surprises - not least my admiration and sympathy for Wyatt, the thief. I'll be looking for more by Garry Disher.

That sounds like an interesting book. I have a missionary biography listed to read for Vanuatu, but maybe I'll have to take a look at this one.

The author is a well-known Australian writer. in Port Vila Blues the characters travel back and forth to Vanuatu from Australia. Like the Grand Caymans in the west, Vanuatu imposes no income taxes on residents.

My local library has a couple more of Disher's books that I'll be reading some time.

England again with Foxhunt by Baron Bertie Denham

Peopled by aristocracy, politicians, and peers from the House of Lords. The plot mirrors the foxhunt - an unappealing topic that spoils what might have been not a bad mystery.

Port Vila Blues looks like a good choice for Vanuatu, and I'm adding it to the list.

Judy, Port Vila Blues was a stroke of luck. I can't imagine that there are many books with Vanuatu as a setting, never mind a decent mystery.

Tuvalu Time and Tide : the Islands of Tuvalu by Peter Bennetts and Tony Wheeler

A beautiful book with short informative articles beginning each section. Wheeler, with photography by Bennetts, describes all aspects of life on the tiny group of atolls in the South Pacific. Royalties from leasing the domain name .tv doubled the annual budget. With careful management, Tuvaluans are able to provide free education, improved health care, and prepare for an uncertain future. Early in the 21st century the estimated sea-level rise of 2 mm per year gave the low-lying atolls of Tuvalu 50-100 years before they will be submerged. Tuvaluan government has been lobbying New Zealand, Australia and Fiji regarding forced migration should Tuvalu become uninhabitable.

Jamaica Pao by Kerry Young

This was a re-read. I quite enjoyed it the first time around and decided to read it again before passing it on to someone else. At first I thought I would dislike the vernacular, but it grew on me, and made the characters seem more real somehow. Again, I will give this 4 stars.

You're making great progress on the challenge!

Thanks Carrie. I knew when I started another challenge that it would take control! Searching for books to fit each category is a lot of fun. I run into problems by finding too many that I really want to read.

Zambia Bulu : African Wonder Dog by Dick Houston

A delightful story about Steve and Anna Tolan who moved to Zambia to start a wildlife education centre, aiming to teach the younger generation to respect endangered wildlife. When they fell in love with a small dog, they were advised against taking him because dogs are vulnerable, and often taken by lions or crocodiles. However, Bulu was irrestistible. He became their biggest asset as he nurtured the orphaned animals that were brought in. He was an excellent ambassador at presentations for schoolchildren, many of whom were orphans too. Bulu and the Tolan's story, told by Houston, is intended for a teen audience but I believe animal lovers of all ages would enjoy it as much as I did. The ability of animals to understand the needs of others is amazing.

Barbados
A Caribbean Mystery by Agatha Christie
Set on the fictional island of St. Honore in Barbados. Christie once stayed at the Coral Reef Club, Barbados, which is said to have inspired the book. The 1989 movie was filmed at the same hotel. I never try hard to figure out who the murderer is in a Christie novel, but this time I missed it entirely. A fun read.

Kiribati
Amelia Earhart's Shoes : is the mystery solved? by Thomas F. King
The hypothesis is that Amelia Earhart and navigator Fred Noonan landed and died on uninhabited Gardner Island, now Nikumaroro in Kiribati. This book describes the iintensely detailed archaeological research - so detailed that it was tempting to skim to get to the heart of the matter. Reading and keeping track of the mass of detail: acronyms, changed geographical names, researchers past and present, related institutions, etc., was somewhat arduous. Tantalizing, but as expected, we will never know what happened. Given the unflagging interest in Earhart's story, King might have produced a best seller had this been a more fluid story.

Minor irritations: the ubiquitous acronym TIGHAR (The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery) scattered on every page; numerous so-called TIGHAR songs, "sung to the tune of ..."; and the number of errors, which in my library copy were compounded by a previous reader's "corrections".

Saint Vincent & the Grenadines
St. Vincent and the Grenadines: Bequia, Mustique, Canouan, Mayreau, Tobago Cays, Palm, Union, Psv : A Plural Country by Jill Bobrow
A beautiful photographic feast that includes chapters on specific islands as well as history, government, industry, economy, agriculture, and the thriving tourist business. It has enough detail to provide a decent summary of the islands. The photos are a bonus.

You're doing well finding books for some of the more obscure places!

Thanks Carrie. I've chosen most of my books now, but may make changes if I find something I'd prefer. It had been a lot of fun - and an education. I'm just finishing up my Mozambique choice, which has turned out better than I thought it would.

