DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT An African Childhood

It’s easy to see why this title has become such a popular choice with the book group set. This is an immensely powerful story. Reader Lisette Lecat is nothing short of a marvel. She brings to bear a wonderful depth and dimension through the use of multiple accents, including Pidgin English, and a gusty delivery of the author’s childhood singing. Her beautiful tonal quality and talented performance illuminate an unblinking, unsentimental look at the end of colonialism in Rhodesia, and at many other locations around Africa--as a tough, loving, and seriously dysfunctional family tries desperately to farm and, yes, keep things under white rule. The author falls in love with Africa at the age of 2, and the slow, tragic decline of her family is mirrored in the chaos and poverty of this magnificent land. The miracle here is the voice of a child who retains her independence and level-headed practicality throughout. D.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 03]