Review of Dancing on Bones
-
Courtney Wills
- Posts: 2
- Joined: 14 Jan 2025, 22:58
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 0
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-courtney-wills.html
- Latest Review: Dancing on Bones by Ross Gordon
Review of Dancing on Bones
[Following is a volunteer review of "Dancing on Bones" by Ross Gordon.]
Dancing on Bones by Ross Gordon is a memoir about his childhood and early adulthood in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The book takes us through his life on a tobacco farm, surrounded by wild animals and the beauty of the African countryside. Gordon shares his memories of growing up with a loving family and a special connection to nature and wildlife.
The first part of the book is all about Gordon’s early years. He talks about growing up on a farm where he lived with wild animals that were treated like pets. He describes how his family had a close bond and how they worked together to care for the farm. The African bush, with its wide-open spaces, sounds, and smells, is brought to life through his writing. Gordon paints a picture of a simple, peaceful life where he spent his days exploring nature and enjoying time with his family. You can feel his love for the land and the animals, and it seems like a carefree time in his life.
But as the story continues, things start to change. The second part of the book shifts to a much darker tone. The political situation in Rhodesia starts to worsen, and the peaceful life Gordon knew begins to fall apart. As the government loses control, there is violence and unrest. Nationalist groups begin attacking white farmers, and the land is being taken from families like Gordon’s. As the country gets more dangerous, Gordon and his family have to make difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave. These chapters show the fear and uncertainty that came with living in a country at war. The political changes cause Gordon’s family a lot of stress as they try to figure out how to survive.
What makes Dancing on Bones interesting is how Gordon mixes his personal story with the larger political changes happening in Rhodesia. It’s not just about his childhood but also about the problems the country was facing. The book shows how quickly life can change when there is political violence and unrest. Gordon’s story gives us a personal look at how families were affected during this time and how the peaceful life he knew turned into a dangerous one.
The book can be a little slow in some parts, but it’s still an engaging read. There was nothing I disliked about this book and the editing was flawless with zero errors. Gordon’s storytelling keeps you interested, and you’ll want to know what happens next. Dancing on Bones is a book that mixes adventure, family, and history. It shows what life was like for a young boy growing up in Rhodesia during a time of great change. Whether you’re interested in history or Africa or just enjoy a good story, this memoir is a moving read that stays with you. I give it five out of five stars.
******
Dancing on Bones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Dancing on Bones by Ross Gordon is a memoir about his childhood and early adulthood in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The book takes us through his life on a tobacco farm, surrounded by wild animals and the beauty of the African countryside. Gordon shares his memories of growing up with a loving family and a special connection to nature and wildlife.
The first part of the book is all about Gordon’s early years. He talks about growing up on a farm where he lived with wild animals that were treated like pets. He describes how his family had a close bond and how they worked together to care for the farm. The African bush, with its wide-open spaces, sounds, and smells, is brought to life through his writing. Gordon paints a picture of a simple, peaceful life where he spent his days exploring nature and enjoying time with his family. You can feel his love for the land and the animals, and it seems like a carefree time in his life.
But as the story continues, things start to change. The second part of the book shifts to a much darker tone. The political situation in Rhodesia starts to worsen, and the peaceful life Gordon knew begins to fall apart. As the government loses control, there is violence and unrest. Nationalist groups begin attacking white farmers, and the land is being taken from families like Gordon’s. As the country gets more dangerous, Gordon and his family have to make difficult decisions about whether to stay or leave. These chapters show the fear and uncertainty that came with living in a country at war. The political changes cause Gordon’s family a lot of stress as they try to figure out how to survive.
What makes Dancing on Bones interesting is how Gordon mixes his personal story with the larger political changes happening in Rhodesia. It’s not just about his childhood but also about the problems the country was facing. The book shows how quickly life can change when there is political violence and unrest. Gordon’s story gives us a personal look at how families were affected during this time and how the peaceful life he knew turned into a dangerous one.
The book can be a little slow in some parts, but it’s still an engaging read. There was nothing I disliked about this book and the editing was flawless with zero errors. Gordon’s storytelling keeps you interested, and you’ll want to know what happens next. Dancing on Bones is a book that mixes adventure, family, and history. It shows what life was like for a young boy growing up in Rhodesia during a time of great change. Whether you’re interested in history or Africa or just enjoy a good story, this memoir is a moving read that stays with you. I give it five out of five stars.
******
Dancing on Bones
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Dancing on Bones by Ross Gordon