Mozambique
At the mercy of the river : an exploration of the last African wilderness by Peter Stark
A well-written story of Stark's 14-day kayak journey down the Lugenda river in Mozambique in the company of four other kayakers. Before leaving, he considered many of the risks in such a trip in an uncharted area. In reality the hazards were more numerous: relationship with others on the team, the lesser skills of some members, health problems, conditions, and even being scared. Stark is contemplative throughout the journey and his honesty is refreshing without being just navel-gazing. The journal is interspersed with accounts of historical exploration in Africa that adds interest and comparisons. In some respects, little has changed in this area. Recommended.

Our Kind of Traitor by John Le Carré
My choice for Antigua and Barbuda, although only the first part of the book is set there. John Carré, master of the spy novel, has moved to post-cold war style with this one. Not my favourite, but still a good read and his character development is excellent.

Sri Lanka
Wave: a memoir by Sonali Deraniyagala
Deraniyagala contemplates not only the heart-breaking tragedy of the 2004 tsunami but also of her beautiful life before the wave wiped out her entire family. I read this book in one sitting. It is mesmerizing, haunting, courageous, unforgettable.

I just checked an my library has At The Mercy of the River so I am definitely going to read that for my tour of Mozambique. :)

Oh good, I'm sure you will like it. I still have no idea what makes people do things like that. I guess it's like the mountain: because it's there.

Mauritius
Ark on the Move by Gerald Durrell
After making the TV series The Stationary Ark, about the successful project of collecting and breeding endangered animals in captivity, Durrell went on to make a new series, Ark on the Move set in Mauritius and Madagasgar. The animals were shipped to Durrell's zoo in Jersey because many of the countries of origin lack facilities for breeding. The Jersey Trust adopted the dodo as their symbol whle they were in Mauritius. The dodo, tame and without enemies, was discovered in the 1500s when explorers arrived and was completely exterminated within 100 years. Among many of Durrell's goals while in Mauritius was to breed the pink pigeon, a truly beautiful little bird, of which only ten were remaining. His efforts have been successful, not only in his lifetime, but in 2011 the number was estimated at over 400.

This is a more serious story, not so much like many of Durrell's amusing tales but it still has his voice and is typical of his passion for wildlife.

Saint Lucia
Homeland and other stories by Barbara Kingsolver
I prefer full-length novels to short stories but Kingsolver's are subtle and beautifully written. The stories have a common bond of everyday life, realistic people. This was one of the two books I found for Saint Lucia, although only one of the stories was set there.

Saint Lucia : Helen of the West Indies by Guy Ellis
This slim book is a good introduction to Saint Lucia. It includes chapters on history, culture, government, natural history, and the people. Not widely known, Saint Lucia had two Nobel winners within a span of thirteen years - Derek Walcott for Literature (1992) and Sir William Arthur Lewis for Economics (1979) and several Saint Lucians are known internationally for poetry, drama and music.

Samoa
In the South Seas by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson sailed in the south Pacific in the late 1880s. In the South Seas describes many of the islands he visited around this time. It is interesting to read about 19th century opinions and attitudes to the people of the South Seas, particularly Stevenson's opinions. In 1890 Stevenson and his wife Fanny bought a large tract of land in the Samoan island of Upolu where they lived until his death in 1894. His ability to describe the people, the land, and sailing conditions of what was at that time a remote, unfamiliar region, is unmatched.

Another one for Canada
Death of a Sunday Writer by Eric Wright
No bloody murder in this one, but a very likeable sleuth who has inherited her cousin's detective agency in Toronto. Was he murdered? What did he know? Are his notes fact or fiction? I quite enjoyed this one that has been on my tbr shelf for a long time.

Belize
Whiplash River by Lou Berney
Action, excitement, gangsters, all delivered with a shot of humour. The main character, Shake, is a likeable rogue. Strangely the ex-girlfriend he pines for is the least appealing - probably not what the author intended. Shake could do better. Very entertaining with lots of surprise twists.

I also tried See Now Then, my first Jamaica Kincaid, set in Antigua and Barbuda but I didn't care for it and abandoned it halfway through. It is not counted in the challenge.

Namibia
The Best of Friends: two women, two continents, and one enduring friendship by Sara James and Ginger Mauney
A format not often seen: two autobiographies in alternating chapters of one book. Maybe the reason for the paucity is that it doesn't work well. It seems the publisher and authors are always trying to find links that will justify the title. Mauney is a filmmaker who worked in Namibia for sixteen years while keeping up her friendship with James, a news anchor in the U.S. There are interesting details in each of their lives but their stories would have been served better with separate books. Inside the dust jacket the publisher claims that the book "uses the example of their lives to explore such universal questions as: When your heart is broken, how do you heal? How do you realize your dreams without compromising yourself? And what does it mean as an adult to be a "best" friend?" In my opinion, stretching the topic somewhat to fit the title. I was looking forward to reading this book and tried hard to like it, but in the end found it disappointing.

