Books Set in Africa: Kenya

Nowhere in Africa by Stefanie Zweig (1996, English Translation 2004)

Nowhere in Africa is an autobiographical novel about a Jewish family who left the Nazi regime in 1938 for a Africa. Walter Redlich left first, thinking he could earn money to send for his family. Instead, he found himself on a rural farm, far from the city. His letters to his wife counsel her on what to bring when she and her young daughter set off to join him.

In Germany, Walter had been a respected lawyer. In colonial Kenya, he is the overseer of a farm, working without pay. His wife was a spoiled and pampered woman, who, instead of bring an icebox per her husband's instructions, packs an evening gown and good china. While the new environment is extremely hard on the parents, young Regina finds herself in a wonderland. She quickly makes friends with Owour, the farm's cook, and learns Swahili. Soon, she has lost her grasp of the German language, although her parents struggle with the English of the British who are ruling the country and the Swahili of the indigenous people.

Jews fleeing Nazi Germany found refuge all over the world. Until I read this book, however, I was not aware that Kenya was a safe haven. The ruling British, however, were not always sure how to handle the Jewish refugees. Once Britain entered the war, all Jewish men were rounded up and placed in internment camps. Women and children were gathered and housed in posh hotels in Nairobi. The British did not have any understanding of Jewish customs, and insisted on feeding the women and children lavish meals of shellfish and non-kosher meats prepared by the best cooks in the city. The British could not understand why the food remained untouched. The author's description is told with humor.

Although the English translation/style is a bit difficult to read at times, Nowhere in Africa is a fascinating story that give a difference glimpse of life during the Holocaust.

After the war, Walter was desperate to return to Germany. The author's second autobiographical novel, Somewhere in Germany, continues the family's story after returning to their homeland.

Read: May 26, 2010