When twenty-year-old Annie leaves her privileged life in suburban New York to set up a leather clothing factory in Ethiopia, she anticipates glorious savannas, magnificent animals, and colorful tribesmen. Her treasured childhood Africa scrapbook never prepared her for the isolated, barren mountains of northern Ethiopia, relentless poverty, and a ten-year drought and famine unacknowledged by the world.
Housed in a primitive mud hut with no electricity or indoor plumbing, falling in love with a handsome Italian, and forced to flee the military coup that toppled Haile Selassie, will Annie find the Africa of her childhood dreams or will she return home, disillusioned?
Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Gilbert, Alexandra Fuller, or Karen Blixen (Isak Dinesen).
“With a title like this, of course, I was compelled to read this beautifully written book! A fascinating and adventurous life, spiced with danger, and with a love story thrown in. You can’t go wrong.” Jane Goodall, Ph.D., DBE. Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute. UN Messenger of Peace.
“This swept me away. Ann Schrank writes like a magical spider, spinning continental webs that ensnare the reader. There’s flavor, fragrance, wit, perseverance, and pinpoint observational awareness. Owning a great story doesn’t guarantee being able to tell it well. It’s a gift with which Ms. Schrank is lavishly endowed.” Richard Bangs. TV host and producer and author of numerous travel books.
“Each chapter brims with anticipation and springs alive with poignant description. A girl reveals in a glance the story of her desperate hunger, told in words so intense we can smell Africa, from the spices to the rotting fruit. Teeming with historical overview and literary flourish, Longing for Africa reads like Graham Greene plus romance.” Cathy Luchetti. Author of Women of the West, Children of the West, and Men of the West.
“A memorable story of love, loss and Italian cooking, Schrank’s descriptions of the Palmucci’s Sunday lunch table had me dining right there alongside her. Schrank is a skillful storyteller, writing with compassion and fondness for the people who care about Africa and those who have come to call the continent home.” Robyn Keene-Young. Author and wildlife documentary producer.
Reviews (65)
An enjoyable account of a young woman's first venture into Africa
An enjoyable account of Annie Schrank's first experiences in Africa when she arrived in Ethiopia as an idealistic young woman with her dog, Daisy, and a few belongings. This memoir reads like a novel and includes much of the excitement, romance and adventure one might find in a fictional story. It even describes in quite some detail the author's first experiences of a real relationship and physical love. In fact, her romance with the Italian neighbour who sweeps her off her feet and into his family forms much of the content of the book. Ethiopia seemed to both shock and intrigue the author, and I felt her raw emotions about the poverty, the famine and the fear of the political situation very clearly. I particularly enjoyed her descriptions of the country and the people and would have liked even more of this. However, it was Kenya that really stole her heart and I have a feeling I will enjoy the second book in the series even more as she arrived there quite late in her African adventure and the indications are that she returned. Altogether, this was an easy to read and exciting story and I would recommend it to anyone who is as fascinated by Africa as I am.
If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa” by Annie Schrank.
On occasion, the memoir form has been dismissed as the pursuit of self-indulgence by a writer seeking immortality for a life insufficiently lived. But Annie Schrank’s “Longing for Africa” Part 1: Ethiopia” is not only an exception to this judgement, it is an outstanding exception. If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa”. You will be rewarded. Annie Schrank is a remarkable person and a fine writer. She talks with ease, candour and professional flourish about breathtaking and noteworthy incidents -- events that are of significance not only to the 20-year old designer she was when she left New York to open a leather-good factory in Ethiopa, but matters that will resonate with readers for whom personal growth, courage, love, initiative, empathy and the social, economic and political evolution of the developing world are regarded with interest and significance. Oh, and, of course, sex! Although her New York employer had partnered in the leather factory initiative with the governor of a province a days’ drive from the capital, nobody could have foreseen the difficulties that would be encountered or that the country, stable for a thousand years, would suddenly be rocked by a communist insurrection. This absolutely fascinating story told in multiple and well-integrated strands, shows the author to be a well-educated, highly courageous, reflective and emotionally mature adult despite her tender age. She has a staunch character, a great deal to thank her loving parents for, professional skills and is a fine observer of both the human and physical landscape of the provincial Ethiopia that she is plummeted into with virtually no preparation. This is a memoir that deals most competently with a host of both comfortable and distressing matters -- delight, famine, sex, love, innovation in business, delighted exploration, anthropological observation, home-made food, brutality and kindness. But I was left with an overwhelming respect for the integrity of the author. If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa” by Annie Schrank. You will be well and truly rewarded
As Jane Goodall says: you can't go wrong.