I looked at Whiplash River as a possibility for Belize, but I think I'll probably go with Our Man in Belize. I'm going to try Jamaica Kinkaid for Antigua & Barbuda, but a different book. I have a copy of A Small Place I hope to get to next month.

I'm still amazed at the pace you're whipping through this challenge. You're already almost halfway done!

I thought of you when I was reading Whiplash River. Knowing some of your taste, I don't think it is for you. I put it down to the ex-girlfriend, she was out of place. Unlikeable and crass. The author made a mistake there.

Regarding my pace of reading: that's what comes of being an insomniac! When I put down my book and turned off the light last night it was daylight! It happens often.

Cyprus
Small Wars by Sadie Jones
Set in the 1950s during the military conflict in Cyprus, this is an example of how war - no matter how small - can bring tragedy for those involved. The author has a beautiful writing style and even though the characters have difficulty expressing their emotions, Jones is skilled at allowing the reader to understand them. An excellent work that I can recommend highly.

Small Wars sounds like a great read and I am definitely taking note of it for when I reach Cyprus.

Nauru
Paradise for sale by Carl N. McDaniel
This is an in-depth study of the results of intensive phosphate mining in Nauru and how it evolved. The end result is that the ecosystem of Nauru has been destroyed. The thin coastal strip supports the entire population of about 10,000 so that instead of being self-sustaining as they were for centuries, the islanders are now dependent on the market system. Their values, culture, and lifestyle have been changed forever. Most native species have been made extinct and about half of those remaining are endangered. While reading McDaniel's book it's not difficult to see that Nauru's story is representative of what is happening to the entire planet. Recommended for anyone interested in the protection of our environment.

"What was once a tropical paradise was changed to a jagged, uninhabitable desert of coral tombstones. Our sad history serves as a poignant example for the rest of the world of what can happen when humans disregard the good earth that sustains us."
-- Kinza Clodumar, former president of Nauru

And another one for Samoa:
The Trembling of a Leaf by W. Somerset Maugham
Maugham is one of my favourite authors. This collection of short stories is a re-read and just as good as the first time around. My favourite quote comes from the missionary's wife in the story Rain and is in regard to dancing: "However, I'm thankful to God that we stamped it out, and I don't think I'm wrong in saying that no one has danced in our district for eight years."

Bangladesh
Scenes From Early Life by Philip Hensher
Scenes from early life is a very appealing memoir recounted by a small boy and is descriptive of life - for the wealthy - during the 1970s in Bangladesh. However, it omitted important details of the time, which, for me, made the story seem somewhat callous.

Hensher mentions the discrimination between Bengalis and Pakistanis and briefly writes about the conflict that erupted at that time. However, there was no mention of the horrendous, heartbreaking news from Bangladesh that I remember hearing in the early 1970s. Reports of war, cyclones, floods, and famine that caused millions of deaths. It is to be assumed that this child of an affluent family was protected or too young to know much about it. I believe the omission was a sad lapse in compassion for all those who suffered so profoundly.

Another for Australia
Away with the Fairies by Kerry Greenwood
An excellent mystery starring Phryne Fisher. Light, yet having a serious side, and just a twist of feminism.

More great reading going on here! Bangladesh is on my schedule for June. I've got A Golden Age by Tahmima Anam checked out from the library. I downloaded the first of the Phryne Fisher series when it was free for Kindle a couple of weeks ago. That could end up being my Australia book.

For me it was a toss-up between Tahmima Anam and Hensher. I'm sure A Golden Age will be excellent. Lucky for you to get a Phryne Fisher book for Kindle. My introduction was via the tv series that we had recently. I was an instant fan and had to see her in print.

I got the same deal as Carrie and downloaded the first two Phryne Fisher books. Don't know when I will be getting to Australia, this month will be a revisit to Canada and India.

My local library only has a few of the Phryne Fisher series. I wish they had one or two of the early ones. There are so many good reads for Australia and India, and Canada too, of course.

Bahamas
A Conspiracy of Crowns by Alfred de Marigny
The true story about the murder of Sir Harry Oakes and the trial of de Marigny who was framed for the murder. Although he was acqutted, the event continued to haunt him wherever he went. The original investigation was seriously flawed, mostly on the direction of the Duke of Windsor, who was governor in the Bahamas at the time. When Random House asked him to write the story to clear his name, there were two attempts on his life. The story had to wait until after the death of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. This fascinating story was a real page-turner.

>83 VivienneR: That one sounds fascinating. I'll have to check and see if my public library has it.

Kenya
Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
One of the most charming, entertaining books this year. I can recommend it highly.

