This book fills in a few of the blank spots of my knowledge.Īnyone who enjoys travel narratives will appreciate this book. I enjoyed seeing the places he visited and learning a little about aspects of the cultures, both historic and current. The author does a good job of introducing the reader to key points in the history of the areas he visits (Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana), going easily between history and the narrative of his journey. I think I learned more about African history in this short travelogue than I ever did in high school. I really admire Terry’s acceptance of what is ‘normal’ in Africa and also how he refuses to be charged high tourist fees. Road conditions are often appalling and there are nearly always more people in or on any of the taxis and motorbikes than Western travelers might expect. As often as possible Terry travels using local transportation and these included mini vans, sept-place cars (7-seater cars) and motorbikes. It was also frustrating to hear of the poverty in some of the countries while Terry discovered how much governments spent on a handful of prestigious buildings.

I was also interested in how many Africans who came back after slavery was abolished, chose to live as ‘masters’ themselves and built houses similar to the mansions of the deep American South. Some of the slave trade history was hard to read about, but there were lessons here for us all. I know very little about Africa and Terry fills that knowledge with his historical and economic findings. An experienced solo traveler, Terry’s book is sprinkled with photos of his trip. Having read and enjoyed the first book in the series I was very happy to return to Africa under Terry’s guidance. In this book Terry travels alone through Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast and Ghana. A New Day Dawns is the second book in the Travels with Terry, a series of travelogues from West Africa.

Travels in Senegal by Terry Lister