Africa in the turbulent 1970s is the setting for these two well-received memoirs from Ian Mathie. Both might have been subtitled ‘Tales of the unexpected’ because dealing with bizarre, uncertain and unnerving events is a common theme which contributes to the books’ novel-like plots and pace. Once opened, you’ll find them hard to put down.

It can be difficult to remember, when you read in ‘Bride Price’ of how Ian dealt with the unsuitable suitor for his foster daughter in Zaire, that this actually happened to a man who now lives in peaceful retirement in Warwickshire. Or that the experiences of the unlucky Desmond, who was plucked from danger by Ian in ‘Man in a Mud Hut’, were par for the course in that part of sub-Saharan Africa that Ian called home. 

Ian manages to tell us much about Africa, its people, their lives and cultures through his characterisation and story-telling. His use of language creates a strong sense of place that adds to the books’ appeal.

‘Bride Price’ and ‘Man in a Mud Hut’ are the first two volumes in a series of African memoirs by an author who clearly loves his subject matter, had the foresight to keep extensive notebooks and the good fortune not to lose them as he moved about Africa and beyond. They are engaging, flowing books that will both raise a smile and move you to tears.

A Review By Chuck Grieve