Thatone has been on my wish list for a long time. I'm glad to know you liked it!

Carrie, I just know you will enjoy this gentle story. Also, it has a good sense of location.

Ghana
Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey
Set in Ghana, this is an excellent first mystery by Kwei Quartey. The plot successfully combines age-old customs with modern policing. Despite a mercurial temper that can get him into trouble, the investigating detective is an appealing character that the reader can cheer for. I look forward to more by this author.

I have had Guide to the Birds of East Africa on my wishlist for quite some time, perhaps this challenge will finally bring this book to the forefront.

I read Wife of the Gods a few years ago and also thought it was very well done, don't know why I haven't continued with the series, will have to look and see if the next one is available.

I did the same thing with Wife of the Gods. I got the first one through the Early Reviewers program and really liked it. I intend to continue with the series, but it hasn't made its way to the top of my reading list yet.

It will probably take me a long time to get to the second in the series. I just examined my tbr list and it just grows by leaps and bounds every day. I have no more space for books, yet I keep on buying more than I can read. Nice problem though.

Another one for England
The Sibyl in Her Grave by Sarah L. Caudwell
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery involving legal complexities, the difficulties of getting renovations completed, and village life. Caudwell's skill with language is unmatched.

I've got a couple of Sarah Caudwell's books waiting in my TBR stash but haven't managed to read them yet. It seems like most reviews of her books are enthusiastic about her writing.

Carrie, I love Caudwell's writing. Her long wordy sentences are not heavy-going like some authors, but entertaining. I wonder if she spoke like that in real life? I expect so, she was a lawyer.

A quote, found at random:

"Soon afterwards, however, Selena appeared and began to talk about him, expressing herself on that subject with unusual bitterness. Thinking that this must signify some unhappy rift in her relationship with my young friend and colleague Sebastian Verity, the customary companion of her idler moments, I enquired with some concern what he had done to displease her."

I wonder how this would translate to today's language, especially the texting variety.

edited to fix typo

Another one for England
The Rising of the Moon by Gladys Mitchell
I was telling a friend about this book and she asked "An Enid Blyton?" Maybe that's why I liked it so much. This golden age mystery was like a cross between Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie - with better character development. Bradley certainly had a knack for including children as complete characters with defined personalities. The two brothers are very likeable sleuths and Mrs Bradley is adorable. Lots of fun.

I am obsessed with the British classic mystery writers and have Gladys Mitchell on my radar. I currently have her first book on my shelves and hope to get around to it soon.

Stray Bullets by Robert Rotenberg
Another excellent legal mystery set in Toronto from this Canadian lawyer-turned-author.

My one negative observation (not a criticism of the book) is that I find it disconcerting that guilt - or innocence - may be determined by just how clever your lawyer is, not by one's actual guilt or innocence.

Tonga
Queen Salote and Her Kingdom by Sir Harry Luke
Although published back in 1954 this is a very appealing book, beautifully written. It covered everything from the oldest recorded history to what seemed to be a very complicated matriarchal hierarchy, and even included details of spelling, pronunciation and the national anthem. The author, Sir Harry Luke, was Governor of Fiji and High Commissioner for the Western Pacific, and paid six visits to Queen Salote's island during his term of office. He believed Tonga to be one of the most contented countries on earth, a quality he ascribed to Queen Salote.

Queen Salote (1900-1965) was monarch from 1918-1965. Her name, the Tongan version of Charlotte, was given in honour of Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, by the same reasoning her father and grandfather were named George, or given the soft, looser Tongan pronunciation, Jioaji. Salote was a giant, both literally and figuratively. She was over 6 feet 3 inches in her bare feet making her the tallest monarch of the smallest monarchy. Imagine how imposing she was in high heels and a crown! She led her country by example and was loved by all who knew her, even in other countries. She made such an impression on the British people when she attended the Coronation in 1953 that she was included in the year-end newspaper articles that list highlights of the year.

When Captain Cook visited in 1773, he presented the island nation with a pair of tortoises from the Galapagos Islands. The female died back in the 18th century but unbelievably the male was still alive at the time of writing. Luke surmised that at around three centuries old he could be the world's oldest inhabitant. Queen Salote was able to introduce the tortoise to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip when they visited Tonga after the coronation.

In very friendly terms, Luke provided a meaningful account of Tonga and what Queen Salote accomplished. Well done!

That sounds like a fascinating book. I may have to look for it!

I bought my copy online and unfortunately it was very musty. I left it out in the sunshine every day but could still only bear to read it outside. For that reason I won't be keeping it, but I can't imagine anyone else wanting it either. I really enjoyed it.

