Tag Archives: Africa

700 Pages of Horror

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

I just finished “The Fate of Africa: A History of Fifty Years of Independence”, Martin Meredith’s imposing tome that tells the story of post-colonial, ‘independent’ Africa. There is no way to write this review, except in the spirit that Meredith … Continue reading →

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From Zanzibar to Timbuktu

Posted on October 1, 2022 by Joel D. Hirst

“What will become of Africa?” That is the most common question asked by anybody who has spent any meaningful time on the continent. It is realism, not racism – that facile solution which is so common today in the minds … Continue reading →

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“By far the best fiction I’ve ever read” she said

Posted on April 16, 2021 by Joel D. Hirst

“The narrative is masterfully crafted, and I find it baffling the author is someone other than Charles himself. (…) I, Charles from the Camps, is by far the best piece of fiction I’ve ever read.” Read the full review below… … Continue reading →

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My Greatest Creation

Posted on January 18, 2021 by Joel D. Hirst

It’s impossible to force yourself on others. That’s the trick, isn’t it? The only way, is through control of the levers of government – which is why the fight for those cavemen’s clubs is so vicious, the better to beat … Continue reading →

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The Gift of Empathy

Posted on December 5, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

Literally, in fact. For Christmas this year, marked by really quite a bit of hate and bitterness, give the gift of empathy. “It is Charles that is speaking in the first person. This I found to be an important distinction. … Continue reading →

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“Out of Africa” – A Book Review

Posted on August 23, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

I once said I would write more of Africa. I have found it hard to keep that promise. I lived upon that continent for a decade, in Central, East and also West Africa – working the civil wars that ravage … Continue reading →

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A Novel about the Maghreb

Posted on July 30, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

It’s hard, for those who have not experienced it, to imagine the desolation of the Sahara. The great sand sea, the size of America, where only the Tuareg ride. Even to this day the vastness is daunting, but 80 years … Continue reading →

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To Whom Do You Compare Yourself?

Posted on February 16, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

Do you ever ponder, you who rage in self-pity, against whom your measuring rod is fixed? When I was in Africa, one of the many times, I had a driver for my wife and my family. We had only one … Continue reading →

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Heart of Darkness

Posted on August 22, 2019 by Joel D. Hirst

There is something magical about Joseph Conrad’s writing – enrapturing, eloquent, filled with spirit and yearning. Full of humanity; lost people in lost places doing terrible and wonderful things. And “Heart of Darkness”? His arguably most famous work – written … Continue reading →

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The Event Horizon of Africa

Posted on June 22, 2019 by Joel D. Hirst

Last night I sat with friends in a run-down rooftop restaurant overlooking pockmarked streets and balding hills watching the sun set – again – over Africa. The smell of wood smoke lightly scented with beans wafted on high as we … Continue reading →

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