Last Resort, The
Rogers, DouglasWhile Journalist Douglas Rogers is off overseas seeking his 'big story', his parents are back home in Zimbabwe living a 'big story': surviving in their war-torn country. Heart breaking and astonishingly funny in turn, this is the story of their determined struggle against the tumultuous Mugabe regime and all of the attendant danger and upheaval. It is a vibrant and captivating memoir providing a feel for the history and people of Zimbabwe that will remain with you long after you finish the last page. [Larger font]
Comments from Groups
Nearly all of us liked the book. We learnt alot about Zimbabwe. Good writer, easy to read. Rawene 1 Really enjoyed the book. We felt the author did a very good job of keeping focus on the subjects and introduced very little of himself, his family or his sisters. Excellent read. Whakatane 9 Everyone enjoyed the book, the discussion was robust with everyone contributing to what they found to be a gread read on a complex topic. Culverden 1 Thought provoking, brutal and tragic depletion of a country. Taumaranui 1 Much enjoyed, good writing and lots of interesting information with some humour and fascinating stories. A good insight into life in Zimbabwe. Christchurch 277 Good discussion. Recommend! Richmond 4
Pages
378
378
Year
2009
2009
Reviews
26-07-2023
We loved this book. Well-written and easy to read and such recent history. We all learned a lot.
01-10-2021
Everyone enjoyed this book despite the rather sobering content. Very eye-opening and interesting, written with insight and humour.
30-08-2021
The majority of our group thought the book was inspirational, good to get a human angle on a political event. Discussion was lively.
30-08-2021
The group members all found this book both informative and excellent reading.
30-08-2021
An amazing book. Gave us a different understanding of Zimbabwe, and made us examine how we would feel if we were told we were not New Zealanders, and had to leave the country. Very interesting.
30-08-2021
Our group really enjoyed 'The Last Resort'. It could have been a tragic account of a country ruined by greed leading to despair and suicide, the destruction of land and peoples, but Douglas Rogers writes with a light touch that emphasises the fighting spirit that endures, along with a great sense of humour.
30-08-2021
Enjoyed by all. Explores the intertribal complexities well, and the depressing inability of the government to make progress. All empathised with "this is my land". Most had little knowledge of Africa.
30-08-2021
Our group approached this book reluctantly, but all ended up enjoying the writing style and the unfolding story. Many of the details of Mugabe's leadership were not known, so the book was very enlightening.
30-08-2021
Everyone really enjoyed this book. Lighthearted about a serious 'political' topic. Well-written and an easy read.
30-08-2021
Without exception we all loved this book - a really uplifting read. Would recommend it strongly.
30-08-2021
All members enjoyed the book. Lots of discussion about the rights of people to live in countries of different ethnicities. Talked also about what our decisions would be if in their situation.
30-08-2021
We all thought this was an excellent book. It was very informative on the situation in Zimbabwe, and it also portrayed delightfully one couple's experiences and responses during those years. It was very readable.
30-08-2021
We all enjoyed this book. Felt it was well-written and easy to read. We found we remembered a lot of the events that were mentioned in the book. The Rogers' lives were quite amazing . They must have been incredibly adaptable people to have survived so long during the changes that took place in Zimbabwe.
30-08-2021
We felt the book was more of a memoir and a social analysis than a travelogue. However we all thoroughly enjoyed it, and it promoted a long and interesting discussion. It caused us all to want to know more about modern day Zimbabwe.
30-08-2021
Interesting, enjoying and historical. We believe there is hope for Zimbabwe. It's as resilient as the main characters in this book.
04-11-2020
Excellent book, all members who attended the meeting said it was the best book the group had read this year. Well-written and thoroughly enjoyed. The only factor which spoilt it was the frequent bad language. Douglas Rogers is a very good author describing what his parents have lived through. A book I would recommend for people to read. Good that it had a glossary at the back too.