Facing the Congo: A Modern-Day Journey into the Heart of Darkness

by Jeffrey Tayler

Book Overview

Faced with an identity crisis in his work and his life, seasoned traveler and journalist Jeffrey Tayler made a bold decision. He would leave behind his mundane existence in Moscow to re-create the legendary British explorer Henry Stanley's trip down the Congo in a dugout canoe, stocked with food, medicine, and even a gun-toting guide. But once his tiny boat pushed off the banks of this mysterious river, Tayler realized he was in a place where maps...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609808265
• ISBN13: 9780609808269
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: Crown Publishing Group (NY)
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.64 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

"Facing the Congo" - Ten Years Later

It is not often that one has the opportunity to enjoy an excellent book, and then, have the pleasure to actually meet the author. So be it: Jeffrey Tayler is currently my houseguest in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, where he began the arduous journey which resulted in "Facing the Congo" in 1995. The city has survived the devastation of civil war, 1997-2001, and is flourishing once again thanks to bountiful natural resources of timber, minerals and oil. Let's hope this will be enough to inspire Jeffrey to reprise his adventure on the Congo River and perhaps to share once again his experiences with a loyal following. A must read, not only for diplomats, travellers or tourists to the Central African region, but for the armchair "explorer" as well.

A sad book

This is perhaps the best travel log I've ever read. It makes those in the western world appreciate more what they have compared to the desolation that wreaks havoc in this area of the world (in particular). It is the journey of an American living in Moscow who wants to retrace Henry Stanley's trek down the Congo River in modern day Zaïre. It chronicles his planning; the trip to Brazzaville, Congo; the ferry to Kinsasha, Zaïre; the barge up to Kisangani; and the trek back town towards Kinsasha. It chronicles the folks he met (those who helped and those who hurt), personal fears and human tragedy.There are even a few incidents of humor interjected (for those who have read the book: When Desi uses the toothpaste, the use of the shotgun, the TV show playing at the Kinsasha diner, among others). It is, as Bill Bryson describes it, an "immensely gripping tale." I never found myself bored with it and was able to tackle its reading quite quickly (for me). I was actually near tears right at the end because I had become so involved with the book and its characters and I almost felt as if the tragedy was my own.I highly recommend this book to anyone with any interest in either Zaïre (or Dem. Rep. Congo as it is today), Africa, or just likes to read a well written and intensely interesting novel.

An awesome adventure few will ever partake of

I found the book to be an exciting, interesting, quick read. It helps to be somewhat familiar with The Democratic Republic of Congo, especially the Colonial-inflicted brutality the people endured.Taylor writes from the heart. You feel his fear, his frustration, his wonder, his regret as he winds his way through the waters. I'm grateful to him for his journey. You feel as if you are tagging along while enjoying the comforts we of the industrialized world too often take for granted.

River Journey

I loved this book, and was especially moved by its dazzling style and realistic ending. For anyone who reads travel lit or cares about modern Africa, this is the book for you. A wonderful journey -- like none any of us will most likely ever take -- awaits you. Long after closing this book, you will care, too, about the Colonel, Desi and all the others Tayler met along the arduous way of the river.

Recommended reading for the armchair traveler

Part travelogue, part memoir, Jeffrey Tayler's Facing The Congo takes the reader on a memorable and fascinating journey into sub-Saharan Africa's crocodile waters and lush jungles, lush jungles, and a spectacular variety of merchants, deckhands, prostitutes, mothers, spiritual followers, fishermen, children, and many other assorted charecters. From lively marketplace banter to cramped, mosquito infested sleeping spaces, Facing The Congo is the story of Tayler's trip up and down the legendary Congo River complete with fog covered backwaters, hostile tribes, and true-life high adventure. Facing The Congo is thoroughly satisfying, enthusiastically recommended reading for the armchair traveler.