In the subtitle of this book author Annie Shrank credits Jane Goodall for inspiring her to visit Africa during the 1970's. Today Jane travels the globe spreading a message of peace, hope, and conservation. Despite her hectic schedule, she took the time to read Ms. Shrank's book and to write a glowing recommendation that appears on the book's cover. That speaks volumes. While reading this astonishing book I could not help but feel a bit guilty. At the same time in 1974 that Annie Shrank was experiencing poverty, drought, famine, and political upheaval in Ethiopia - and lamenting that this was not the Africa of her dreams - I was two countries to the South, in a lush rain forest in Tanzania, watching chimpanzees with Jane Goodall. Had Ms. Shrank shown up at Jane's camp back then I'm absolutely certain that Jane would have welcomed her to stay. Both have incredible determination and share a deep compassion for people and for animals. While in Africa I had many remarkable experiences but nothing resembling what Annie Shrank encountered in Northern Ethiopia. Isolated in the remote town of Mekele during a period of increasing political unrest, she managed to thrive under circumstances that would have sent most Americans packing for home. To her credit she made friends easily, was very resourceful, and was quickly "adopted" by a loving Italian family that had established roots in Mekele and helped her adapt to the foreign land and culture. Her story, told with incredible detail and passion, is beautifully written and entertaining. I recommend it without reservation and look forward to reading about her subsequent adventures in East Africa.
An Amazing Adventure Generously Shared
We are indebted to Annie Schrank for drawing us into this vibrant and exotic part of the world and allowing us to share her fascinating adventures. Not only is this book an amazing personal account, but as the tale of her exploits unfolds, the reader is increasingly touched and moved by her experiences. She offers such remarkable insight in this vivid narrative that the reader is not only captivated but thoroughly vested. The most amazing aspect of this story for me is Annie's willingness to venture out of her comfort zone and face the unknown and the unfamiliar. Within the context of a dangerous political climate and the numerous obstacles encountered along the way, there is an inspiring lesson here for those who have the courage to face a great challenge, the willingness to overcome adversity, and the determination to achieve remarkable results.
Excellent book.
Since I left Ethiopia, all I want to do is go back, and I have. Annie has written the most accurate account and the country's description. When she uses native words for things, they're words I use, when she describes the aroma (good or not so good) it's as I remember. Her story reads so well, with so much artistic description. Attached are two shots familiar to anyone who has come to Ethiopia. If there were more stars, Annie would get all of them. Thanks for my trip back home Annie.
Africa an area where time stood still
With talk about Jane Goodall I was afraid I wouldn’t like this book. I actually loved it. This is a story of a privileged life in the USA and a young girl dreaming of Africa. Annie had a wonderful family and her father encouraged her to follow her dreams. Her experiences in Africa are wonderful, helping the people around her to learn English and learning so much in the bargain. I am not sure how happy I would be living in a round house with no water/toilet/shower etc but she never complains and makes the best of everything thrown her way. I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend for a good summer read that will teach you ...
This is a captivating story following a young woman in her first adventure in Africa. Annie Schrank describes the people, culture and customs all woven in with adventure and a little romance! I highly recommend for a good summer read that will teach you along the way. Look at her facebookpage to see several actual photo of the factory. Worth The effort to see how the interviewer
I was lucky to read the manuscript previously and love the book even more because of the vivid detail ...
What a thrilling adventure Annie Schrank describes in her Africa experiences! I was lucky to read the manuscript previously and love the book even more because of the vivid detail Annie embedded. I felt like I was in Africa with her! I started reading it on a flight and was perturbed when the pilot announced we were landing. Although I was on my way to Kentucky, I felt like I was transported to Africa instead! It was such a great book that I can't wait for it to turn into a movie!
An interesting insight into a young expat woman's stint in Africa.
Annie Shrank has written about her adventure into Africa to run a business in a very remote part of Ethiopia and her eventual scramble to leave after political turmoil overtakes that country. She ends up in Kenya where she finds calm to recover from the Ethiopian turmoil. A fascinating read of her rather unorthodox African experience.
A terrific, fast moving story filled with life lessons and adventures. For young readers between 20and 95.
