In this acutely observed, warm and enchanting memoir set in the beautiful African landscape of Botswana, the magic and adventure of growing up in this post-colonial country, with all of its beauty and underlying contradictions, are rendered as permanent as a watercolour painting and as rich in detail. With deeply eccentric parents and a childhood growing up deep in the African Bush in Botswana, Robyn Scott's upbringing, along with her little brother and sister, is far from conventional. In her house, sporadic vegetarianism ...
Read More
In this acutely observed, warm and enchanting memoir set in the beautiful African landscape of Botswana, the magic and adventure of growing up in this post-colonial country, with all of its beauty and underlying contradictions, are rendered as permanent as a watercolour painting and as rich in detail. With deeply eccentric parents and a childhood growing up deep in the African Bush in Botswana, Robyn Scott's upbringing, along with her little brother and sister, is far from conventional. In her house, sporadic vegetarianism and only treating fevers with ajurvedic remedies are the secrets to a happy existence. So it comes as no real surprise, when, aged seven, Robyn's family adopt a disused cowshed as their home in the remote town of Selebi. As the family adjust to the unpredictable and enchanting environment of their new home, the souls of the people, the landscape and the animals that inhabit this beautiful African country come alive through the eyes of a child.Robyn's days are spent being schooled from her sister's bedroom with their native young gardener Matthews, training wild ponies with her father -- often ending up tangled in groves of deadly thorn bushes -- or dealing with midnight encounters with semi-poisonous snakes. Africa seems a country of long hot and sticky queues and seemingly her family the only other white people there. Robyn's only attempt to blend in with her fellow bush dwellers -- selling eggs to fund a new saddle for her beloved wild pony -- does little to redeem her family's reputation as the town's eccentrics. Grandpa Ivor, the owner of a coffin making factory, and a recovered alcoholic who flew planes in WWII -- is the only other figure who approves of his grandchildren's home schooling. Living with granny Betty, in a dingy hut at the end of a dirt track, he is one of the towns most treasured and respected elders with a temper that exasperates but a spirit that delights.Filled throughout with wonderful illustrations of human nature that transcend the country that inspired them, this beautiful and gracefully written childhood memoir is as much a homage to this beautiful and mysterious country and the people that inhabit it as to a childhood well-lived. 'Twenty Chickens for a Saddle' will long be remembered as a classic of its time.
Read Less
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $1.87, good condition, Sold by The Maryland Book Bank rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from baltimore, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $2.14, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $2.14, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $2.14, good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $2.16, good condition, Sold by Blue Vase Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Interlochen, MI, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $3.74, good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $4.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $4.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $4.29, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
Add this copy of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle: the Story of an African to cart. $4.29, good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Penguin Books.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. Good condition. With remainder mark. A copy that has been read but remains intact. May contain markings such as bookplates, stamps, limited notes and highlighting, or a few light stains.
