Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness

Fuller's white British-born parents loved their life in colonial Africa until the war for independence forced them to leave Rhodesia/Zimbabwe, but not Africa. Their story reads like a pioneer saga, full of reckless courage and passionate relationships set against a backdrop of natural beauty and political turmoil. In this second story of her childhood, Fuller, who now lives in America, paints a vivid picture of her inimitable mother, who was as devoted to her Scottish heritage as to the African land she farmed with her husband. If only Katherine Hepburn were alive to play her on screen! We see the mother's British-colonial sensibilities and experiences viewed through her daughter's more critical but loving eyes. I kept wanting to take a break to learn more about the Rhodesian civil war, but I couldn't leave the book. Both Amato, the reader (her some-kind-of-British accent charmed my American ears), and Fuller bring the story and characters alive, balancing tragedy with humor. After listening to this, I began reading Fuller's earlier memoir, "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" on my Kindle, and then picked up "Scribbling the Cat," about a white African soldier, in old-fashioned book form. Reading in print helped me appreciate Fuller's lyrical style and colorful slang ("Cat" has a glossary in the back), but I plan to listen to them all. In any format they're all terrific--you learn, you laugh, you are moved. What more can a reader ask?

"West with the Night" (the first audiobook I ever listened to--I was hooked) and Jeannette Walls' "Half-Broke Horses"

Her skill with reading dialogue, her light touch with humor, and her ability to shift tone subtly, without melodrama, during heavier parts.

DO NOT KNOW I JUST ENJOY THE AUDIO

THE DEPTH OFIT

GREAT

NO

I NEVER WOULD HAVE CHOSEN THIS BOOK TO READ. I DID ENJOY IT. LOVED THE NARRATOR

One of my favorites.

Having traveled a little in Zimbabwe I was fascinated with the country and especially how it transitioned from British-led Rhodesia.

Nicola (the author's mother) winning her first horse show on a borrowed horse that no-one else could manage,

Yes, there are three particularly devastating events, but listing them would be a spoiler.

The book is written from the POV of the grown daughter who returns to Africa to interview her parents and track down her mother's colorful past. It is beautifully read by Bianca Amato. I kept thinking the author herself was telling the story.

I was a little leery at first, approaching this novel, having been bowled over by Fuller's initial star effort "Dogs" but also being slightly disappointed by Fuller's follow-on work. This book is a perfect compliment to "Dogs", full of insight, compassion, grit and finally, courageous in depicting one's irrepressible mother with such fierce honesty yet admiring love and by being, thank goodness, free of victimhood. I was hoping that Lisette Lescat would once again be the narrator, but Bianca Amato more than measures up to the task. Bravos all around!!

Great, fun read, and informative read. This book provides insight into a bit of colonialism, Africa, and relations among peoples and families. More importantly it provides a great insight into what life was like during Colonial times in Rhodesia or Kenya. Fuller writes about her family, their dreams, their lives, and their faults with frankness and love. I bought this book during one of their sales and I was not disappointed. Though I did not read her first book "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" I was able to thoroughly enjoy this book. If you thought your childhood was tough, or your family was eccentric read this book and you will realize that maybe your life was relatively normal. The performance is not 5 stars because the narrator's voice, or accent takes a little getting used to.

Cant say.

Obviously Nicola Fuller of Central Africa

The narrator

The Rhodesian confrontation with liberation fighters.

A distinctive voice of a charming, although flawed, woman and the adventures she has lived through in various central African countries over the last 60 years or so.

After having listened to "Don't Lets Go To The Dogs Tonight", I was delighted to see the story continue with "Under The Tree of Forgetfullness". This second book was excellent; as it was able to take you deeper into the incidents and personalities of the Fuller Family! The true life story about the authors life while growing up in Africa was engaging, witty, and very informational. The narration by Bianca Amato was top notch! Bianca is a brilliant narrator whose voice and song captivate you while drawing you into the story. Under The Tree of Forgetfullness was a 5 Star experience for me all the way around!

One of the best. I tell people it is a bit eccentric at times and was a great listen. The narrator reminds me the actress, Kristin Scott Thomas. The narration opened up the story in a very grand way.

Gone with the wind

The mother, main character.

No, it was more fun enjoying it slowly.

Don't be scared off by the African war element. It was really lovely overall and I recommend it.

Nothing ordinary in this woman's life, funny and poignant.

Nicola Fuller of Central Africa was both ridiculous with her snobbery and admirable for her strong core.

I like Amato's plain reading. Too many readers feel compelled to over dramatize, rather than give a plain, strong delivery. Her accent added location, but didn't interfere with understanding the story.

This book is well and tightly written.

Tried again to listen to this book but it's so trite and seems to have no plot. Managed to listen to 45 minutes on the train but it was too painful, especially the singing. Best avoided.