Alone in West Africa

A restless spirit drives this vivid memoir, tracing the author’s childhood fascination with distant lands and the family tradition of bold departures. From bushfire‑lit mornings in rural Australia to the stories of a boy named Carlo swept away on an African coast, the early chapters set a tone of curiosity and quiet courage. The narrator’s decision to chase that lingering call leads her aboard the s.s. Gando, bound for the uncharted shores of the Gambia.

The voyage itself unfolds through a network of generous patrons—colonial officials, shipping captains, and local traders—whose support turns a modest purse into a passport to adventure. Upon reaching West Africa, the writer encounters bustling markets, river crossings, and the everyday rhythms of coastal villages, all rendered with keen observation and a sense of wonder. These first encounters sketch a landscape that is both exotic and intimately human.

Through lyrical prose and candid reflection, the memoir captures the thrill of stepping into the unknown while wrestling with the practicalities of travel in a bygone era. Listeners will be drawn into a tapestry of landscapes, personalities, and the timeless allure of exploration, all narrated with warmth and an unpretentious honesty that makes the journey feel personal and immediate.