Read this for my book club and I’m so glad I did. This is a coming of age story that will inspire, entertain and provide insights into different cultures for readers in all different stages of life. A sleeper that wowed me. An avid reader
An enjoyable account of a young woman's first venture into Africa
An enjoyable account of Annie Schrank's first experiences in Africa when she arrived in Ethiopia as an idealistic young woman with her dog, Daisy, and a few belongings. This memoir reads like a novel and includes much of the excitement, romance and adventure one might find in a fictional story. It even describes in quite some detail the author's first experiences of a real relationship and physical love. In fact, her romance with the Italian neighbour who sweeps her off her feet and into his family forms much of the content of the book. Ethiopia seemed to both shock and intrigue the author, and I felt her raw emotions about the poverty, the famine and the fear of the political situation very clearly. I particularly enjoyed her descriptions of the country and the people and would have liked even more of this. However, it was Kenya that really stole her heart and I have a feeling I will enjoy the second book in the series even more as she arrived there quite late in her African adventure and the indications are that she returned. Altogether, this was an easy to read and exciting story and I would recommend it to anyone who is as fascinated by Africa as I am.
If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa” by Annie Schrank.
On occasion, the memoir form has been dismissed as the pursuit of self-indulgence by a writer seeking immortality for a life insufficiently lived. But Annie Schrank’s “Longing for Africa” Part 1: Ethiopia” is not only an exception to this judgement, it is an outstanding exception. If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa”. You will be rewarded. Annie Schrank is a remarkable person and a fine writer. She talks with ease, candour and professional flourish about breathtaking and noteworthy incidents -- events that are of significance not only to the 20-year old designer she was when she left New York to open a leather-good factory in Ethiopa, but matters that will resonate with readers for whom personal growth, courage, love, initiative, empathy and the social, economic and political evolution of the developing world are regarded with interest and significance. Oh, and, of course, sex! Although her New York employer had partnered in the leather factory initiative with the governor of a province a days’ drive from the capital, nobody could have foreseen the difficulties that would be encountered or that the country, stable for a thousand years, would suddenly be rocked by a communist insurrection. This absolutely fascinating story told in multiple and well-integrated strands, shows the author to be a well-educated, highly courageous, reflective and emotionally mature adult despite her tender age. She has a staunch character, a great deal to thank her loving parents for, professional skills and is a fine observer of both the human and physical landscape of the provincial Ethiopia that she is plummeted into with virtually no preparation. This is a memoir that deals most competently with a host of both comfortable and distressing matters -- delight, famine, sex, love, innovation in business, delighted exploration, anthropological observation, home-made food, brutality and kindness. But I was left with an overwhelming respect for the integrity of the author. If you read only one memoir this year, make it “Longing for Africa” by Annie Schrank. You will be well and truly rewarded
As Jane Goodall says: you can't go wrong.
In the subtitle of this book author Annie Shrank credits Jane Goodall for inspiring her to visit Africa during the 1970's. Today Jane travels the globe spreading a message of peace, hope, and conservation. Despite her hectic schedule, she took the time to read Ms. Shrank's book and to write a glowing recommendation that appears on the book's cover. That speaks volumes. While reading this astonishing book I could not help but feel a bit guilty. At the same time in 1974 that Annie Shrank was experiencing poverty, drought, famine, and political upheaval in Ethiopia - and lamenting that this was not the Africa of her dreams - I was two countries to the South, in a lush rain forest in Tanzania, watching chimpanzees with Jane Goodall. Had Ms. Shrank shown up at Jane's camp back then I'm absolutely certain that Jane would have welcomed her to stay. Both have incredible determination and share a deep compassion for people and for animals. While in Africa I had many remarkable experiences but nothing resembling what Annie Shrank encountered in Northern Ethiopia. Isolated in the remote town of Mekele during a period of increasing political unrest, she managed to thrive under circumstances that would have sent most Americans packing for home. To her credit she made friends easily, was very resourceful, and was quickly "adopted" by a loving Italian family that had established roots in Mekele and helped her adapt to the foreign land and culture. Her story, told with incredible detail and passion, is beautifully written and entertaining. I recommend it without reservation and look forward to reading about her subsequent adventures in East Africa.
