VS Naipaul - The Masque of Africa

Guardian“This mainly laborious travel book...” It is hard – at any rate this reader finds it hard – to dispel the impression of a writer who resents the experiences he has chosen to undergo, in order to produce his material...

Financial Times“This lazily written book...” Naipaul’s investigations seem to have a rather casual, anecdotal base. There is no sign of any serious reading of anthropology; instead his method, if he has one, is to be guided by one or two not particularly distinguished people...

The Telegraph“In places Naipaul shows he is still a master storyteller...” So much so good, if by good we mean compelling, insightful, often sombrely beautiful. Yet Naipaul’s book, however well-written, contains nothing new. For me, much of its unique appeal comes from its apparent flaws.

Los Angeles Times“Not yet reviewed”

Publishers Weekly“Not yet reviewed”

Economist“Not yet reviewed”

The New Yorker“Not yet reviewed”

The New York Times“Not yet reviewed”

The Independent“Not yet reviewed”

The Boston Globe“Not yet reviewed”