Brian M. (BNM24) reviewed on + 9 more book reviews
Based on actual historical figures in the history of Dahomey in west Africa. The writing is vivid, brisk, and only occasionally cryptic. Colorful characters act in a setting of which most modern readers were probably unaware until this novel appeared. Chatwin mainly wrote from his own adventurous experiences, and the material for this book was developed during a couple of those adventures.