An Amazing Adventure Generously Shared
We are indebted to Annie Schrank for drawing us into this vibrant and exotic part of the world and allowing us to share her fascinating adventures. Not only is this book an amazing personal account, but as the tale of her exploits unfolds, the reader is increasingly touched and moved by her experiences. She offers such remarkable insight in this vivid narrative that the reader is not only captivated but thoroughly vested. The most amazing aspect of this story for me is Annie's willingness to venture out of her comfort zone and face the unknown and the unfamiliar. Within the context of a dangerous political climate and the numerous obstacles encountered along the way, there is an inspiring lesson here for those who have the courage to face a great challenge, the willingness to overcome adversity, and the determination to achieve remarkable results.
Excellent book.
Since I left Ethiopia, all I want to do is go back, and I have. Annie has written the most accurate account and the country's description. When she uses native words for things, they're words I use, when she describes the aroma (good or not so good) it's as I remember. Her story reads so well, with so much artistic description. Attached are two shots familiar to anyone who has come to Ethiopia. If there were more stars, Annie would get all of them. Thanks for my trip back home Annie.
Africa an area where time stood still
With talk about Jane Goodall I was afraid I wouldn’t like this book. I actually loved it. This is a story of a privileged life in the USA and a young girl dreaming of Africa. Annie had a wonderful family and her father encouraged her to follow her dreams. Her experiences in Africa are wonderful, helping the people around her to learn English and learning so much in the bargain. I am not sure how happy I would be living in a round house with no water/toilet/shower etc but she never complains and makes the best of everything thrown her way. I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend for a good summer read that will teach you ...
This is a captivating story following a young woman in her first adventure in Africa. Annie Schrank describes the people, culture and customs all woven in with adventure and a little romance! I highly recommend for a good summer read that will teach you along the way. Look at her facebookpage to see several actual photo of the factory. Worth The effort to see how the interviewer
I was lucky to read the manuscript previously and love the book even more because of the vivid detail ...
What a thrilling adventure Annie Schrank describes in her Africa experiences! I was lucky to read the manuscript previously and love the book even more because of the vivid detail Annie embedded. I felt like I was in Africa with her! I started reading it on a flight and was perturbed when the pilot announced we were landing. Although I was on my way to Kentucky, I felt like I was transported to Africa instead! It was such a great book that I can't wait for it to turn into a movie!
An interesting insight into a young expat woman's stint in Africa.
Annie Shrank has written about her adventure into Africa to run a business in a very remote part of Ethiopia and her eventual scramble to leave after political turmoil overtakes that country. She ends up in Kenya where she finds calm to recover from the Ethiopian turmoil. A fascinating read of her rather unorthodox African experience.
A terrific, fast moving story filled with life lessons and adventures. For young readers between 20and 95.
Read this for my book club and I’m so glad I did. This is a coming of age story that will inspire, entertain and provide insights into different cultures for readers in all different stages of life. A sleeper that wowed me. An avid reader
So many of my friends have fallen in love with Africa and this is the first time I ...
So many of my friends have fallen in love with Africa and this is the first time I had a chance to “see” why! Annie weaves her story in such a way I felt I was there with her. I can’t wait for the next one...I have given this as a gift to 4 of my friends who have traveled to Africa and all loved it. Thanks Annie for sharing your adventures!
Youth, Adventure and....
....Africa all included in a wonderfully entertaining story. I also long for East Africa and this memoir helped remove the distance for a time. I look forward to part 2 and have one question, how is it that Daisy the dog has the same name as your mother?
I picked it up and I couldn't put it down.
A pinch of danger, a large handful of adventure, a healthy dash of romance, and a mixture of animals, people, their culture, dress, and acceptance of the rest of the world that wanders through their lives and their countryside, makes for a fantastic recipe. I can't wait for part 2!
A great adventure into the onknown
For anyone who dreams of visiting Africa, or just wants to know something valuable about Africa, this book is for you. It's vivid prose tells a wonderful story of adventure and excitement for an unlikely, young girl from Mew York City, setting up a factory in remote Ethiopia. Thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining.
A Love Song to Ethiopia
Annie Schrank’s memoir LONGING FOR AFRICA is a beautifully written account of a country and its people and a very courageous, and very young, woman who fell in love with them. As I read her story, I so longed to be there in Ethiopia with her. And, thanks to her vivid descriptions, I felt as if I were!
I'm Longing for the next book.
