The fascinating story of the expedition to carry David Livingstone's body to the sea so he could be buried at Westminster Abbey in England. The plaque on his grave says, "Brought by faithful hands over land and sea here rests David Livingstone, missionary traveller, philanthropist, born March 19, 1813, at Blantyre, Lanarkshire, died May 1, 1873, at Chitambo's Village, Ulala."
Gappah in her Acknowledgements indicates that she spent almost twenty years writing this book. Her research shines as we find ourselves immersed in the journey to the sea. We view life with the Livingstone and the labor of love through two lenses. Halima, the cook, gives us the native view and her perspective is full of Swahili references (glossary included in the back of the book) and peppered with humor. Jacob Wainwright is the earnest servant who delivers his story to the accompaniment of "Pilgrim's Progress." The two rarely agree, but the narrative is all the richer due to their contributions. This new novel is a memorable and inspiring tale that you will not soon forget.