Brunei
Brunei : The Modern Southeast-Asian Islamic Sultanate by David Leake
In 1963 North Borneo, having reverted to its ancient name of Sabah, and Sarawak, both Crown Colonies since the end of the second world war, joined Malaysia, leaving Brunei as a British protectorate until 1984 when it achieved "full" independence.

At that time there was a lot of foreign media attention in the impending change. Leake already lived in Brunei and had spent three years with the Borneo Bulletin, Brunei's only English newspaper. He hoped that being in situ and able to speak the language would help him write some articles that would show a more comprehensive understanding of the events. He mailed off a large package of photos to an agency in New York with an article that mentioned how the sultanate's oil wealth was apportioned. The package arrived at the destination but was never published. He suspected the article was the reason he was promptly expelled from the country.

Although Leake did not hold a grudge, neither did he suffer in vain, for in this book I noticed a number of sections that, while not exactly disrespectful, could possibly be seen as lacking the deference a Brunei sultan expects, especially regarding wealth. As Brunei's national wealth is under the control of the sultan, and is seen as his personal fortune, this makes him one of the richest men in the world.

The book is a good all-round history and description of Brunei, written with enough style to keep the casual reader's interest and without going into any topic to a lengthy academic level. For me, the second half of the book was the most interesting as it covered modern times and the people.

Brunei is going to be the most difficult country for me to fill. I might end up with a book from the children's/youth section. That seems to be all that's available at my local library.

Brunei wasn't an easy country to fill. A children's book would be nice though. I love reading children's literature (I just got an Enid Blyton book given to me today).

In case you are interested, my second choice was British Borneo
 : Sketches of Brunai, Sarawak, Labuan, and North Borneo by W. H. Treacher. It's available at Project Gutenberg

Dominica

The Orchid House by Phyllis Shand Allfrey
The story, told by their nurse, is of three Creole white women who grew up in Dominica and after an absence, each went back. Their return is emotional and impassioned, filled with a love of their country. The plot, if it can be called that, is low-key. This is a mild-mannered, elegantly written narrative filled with symbolism.

That one is on my list for Dominica, too. I'm glad to see that you liked it!

Lesotho

Tselane by J. Louw Van Wijk
Written in 1961, this is a startling story of Tselane, a young woman soon to give birth to her first child while her husband is working in England. Her friend Molili, wife of the young chief, is disappointed that she has not yet conceived; a situation that has her lazy husband at his wit's end. The chief resorts to consulting the witch doctor. Between them they hatch up a plot to rape and murder Tselane. The strong medicine thereby created will ensure pregnancy for the chief's wife.

Jacqueline Louw Van Wijk acknowledges "Much of the story of Tselane is true. During the writing of it, I have gone to the places where such things happened and met the people who lived them. Only to help keep the horrors of the past out of their minds and hearts have I changed their identities and altered the events. But there is something to learn from even the worst deeds men do against each other, and it is for this reason that I have written the story."

Saint Kitts & Nevis

A State of Independence by Caryl Phillips
A very touching story of a young man who, after leaving his native home to be educated in England, found very little welcome when he returned. Very enjoyable.

I have been away for a bit but I am very impressed with how many Commonwealth Countries you have visited so far. I seem to be averaging one a month.

I'm glad to see you enjoyed A State of Independence since that's the book I intend to read for Saint Kitts & Nevis!

Thanks Judy, I have all the books chosen and can't wait to get at them. Sometimes I almost (just almost) feel guilty if I'm reading something that isn't part of the challenge :-)

Carrie, I'm sure you will like A State of Independence, it is maybe a bit slow, but well written. I'll be watching out for your opinion.

A five-star read for England



Speaking from Among the Bones by Alan Bradley
Wonderful! Not sure who is the greater genius - Alan Bradley or Flavia de Luce!

I love Flavia! She's so much fun.

Seychelles

For Your Eyes Only by Ian Fleming
The last story in this James Bond collection, "The Hildebrand Rarity", is set in the Seychelles. As a teenager, I was a big fan of Fleming and first read this book back then. It was still enjoyable this time around, even though I had to overlook some attitudes that were acceptable when it was written. It would probably have earned at least four stars from me once upon a time, this time only three. However, like any James Bond tale, it was fun.

Singapore

Dead in the Dog by Bernard Knight
A decent mystery that takes place during the conflict of the 1950s known as the Malayan Emergency. I particularly liked the main character, who, although didn't have a big part in the story, was a likeable fellow who was just amazed that life had brought him to this exotic place with his first responsible job and far away from his Tyneside home. The story describes the locale and setting very well, but not the background of the campaign, which has piqued my interest and requires more reading.