I took this book along with me on my summer vacation. It was a very enjoyable memoir to read - very charming. Our journeys are all so different. I think it is fascinating to see what opportunities and adventures unfold for other folks. I kept thinking "I would be terrified."
A journey of a lifetime!
Through the magnificent writing in this book, I feel as though I have been to Africa. Innocence and experience. Fear and comfort. Danger and serenity. Beauty and ugliness. And a few interesting nicknames. This book has it all! Well done, Annie Schrank. Well done!
From the minute you start reading this wonderful book you are hooked
From the minute you start reading this wonderful book you are hooked. Annie has an amazing ability to pull you in with her descriptions--you feel as if you are with her in the hut she lived in in Ethiopia, you are walking with the men carrying their sewing machines on their back. She has amazing insight into Africa and you learn so much while enjoying this wonderful memoir. Looking forward to her next book on Kenya
An inspiration for any young woman with a dream.
The writing is EXQUISITE. Annie's attention to detail and descriptions of her adventures in Ethiopia, make you feel as though you are on this journey with her. Her bravery of entering and living in a country on the verge of revolution, with her pet dog, just blew me away. It is a very engrossing and fast read. Cannot wait for her next book to come out.
A personal perspective on Ethiopia
Longing for Africa was an enjoyable and interesting read about life in Ethiopia from the perspective of an idealistic young woman. She made it even more intriguing with her description of her life with one of the Italian families who had immigrated there. It’s a good read with the added benefit of additional history of African politics and the beauty of its natural resources.
I am very fortunate to know Annie
What a story!!! I am very fortunate to know Annie, So as I read it all I could see is Annie.. and what a wonderful person she was and still is to this day. I know there is more to come and can't wait.. knowing that it is Annie in the book and knowing Annie is double pleasure. This book and this Annie is something our world could use many and many more. Please keep them coming Annie.
A wonderful memoir
An exciting story of an incredibly brave young woman’s unforgettable journey to Africa. Annie takes you with her on each adventure. This is a page-turner...hard to put down! I can’t wait to read the next part.
Enjoyable Reading
Annie had a childhood dream and made it come true when the opportunity presented itself and she "just said yes".Her great storytelling about Ethiopia and Kenya fills our mind with wonderful, picturesque images, and impressions of her adventures. I am looking forward to her future stories.
Sexy, scary, sensational
I have been one of the fortunate ones to read annie’s manuscript before it was published. This time I was still engulfed in her African adventure. Still could not put it down more than a few hours. I felt like I was there! Enjoy!! And look forward to book number 2-Kenya
I thoroughly enjoyed this book The author was a brave and spirited ...
I thoroughly enjoyed this book The author was a brave and spirited young woman. I especially like the parts about the Italian influence in Ethiopia. I cannot wait for part 2!!!! My daughters were each given a copy for Mother's Day and I am waiting for their feedback.
Amazing book, so engaging and interesting!!
I found the story totally engaging and enjoyable! Absolutely delighted that I was able to experience Africa in this manner! Great job Annie Shrank, can hardly wait for the 2nd book!! Thank you!! Suzie R
it just flowed along and l felt like l was with her on her adventures
This book was so enjoyable, it just flowed along and l felt like l was with her on her adventures, l am so looking forward to part two when she travels to Kenya.
Amazing adventure in Africa!
Loved it. What an adventure!!
Adventures in Ethiopia
I was delighted to be a beta reader for this first book of Annie Schrank’s memoirs because - as a direct contemporary of Annie - I also had dreams, as a child, of visiting Africa. Life, however, has dictated otherwise (so far), which made me more appreciative of the opportunity to live a dream vicariously, via Annie’s adventure....and what an adventure it would have been to such a young girl in the 1970’s! Travelling alone into a foreign country, to set up a clothing factory with no previous experience, would be challenge enough, but this is just the beginning of Annie’s story, who generously takes the reader along as she discovers - and falls in love with - both the wonders of the ancient culture of Ethiopia and a handsome Italian. Annie was still in Ethiopia at the time of Emperor Haile Selassie’s overthrow by a soviet-backed military dictatorship, and she clearly portrays the sense of panic and despair as she seeks safe passage from a country in turmoil, which has suddenly become alien and dangerous to a young white woman. An enchanting book, which I have no hesitation in recommending and awarding five stars.
An enchanting, exciting tale of a young woman’s beginning an adventure in Ethiopia.
