From Publishers Weekly
Both a dream fulfilled and personal tragedy are revealed in this moving memoir. As a child living in Italy, the author was fascinated with Africa. Then, in 1972 at 25, divorced and with a young son, she visited Kenya with her then-fiance, Paolo Gallmann. context is absent, with only "at 25" above They settled on a ranch on the Laikipia Plateau at the edge of the Great Rift Valley. With an abundance of nearby wildlife--elephants, rhino, buffalo--the Gallmanns enjoyed an idyllic life among an expatriate community. Then, in 1981, when they were expecting a child, Paolo was killed in a traffic accident. Gallmann gave birth to a daughter, Sveva, and stayed on the ranch with her son, 14-year-old Emmanuele, who died of snakebite three years later. This heartrending account ok, to avoid repetition of "tragedy"? reveals its author's courage and strength. As a living memorial, she started a foundation ok? to avoid repeating "memorial" to explore ways to combine development with conservation. Photos not seen by PW. First serial to Cosmopolitan; author tour.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From Library Journal
Since the movie Out of Africa there has been renewed interest in African memoirs. This work by a native Italian woman who gave up a comfortable life in her homeland to pursue a dream to live in Kenya should appeal to readers who were enthralled with Isak Dinesen, Elspeth Huxley, and Beryl Markham. Unfortunately, Gallman lacks the depth of feeling and literary qualities evident in those authors. Writing in a lyrical style that at times seems forced, Gallman describes her move to Africa at the age of 25 with her husband Paolo and son Emanuele. Both Paolo and Emanuele meet violent deaths, but Gallmann is determined to stay with her newborn daughter in Kenya. She starts a ranch and a foundation to preserve African wildlife from poachers. While her story is often entertaining, the book bogs down in relating her relationships with her husband and son. Purchase only where interest demands.
- Edell Marie Peters, Brookfield P.L., Wis.Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
