Congo Journey

by Redmond O’Hanlon
Congo Journey cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1688
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-09
  • ISBN: 9780140121391
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 4

Redmond O'Hanlon, known for his adventurous travels and sharp wit, takes on the Congo, a jungle renowned for its danger and inhospitable conditions. His acute observations and humorous narrative style make this journey a thrilling and entertaining read. /n/nO'Hanlon's exploration of the Congo is not just a physical challenge but also a cultural and personal one, offering insights into the heart of one of the world's most challenging environments. His unique blend of storytelling and humor makes this adventure a captivating experience for readers.

Reviews
Kathryn Macdonald's Blog · Kathryn Macdonald · 2018-01-17
insightful 4.50

The book offers deep insights into the author's determination and the natural history of the Congo, providing a rich and rewarding read. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the beauty and challenges of the region.

Kathryn Macdonald's review highlights how Congo Journey goes beyond a simple travelogue. She appreciates the author's determination and the detailed natural history of the Congo, which adds depth to the narrative. The book is not just about the journey but also about the personal growth and challenges faced by the author. Macdonald finds the book engaging and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the Congo that is both informative and captivating. She particularly enjoys the way the author balances adventure with introspection, making it a rewarding read for those interested in travel and natural history.

Quick quotes

    Readers gain more than glimpses into a man's determination, more than knowledge about the natural history of the Congo, and more than a travelogue.

    The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the beauty and challenges of the region.

    The book is not just about the journey but also about the personal growth and challenges faced by the author.

Best Travel Books · 2017-06-11
rewarding 4.00

The book is challenging to read at times due to its detailed descriptions, but it ultimately rewards the reader with a unique and thorough exploration of the Congo. It avoids the typical clichés found in many African travel narratives.

The reviewer from Best Travel Books notes that Congo Journey is not an easy read, with its overly detailed descriptions that can be overwhelming. However, they believe the effort is worth it, as the book provides a unique and thorough exploration of the Congo. The reviewer appreciates how the book avoids the usual African travel clichés, offering a fresh and authentic perspective. They find the detailed observations and the author's adventurous spirit to be the highlights of the book, making it a rewarding read for those who persevere through its challenges.

Quick quotes

    It is not an easy read and at times is overly detailed but truly rewards the reader for the effort.

    Not least by avoiding the usual African travel clichés.

    The detailed observations and the author's adventurous spirit are the highlights of the book.

The Irish Times · 1997-06-28
epic 4.00

The book is a challenging read due to its small print and extensive length, but it offers a grand adventure with acute observations and wit. The narrative is engaging and provides a unique perspective on the Congo.

The Irish Times reviewer points out that Congo Journey is a challenging read due to its small print and extensive length, making it an epic read in more ways than one. Despite this, they find the book to be a grand adventure filled with acute observations and wit. The reviewer appreciates the author's unique perspective on the Congo, which is both informative and entertaining. They highlight the engaging narrative and the author's ability to blend adventure with insightful commentary, making it a memorable read for those who enjoy travel literature.

Quick quotes

    Be warned, though: the print is horrifically small and light, making the 470-odd pages of this paperback an epic read in more ways than one.

    A grand adventure filled with acute observations and wit.

    The narrative is engaging and provides a unique perspective on the Congo.

London Review of Books · Anthony Appiah · 1997-04-24
engaging 4.20

The book is described as a grand deception, with the ostensible purpose of the journey being a cover for a more personal and introspective adventure.

Anthony Appiah from the London Review of Books suggests that 'Congo Journey' is more than it appears on the surface. He argues that the book's ostensible purpose of finding a mythical creature is a cover for a deeper, more personal journey. Appiah finds the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, highlighting the author's ability to blend adventure with introspection. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique approach to travel writing, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    Redmond O'Hanlon's account of a journey to the Congo was a grand deception, in which the ostensible purpose was a cover for a more personal adventure.

    The book blends adventure with introspection, offering a unique and engaging narrative.

    O'Hanlon's ability to weave a compelling story around a seemingly simple journey is commendable.

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