Dark Star Safari

by Paul Theroux
Dark Star Safari cover
Good Books rating 3.94
Travel and Adventure
Technical:
  • ID: 1694
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-09
  • ISBN: 9780241958643
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2011-11-24
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99

Dark Star Safari is Paul Theroux's captivating account of a solo journey from Cairo to Cape Town, traversing diverse and often treacherous terrains. Theroux revisits places he knew as a young teacher, blending past memories with new encounters, and finding contentment in the unpredictability of travel. His lean prose and keen observations bring to life the beauty and danger of the landscapes he crosses, making this a journey of both physical and personal discovery. Theroux's travel writing is renowned for its vivid storytelling and deep cultural insights. In Dark Star Safari, he captures the essence of adventure, where chance encounters and the rhythm of the road take precedence over rigid schedules. The book is a testament to Theroux's skill as a writer and his ability to connect with the people and places he encounters, offering readers a unique and unforgettable travelogue.

Reviews
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.

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.

Andes Gazette · 2014-03-30
informative 3.50

The reviewer finds Theroux's accounts of his journey to be somewhat disjointed but appreciates the mosaic of historical bits he weaves into his narrative.

The Andes Gazette review points out that Theroux's accounts of his journey can feel desultory at times. However, they appreciate the way he incorporates historical details to create a rich tapestry of his experiences. The reviewer acknowledges the book's strengths in blending history with personal travelogue, making it an interesting read despite some unevenness. The book is seen as a valuable addition to the travel literature genre, offering unique insights into the regions Theroux visits.

Quick quotes

    There is something desultory about Theroux's accounts of these places at the outset of his journey; he makes a mosaic out of bits of history,

    Theroux's writing style is both engaging and informative, providing a unique perspective on his travels.

    The book offers a blend of personal anecdotes and historical context, making it a compelling read.

Mountain Beltway · 2013-05-15
engaging 4.00

The reviewer enjoys the personal and relatable aspects of Theroux's journey, particularly his descriptions of travel hardships and cultural encounters.

Mountain Beltway's review focuses on the personal and relatable aspects of Theroux's journey. The reviewer enjoys the commiseration felt when reading about Theroux's travel hardships, such as being crammed into a matatu with others and dealing with intestinal distress. They appreciate the cultural insights and the honest portrayal of Theroux's experiences. The book is seen as a engaging and thought-provoking travelogue that offers a unique perspective on African travel.

Quick quotes

    I like the commiseration I feel when I read of Theroux crammed into a matatu with a dozen other people, of dealing with intestinal distress

    Theroux's writing is both personal and insightful, making his journey relatable to readers.

    The book offers a unique perspective on African travel, blending personal anecdotes with cultural insights.

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