A Training School for Elephants by Sophy Roberts review the haunting story of a doomed expedition
Briefly

Sophy Roberts' new book embarks on a journey through Africa from Zanzibar to Lake Tanganyika, retracing a historic expedition driven by the colonial ambitions of King Leopold of Belgium. With sharp insights drawn from historical archives and her personal interactions, Roberts crafts a compelling narrative that balances the land's serene beauty with the grim realities of colonization and exploitation. Through vivid storytelling, she engages with locals and reflects on the legacy of colonial pursuits, particularly through the life and letters of Frederick Carter, the expedition's charismatic navigator.
Sophy Roberts’ luminous journey traces Africa, uncovering stories of a long-forgotten expedition led by King Leopold, revealing both history’s allure and its grim realities.
Roberts’ captivating narrative combines history and vivid travel writing, as she engages with locals and traverses the route of an expedition, uncovering colonial legacies.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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