Bill Bryson’s African Diary by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson’s African Diary is a 2002 book that details the author’s trip to Kenya. The book is written in a humorous tone and follows Bryson as he visits poverty-fighting projects run by CARE International, to which he donated all royalties for the book.

Bryson also shares his observations about Kenyan culture, geography, and politics.

The book begins with Bryson visiting the Kibera slum in Nairobi, followed by a visit to the Karen Blixen house and the human fossil riches of the National Museum. He then flies to Dadaab, near the Somali border, to visit a refugee camp of 134000 Somalis for a day.

Throughout the book, Bryson reflects on his experiences in Africa and shares his thoughts on the aid organizations working in the region.

The book has been met with mixed reviews, with some criticizing its length and tone. However, it has been praised for its humorous take on the subject matter and Bryson’s observations on the aid organizations working in the region.

What I Liked

The book is a great concept and highlights good work. I’m a fan & donor to CARE. They are a solid charity. I also liked that it gets Bryson out of his Anglo-American bubble.

What I Did Not Like

One thing that makes Bryson’s travel adventures so interesting is the spontaneity. Stuff happens that is not planned – and it’s funny. Due to the nature of this book, his travel was highly planned and tightly coordinated. Stuff does not happen unless it’s supposed to happen and you can tell in the text. Bryson’s writing is still funny, but it’s definitely feels manufactured.