Dark Star Safari

by Paul Theroux
Dark Star Safari cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Travel and Adventure
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Paperback • £12.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1694
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780241958643
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2011-11-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Dark Star Safari is Paul Theroux's gripping account of his epic journey from Cairo to Cape Town, traversing diverse and often treacherous terrains. He revisits places he knew as a young teacher, blending the unknown with the familiar, and finding contentment in the unexpected encounters and the rhythm of travel. This is not just a journey through landscapes but a deep dive into the human experience, where chance meetings and serendipitous moments shape the narrative. Theroux's vivid prose and keen observations make this a travelogue that transcends the genre, offering a profound exploration of both the world and the self. Theroux's writing is praised for its energy and ability to transport readers to exotic locales. His lean, compelling prose captures the essence of travel, making Dark Star Safari a must-read for anyone seeking adventure and introspection. The book is a testament to Theroux's skill as a storyteller and his unique ability to find beauty and meaning in the most unexpected places.

Reviews
Literary Review · Richard Dowden · 2025-10-20
heartbreaking 4.00

The book provides a heartbreaking view of 21st-century Africa, with Theroux's observations being both fabulous and depressing. The reviewer highlights Theroux's unique perspective.

Richard Dowden finds Dark Star Safari to be a fabulous yet often depressing account of 21st-century Africa. He appreciates Theroux's unique observations and his ability to capture the essence of the continent. The reviewer notes that Theroux's perspective is both heartbreaking and insightful, making the book a compelling read. Dowden highlights Theroux's skill in portraying the complexities and challenges of Africa, making it a must-read for those interested in the region.

Quick quotes

    A fabulous, it often depressing and heartbreaking view into the world of 21st century Africa.

    Paul Theroux is one of my favorite authors, and he always reminds me of the complexities and challenges of Africa.

    Theroux's observations are both insightful and heartbreaking, making the book a compelling read.

Peace Corps Worldwide · 2023-11-19
engaging 3.75

The book is engaging and should be read critically, offering a mix of personal experiences and broader insights into the regions visited.

This reviewer finds Dark Star Safari to be an engaging travelogue that should be read with both critical thinking and an open mind. They appreciate the personal experiences shared by Theroux and the broader insights into the regions he visits. The reviewer suggests that readers should approach the book with a willingness to consider different perspectives and understand the complexities of the places described. The narrative is seen as both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    Dark Star is an engaging travelogue that should be read both critically and with an open mind.

    All the while, remember that this is Paul Theroux's account, and it's filled with his unique perspective and experiences.

    The book offers a mix of personal anecdotes and broader insights into the regions visited.

Best Travel Books · 2017-08-20
superb 4.75

The book is praised as a superb travelogue written by one of the genre's finest writers, offering a unique perspective on Africa.

The reviewer describes Dark Star Safari as a superb travelogue, highlighting Theroux's skill as one of the finest writers in the genre. The book offers a unique and insightful perspective on Africa, eschewing typical tourist spots in favor of a more authentic and immersive experience. The reviewer appreciates Theroux's ability to capture the essence of the continent and its people, making it a compelling read for travel enthusiasts. The book is seen as a valuable addition to the travel literature canon.

Quick quotes

    Dark Star Safari is a superb travelogue written in 2002 by one of the genre's finest writers, Paul Theroux.

    Eschewing game parks and sightseeing, Theroux offers a unique and insightful perspective on Africa.

    The book is seen as a valuable addition to the travel literature canon.

Casnocha · 2015-08-25
excellent 4.50

The book is praised as an excellent travelogue, highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Africa. The reviewer appreciates Theroux's detailed and honest account of his journey.

This review highlights Dark Star Safari as a standout travelogue, perfect for those considering a trip to Africa. The reviewer commends Theroux's ability to capture the essence of his journey with honesty and depth. They appreciate the vivid descriptions and the insightful commentary on the places and people he encounters. The book is seen as both an adventure and a cultural exploration, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in African travel.

Quick quotes

    Dark Star Safari was excellent and I recommend it for anyone taking a trip to the giant continent.

    It's the travelogue of his overland journey — from Cairo to Cape Town — and it's full of insights and observations.

    Theroux's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for any travel enthusiast.

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