Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood by Alexandra Fuller

Description

“Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood” is a memoir by Alexandra Fuller, published in 2001. In this book, Fuller recounts her childhood growing up in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Zambia during the tumultuous years of the Rhodesian Bush War.

The memoir offers a vivid and often humorous portrayal of Fuller’s unconventional upbringing in a white farming family deeply rooted in the African bush. Despite the hardships and challenges of living in a war-torn region plagued by political unrest and violence, Fuller’s memoir is infused with a sense of resilience, adventure, and love for the land.

Through poignant anecdotes and candid reflections, Fuller paints a rich portrait of her family’s experiences as they navigate the complexities of race, identity, and belonging in colonial Africa. She explores the harsh realities of life on the farm, the bond between family members, and the close-knit community of expatriates and locals who inhabit the African landscape.

At its core, “Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight” is a coming-of-age story that captures the innocence and naivety of childhood against the backdrop of a changing and uncertain world. Fuller’s narrative is both poignant and unflinching, offering readers a glimpse into the resilience and tenacity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

The memoir has been praised for its lyrical prose, evocative storytelling, and candid portrayal of African life. It offers readers a unique perspective on the complexities of African history and the enduring bonds of family and community in the midst of chaos and upheaval.