Trinidad and Tobago

The Return of Eva Peron with the Killings in Trinidad by V.S. Naipaul
His name has been heard so many times in the media that I thought I knew something of Malcolm X, but it turns out I knew little of him. I can't say I like Naipaul's writing style much. I didn't expect a sensational story, but there was an absence of emotion or passion in a story about someone who must surely evoke those sentiments. This was my first experience reading Naipaul and makes me wonder how he achieved his stellar reputation. I found it quite dreary reading. I have another of Nailpaul's work, A House for Mr Biswas, in my collection that will be donated - to a more appreciative reader, I hope.

"The Killings in Trinidad' fills the Trinidad and Tobago category. I will forgo the Eva Peron story.

And you continue to fly through the Commonwealth! I'm hoping I make it to one new country this month...

15 more countries according to my spreadsheet! I am now more eager than ever to get finished because my reading list for other books is growing too long. I really wanted to spread it out but that's just not me. It has been a fabulous trip.

Papua New Guinea



Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones
This is a beautiful story that grabs the attention immediately. Until about halfway through the book I thought it would warrant five-stars but then it took a different direction and lost steam towards the end. Still, this winner of the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for First Book is an excellent read.

We're in agreement about Mister Pip - it was outstanding until the last few chapters.

Malawi



Laugh With the Moon by Shana Burg
The portrait of thirteen-year-old Clare shows a typical north-American teen concerned with friends, clothes, school. To go through the agonizing despair of losing her mother was as much as she could bear, but then she finds she must live with her dad during his stint as a doctor in Malawi and attend school there. The story not only shows how Clare adapts and accepts the changes but provides a good description of life in contemporary Malawi. A book adults as well as young readers will appreciate.

Fiji

The Sailmaker's Daughter by Stephanie Johnson
The story takes place in 1918 at the height of the 'flu epidemic. The author's grandmother was born in Fiji so I trust the portrayal of the country is accurate for the time although the colonial manners and customs made it seem more suited to the Victorian era. The writing lacked smoothness, requiring occasional backtracks, which made the story somewhat lacklustre.

You are doing so well with this Challenge. I am moving much more slowly, but I appreciate you blazing the trail and giving me lots of ideas for those hard to find countries.

I have Mister Pip on the bookshelves and will most certainly be reading it for Papua New Guinea.

Thanks Judy, it's been a blast. Apart from South Africa for which I have a few to choose from, I have all the books I plan to read in a heap beside me so I'll probably just stick with it now until I finish. The ROOTS challenge for acquisitions prior to 2013 kind of got side-tracked though, and my wishlist grew so much I had to start subdividing my lists :-)

Uganda

I just happened upon this book in the library and it looked very interesting.

The Queen of Katwe : a story of life, chess, and one extraordinary girl's dream of becoming a grandmaster by Tim Crothers

This is not a rags to riches story although it is a success story. The author states that Katwe is the poorest slum in the world. His staggering description of poverty certainly supports that. Crothers account begins with Katwe's beginnings, Phiona's family and forebears, and covers typical life in this vast slum. It is heartbreaking and at the same time inspiring.

When twelve-year-old Phiona Mutesi went to a mission hoping for food, she learned to play chess, tutored by a four-year-old girl. Her success opened doors but it was a tough road. At first the chess organization in Uganda refused to let her compete in tournaments because of where she lived, her poor clothing, her lack of education. Later they saw her as one of the few champions capable of getting Uganda on the sports map of the world. There are so few sports successes that a number of Ugandans are even looking back fondly at the days of Idi Amin when the whole world knew Uganda.

Phiona's first tournament meant her first ride in a car, her first time out of Katwe; later, her first flight, her first time in a hotel provided another first - sleeping in a bed. After all her success she returned to live with her mother and siblings in a shack in Katwe. She still eats only once per day, if she's lucky. There is still no choice.

Even though the book is not particularly well-written, my heart goes out to the children of Katwe and to Phiona. I will never forget her. For that reason I'm giving it five stars.

Malta

The Information Officer by Mark Mills

Max Chadwick's job is to provide information and maintain morale on the strategic island of Malta during WWII. When the murder of a woman is linked to a British serviceman Max has to handle it very carefully to avoid an even greater conflict. Evidence suggests the murderer is a submariner. That Chadwick is having an affair with the wife of the submarine captain, adds complications.

This is an excellent portrayal of Malta at the height of the bombardment and how it figures in the strategy of the war in the Mediterranean. The mystery won't keep you on the edge of your seat, but it is a decent tale involving military/civilian relations spiced up with affairs of the heart.

Rwanda

Baking Cakes in Kigali by Gaile Parkin
This is a cheerful story about the amiable and good-natured Angel who runs a cake-baking business. Her customers share their personal problems and joys with her as she takes their orders. The cakes reflect the hope and confidence with which Rwanda faces the future. Very enjoyable.