Ever since she was a child, Annie Schrank had been “Longing For Africa”. Her wish was fulfilled when offered a chance to work in Ethiopia right before the overthrow of Emporor Haile Salaasie. She meets her “soulmate” she assumes, a handsome, young Italian. Soon the revolution comes and there is an escape from Ethiopia into Kenya. Ms. Schrank writes with the excitement of a young woman falling in love with a place, a people, a man, and then having to leave as quickly as possible avoiding danger. This is the first of a series and I personally cannot wait for the continuation of her life)s tale. Please read if you like adventure, well written descriptions, danger and a romance thrown into the mix
An interesting read of Africa in the 1970's
As a young 20-year-old, Annie Schrank goes to Ethiopia, Africa to fulfil a childhood dream. With courage, she meets others to help her set up a leather clothing factory which is the purpose she is in Ethiopia. I am amazed at how someone so young can embark on such a huge task. The meeting of a lovely Italian family brings some security and a love for the family's son. There are many challenges including her living conditions as well as seeing famine and sickness affecting the population. The author involves herself, helping and caring for the people but growing political tension becomes such that along with her adopted family she flees to Kenya. The descriptive writing of Ethiopia and Kenya including the peoples and tribes I found fascinating. You not only read about the author's journey but also the history, the life and times of these countries during the 1970s which makes it a thoroughly enjoyable read.
A vivid portrayal of a once in a lifetime experience
I loved this book. Its a wonderful adventure story about a part of the world few of us will ever get to see: Ethiopia and other amazing locales on the African continent. The perspective is also unique and far more relatable than other books of this genre — that of a sheltered, suburban-raised American girl, newly graduated from college and working in New York’s garment industry — who decides to seize an opportunity to move to Africa and help set up a leather factory. The initial culture shock she experiences living in a mud hut without plumbing, electricity, etc, soon gives way to a deep love and appreciation for this strange place and it’s people — so different from anything she’s been exposed to in her life thus far. Throw in a little romance, a harrowing escape from a military coup that breaks out in the country and a cast of unforgettable characters who’ve chosen a different way of life for themselves and you will not be able to put this book down!
I can see this made into a movie
An easy read that flows well and tells an amazing story. Young (very young) Annie is catapulted from a privileged life in New York to an entirely new life in Ethiopia, living in a thatched hut with no plumbing or electricity. Her 'job' is to create a factory making clothing from the local leather goods. But the factory is actually a small part of the story. There are unforgettable people, charming animals, wonderful food, crazy challenges...but most of all there is a beautiful love story with rural Africa as a backdrop. The author's writing style is engaging, making reading this book a pleasure to all the senses.
Young and fearless
This book gave me a real flavor of what it must have been like to jump into a completely alien environment. Annie Schrank expertly reveals her younger self as both naive and adventurous, and she is totally honest about her fears and doubts as she negotiates completely foreign business and personal situations. I know that LONGING FOR AFRICA will inspire all who read it, particularly young women who may be wondering if they should stick to a safe path or try something new.
Engrossing Memoir of a Young Adventurer's Time in Africa
Annie Schrank was inspired by the life of Jane Goodall, and I in turn am inspired by the life of Annie Schrank. What an incredible journey she undertook at the young age of twenty! This memoir transported me back with her to 1970ish Ethiopia and Kenya. Through her personable, clever and humorous descriptions of her time there, I experienced culture shock, discomfort, adventure, compassion, wonder, heartache and love. Annie Schrank's inspirational motto was to "Just Say Yes". I recommend that you do the same and just say "yes" to Longing for Africa. (One quick note: Don't judge a book by its cover! The mention of Jane Goodall and and a lovely photo of an African young person does not mean this book is suitable for children - it's actually quite steamy!)
A true gem of a book!!
From the first page you are drawn into the weave of this book, there you are in Africa! You feel the heat, you can smell the wildlife, you see the picturesque landscape. If you’ve never been to Africa you will definitely want to visit after reading this book! You are right there with Annie as she travels miles away from her upscale American life, into the great African outback. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, especially those with a thirst for travel!!
Perfect mix of adventure and love story.
Love this book!! Was a total surprise from what I was expecting. Went into it thinking I was going to be reading a memoirs of an African safari. Finished reading it as a beautiful love story with adventure!! It would be amazing to see Ms. Schrank receive and offer for a screen play here. The prefect mix of love and adventure that at times you have to ground yourself to remember. This is her life! I highly recommend it!
