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Blood River

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About this listen

 Shortlisted for the British Book Awards, Richard and Judy Best Read of the Year, 2008.
A Richard and Judy Book Club selection.

When Daily Telegraph correspondent Tim Butcher was sent to cover Africa in 2000, he quickly became obsessed with the idea of recreating H. M. Stanley's famous expedition - and travelling alone. Despite warnings that his plan was suicidal, Butcher set out for the Congo's eastern border with just a rucksack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots.

Making his way in an assortment of vessels including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, and helped along by a cast of characters from UN aid workers to a campaigning pygmy, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurers. Butcher's journey was a remarkable feat, but the story of the Congo, is more remarkable still.

©2007 Tim Butcher (P)2008 W F Howes Ltd Suspense Thriller & Suspense Travel Writing & Commentary Africa

Critic reviews

A Richard and Judy Book Club selection.

All stars
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really nice and informative, thoroughly enjoyable. I did take the speed down to 0.9 that was better, I found. otherwise I missed the rich detail.

very engrossing

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A fascinating blend of history and adventure. Tim weaves history and his own journey together well. And one learns plenty.

But his narration has to be slowed. I listened at 90% speed and that improved things dramatically

A Fascinating Tale (That should have been read at a slower pace)

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I thought this book was brilliant,so well written and totally compulsive listening.The author told it how is is,and I felt it was one of the best audiobooks I have ever listened to.Also I looked up and read extensively about the Congo afterwards,it was as gripping as any thriller.
This is not normally the type of book/audiobook I would buy,but I was going on a long holiday and though it would pass some time on the beach.But how wrong was I.
I still think of the authors experiences and the people of the Congo and how good we get it here in the UK.
My older teenage children listened to parts of this book and found it brilliant and asked the question,why do people live like that in 2008? I hope the next generation will be able to change the world.

fantastic and addictive

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I have enjoyed listening to this book and Tims enthusiasum for the book is unquestionable. My only problem was the speed in which it was read, causing me to check if I had changed the reading speed in the settings, I hadn't!

An Enjoyable Book

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This is actually a great read for anyone wanting to understand Africa, and why it is what it is. I just wish the narrator would slow down and pause for breath. Sometimes he was talking SO fast that I actually missed what he said.

Great book but please slow down!

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