Sierra Leone

The Secret Keeper by Paul Harris
Like his main character, Danny, Harris was also a journalist reporting from war-torn Sierra Leone. Four years after the height of the war in a country now dealing with rampant corruption, Danny returns to investigate the death of his former girlfriend, an American aid worker who runs an orphanage for ex-child soldiers. In this first novel by Harris it is obvious that he knows the country, the issues, and what it's like to get the stories. Fast-paced and informative, with a surprising twist.

I've got Baking Cakes in Kigali lined up for Rwanda. I just haven't managed to get to it yet!

You will enjoy it Carrie. I've also got When Hoopoes go to Heaven by the same author for Swaziland. I believe it continues Angel's story when her grandson takes over the cake-baking business in Swaziland. I'm looking forward to it.

That's my plan too!

Pakistan

Our Lady of Bhatti by Mohammed Hanif
Satire, humour, and pathos combine to create this quirky story involving junior nurse Alice Bhatti. It is outrageous, crude, ribald, tragic, wretched, yet reveals a poignant acceptance of an oppressive life. The characters were so completely without colour they failed to hold my interest. This one will not be listed in my top reads.

I tried listening to the audiobook for Our Lady of Bhatti and gave up after 30 minutes.

I would imagine listening to the audiobook would be impossible for most people. Now and then there is one nicely put together sentence and I would think, this is where it begins. But no, it was just one nicely put together sentence. When I compared them at the library, I chose this over Hanif's first book, A Case of Exploding Mangoes, which looked less appealing!

Guyana

My planned read for Guyana was The Sly Company of People Who Care but soon after starting it I realized it was not for me. When searching for an alternate at the library I discovered one of my favourite books has part of it set in Guyana. I first read A Handful of Dust by Evelyn Waugh decades ago so it was time for a re-read. I was surprised by the amount of detail I'd forgotten although it was just as enjoyable as ever.

Waugh chose to end A Handful of Dust by inserting The Man Who Liked Dickens, a short story inspired from his travels in Brazil and Guyana just two years earlier in 1932. As the story had already appeared in America, he was obliged to write a different ending for the American version. Personally, I prefer the original ending which provides a bizarre type of horror that sticks in the mind. I have never looked on Dickens' books without thinking of poor Tony Last forced to read Dickens aloud until his last breath. Many readers complain that the story is ruined by the change of locale, from stately English home to the jungle. I found this was what I liked most as it gave it the quirkiness that Waugh seemed to enjoy. (Perversely, I didn't care for the changes in direction that occurred in Brideshead Revisited). I gave this five stars the first time around and I still think it's deserved. I enjoyed it enormously.

BTW, it reminded me again of Mister Pip reading Dickens to his young charges. While reading that book I wondered if Lloyd Jones had been influenced by Waugh's story.

Thanks for taking the hit on Our Lady of Bhatti, I will avoid that one.

I just wanted to abandon it and start something else and I'm glad I didn't or I might have thought twice about abandoning Guyana's book, fearing a habit forming :-) On the other hand, maybe it's too late for any habit forming, I'm so close to finishing now.

Grenada

Don't Stop the Carnival by Herman Wouk

If you are ever remotely tempted by the idea of running a hotel in the Caribbean, read this book first!

Norman Paperman, a New York executive, decided to run a hotel in fictional Amerigo, said to be Grenada. He had heart problems and believed the more relaxed lifestyle would be just the ticket. Idyllic, yes, but before he could pick up his first Planter's Punch he ran into problems. The financing arrangement came as a shock and too late to do anything about it, the barman/accountant ran off with the departing owner, water storage was primitive, water supply even worse, and the renovation was ... well, you know what trouble a reno can be at the best of times.

This book was funny, the characters were well-developed - coming from the author of The Caine Mutiny this was to be expected. There were occasional dated attitudes, typical in 1965 when the book was written, but all in all an enjoyable read. It was inspired by the personal experience of Wouk and his wife who ran a hotel in the Caribbean. Like the Wouks, Norman and Henny Paperman survived the adventure.

Maldives

The Strode Venturer by Hammond Innes

Considering 21st century events such as tsunamis, earthquakes and particularly the "island" that recently appeared off the coast of Pakistan, this book turned out to be surprisingly topical. One of the Strode brothers discovered a newborn island in the Indian Ocean that is mostly formed of manganese. He plans to use his family shipping company to mine and export the ore for the benefit of the people of the Maldives. Meanwhile, back in London a boardroom war is waging. Innes' description of ships and ocean conditions are particularly knowledgable and interesting. After a somewhat slow start in London, the story picks up speed and fills with suspense and excitement.