Africa, the interesting country
I was a beta reader for this book and loved it. I found it historically interesting, spell bounding at times and amazing that a young woman would do this by herself. I was shocked at the end to find out another book will be coming along.
An amazing story about an amazing lady
I have worked with Annie Schrank for almost 4 years now. I didn’t know a whole lot about her but always had great exchanges with her. So I was excited to learn, she had written book about her life. Normally, I’m not an avid reader, but reading about Annie’s story compelled me to keep turning the page. The vivid way Annie describes the people, culture and customs of Africa, played in my head like a movie. This was the first time, I read a book and felt transcended to another place. I encourage everyone to read this amazing story about an amazing lady.
Wonderful reading.
Before I read this book I just thought of Africa as another place across the ocean. After reading it I am inspired to go visit some of the places Annie has described. It truly is written from her heart and her wonderful experiences when she was younger. I would recommend this book to all that want to know about other cultures.
Magnificent adventure
From page one to the last I hated to put it down. The authors adventure was written as to put me in her place and experience the excitement, love, and adventure that she experienced. Extremely well written and not to be missed.
Beautifully written memoir of a young women’s African experience
When Annie asked if I would write a review for her wonderful memoir, I jumped at the chance to “Just say yes”. This book was so mesmerizing that I found myself Longing for Africa Part Two: Kenya to come out. My husband and I are avid campers but hearing a roaring lion in my left ear would have done me in. Annie is fearless and I am happy that she is here to give us a glimpse into her extraordinary and spellbinding life. Thank you for sharing it with the world.
What a wonderfully written book
What a wonderfully written book. I cant believe a 20 year old woman was brave enough to travel to Africa by herself. It was exciting, suspenseful and also a love story of the country and a man. Once I started reading I couldn't stop. Hope there are more to follow this book.
beautiful visions of landscape
Annie writes with such incredible ease, honesty and passion that I was drawn in immediately. Filled with lively accounts of political tension, beautiful visions of landscape, and heart-felt romance, this book is way more than an Ethiopian travel document. I was especially captivated with the loving Italian family that introduces Annie to a different culture. The tantalizing food accounts were my favorite!
Riveting
This book is riveting. You can’t put it down. It a wonderful account of a young woman leaving her cushy life in New York to go to a primitive life in Ethiopia. It tells about her adventures and the people she encounters along the way. I definitely highly recommend this book.
A real life exotic adventure!
Ms. Shrank has a descriptive writing style that captivates you with every sentence. I was drawn into the story and felt I was with her during her amazing journey in Ethiopia.
This book has everything!
This is such a great coming of age story! It has a little bit of everything, action, adventure, romance, culture! It really makes you question what you would do in these situations & makes you want to go explore the world around you!
What an amazing memoir!
What a beautifully written memoir -- evoking sights, sounds, smells, and emotions. Drawn into her exultation of being in Africa, the joy of falling in love, the heartache of so many people needing so much.... more than once I was moved to tears, especially as I near the end of the book. This is one of those books that I almost dread to finish reading, because I have enjoyed it so much. But I can't wait for the next one to be released. Thank you for sharing your beautiful story.
Intriguing true story of love and adventure
Annie writes in an engaging way, with just the right amount of imagery so that you can picture her surroundings without having to Google image search "Africa in the 1970s". If this was a fiction novel, I would probably pass it off as "this would never happen in real life," the fact that this is a true story makes it that much more intriguing to read!
Read it in one day. Great story.
Great story about an ambitious and curious girl setting off to Africa not knowing what she is getting herself into.
An amazing story - I didn't want it to end!
I loved this story of young, fearless Annie and her adventures! I can't wait for the next book - I hope it comes SOON!!!!!
Amazing Story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I do like autobiographies but not all are written so well. It was so interesting that I found myself wondering if it was a true story or not. I had a hard time putting this down and I am looking forward to starting Part Two.
I enjoyed the book a lot.
I enjoyed getting a peek at the native people and other families who came into Africa to work. Very interesting about the different tribes there.
I couldn’t put it down
I really enjoyed this memoir. Annie does a wonderful job of describing her surroundings and her experiences as she lived in Africa.I can’t wait for part 2/ Kenya
Loved it
This was a fascinating book that I couldn't put down. I loved reading about her adventures and am looking forward to reading more.