>138 VivienneR: I'm glad to know that one is worthwhile since I'm planning on it for the Maldives, too.

My main problem was that my copy is an old paperback with very small print. I'm glad modern books cater to the older generation, in font style anyway. My review is very brief, there was a lot more to the story. Carrie, I think you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

South Africa

Blessed are the dead by Malla Nunn

A complex story set in 1950s South Africa. This mystery is a police procedural about the murder investigation of a teenage Zulu girl. However, what it really portrays along the way is the society, customs, lifestyles and relationships that divide the peoples of apartheid South Africa. In contrast with the distressing attitudes that prevailed, the white police sergeant and his Zulu constable are a winning team. I look forward to more in this series.

To balance my South African reading experience I am on the lookout for a modern story from South Africa.

Swaziland

When Hoopoes Go to Heaven by Gaile Parkin

This book continues the story of Angel and her family in Baking Cakes in Kigali when they lived in Rwanda. Pius (Baba) is originally from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania who goes where his job takes him. His wife Angel earns income by baking cakes, a legal business in Rwanda but "under the table" in Swaziland. All of their children are actually grandchildren whose parents are "late". Benedict often refers to his "first mama" and "first baba".

The story is presented from 10 year-old Benedict's viewpoint. He describes moving between African countries with all the attendant issues such as the differences in language and culture. However, he is delighted to have a collection of books in their rented house and a garden where he spends a lot of his free time. This appealing boy attempts to find a solution for every problem, including his Mama's fading cake-baking business.

Although the writing is lighthearted the story behind it is complex and serious. Reading between the lines provides a more telling story of the changing circumstances many families are experiencing, brought about by the political and health upheavals of war and AIDS. In a postscript, the author claims Swaziland has the highest rate of AIDS in the world. Nevertheless, this book is a charmer that I can recommend highly.

Tanzania

Death in Zanzibar by M.M. Kaye

A great old-fashioned whodunnit in the style of Christie. The plot is a bit far-fetched but the resulting mystery is very entertaining and there is even a dash of romance. In deciding who committed the crimes, I changed my mind so often that I picked just about all the characters at one point or another. However, that just meant that I was right if only for a short time. I enjoyed the descriptions of Zanzibar, now a region of Tanzania. I loved the polite language and hammy plot of a mystery written in 1959 when people played music on a gramophone, women wore stockings even in hot climates, and the journey from London to Nairobi by air took more that 24 hours.

The author had a longing to see Zanzibar after hearing a popular song in the fifties - said to be "Stowaway" by Barbara Lyon - that has the refrain "Then I'll go sailing far - off to Zanzibar". She eventually managed to visit the island when her husband's regiment was diverted to Kenya and she joined him there. All of M.M. Kaye's books were set in places she visited or lived in as an army wife.

Hooray! Just one more country left to visit!

I loved M.M. Kaye's books as a teenager.... how do the stories and the writing hold up for an adult reader?

You have done an amazing job with your challenge, Vivienne!

I already have a book for Tanzania, but I may have to re-read Death in Zanzibar anyway! I also loved the M.M. Kaye books as a teen and young adult reader.

I would have loved M.M. Kaye's books as a teenager too (although my teens were a longer time ago :)). I think this one might be my favourite of the few I have read.

I believe there is plenty to choose from for Tanzania but I'm glad I picked this one. It was an excellent read.

I'm glad you are paving the way with this challenge and leaving us with lots of ideas for books.

It's been a pleasure - really!

And for the Grand Finale!



Malaysia

Inspector Singh Investigates : A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint

This is an entertaining mystery with the added enjoyment of Malaysia as a location. There was lots of interesting information about the culture and society, environmental issues like deforestation, and how the law applies to different ethnic groups. Inspector Singh was portrayed beautifully, although other characters were a little more difficult to picture. This enjoyable story kept me involved to the last page.

This completes my journey through the Commonwealth. I thoroughly enjoyed it, discovered more about countries I knew little of, and turned up new-to-me authors. Wonderful trip! Thanks to cbl_tn for setting it in motion.

Congratulations! I can't believe you finished so quickly!

Congratulations! If I get stuck for a country book - as I slowly work my way through the Commonwealth - I will be checking back here to see which books you read. ;-)

Congratulations on completing your challenge. I will probably be working on my Commonwealth Challenge for years yet!

Thank you all. I meant to wander through the Commonwealth for a couple of years at least, but once started I couldn't stop :) There were some big successes, and some losers. Some only made it because of the limitations of my small-town library and I didn't want to swamp them with interlibrary loan requests.

Of the 72 books read:
    four rated 5 stars
    four rated 4.5 stars
    thirty-three rated 4-stars
    sixteen rated 3.5 stars

Altogether, a great year of reading!