Land of a Thousand Hills

My Life in Rwanda

By: Rosamond Halsey Carr, Ann Halsey Howard - contributor

Narrated by: C. M. Hébert

Length: 10 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

When Rosamond Halsey Carr first arrived in Africa, she didn't realize that she would spend the rest of her life there. As a young fashion illustrator living in New York City in the 1940s, she seemed the least likely candidate for such a life of adventure. But marriage to a hunter-explorer took her to what was then the Belgian Congo, and divorce left her determined to stay on in neighboring Rwanda as the manager of a flower plantation. In the ensuing half century she witnessed the fall of colonialism, the wars for independence, the loss of her friend, Dian Fossey, the relentless clashes of the Hutus and Tutsis, and, finally, 1994's horrific genocide, of which she provides an unparalleled first-hand account. This is the epic story of a woman alone in an exotic land, struggling to survive untold hardships only to emerge with an extraordinary love for her adopted country and its people.

©2000 Rosamond Halsey Carr (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Wow... just, wow... (not a good wow)

It is shocking to read such an out of touch and oblivious account of Rwanda. Unless you are looking for a wealthy American plantation manager's perspective of Rwanda, I would not recommend.

Before this text, I had never read an account calling the Tutsi terrorists while claiming the Hutus were somehow victims. the glazing over of the use of the term "cockroaches" for Tutsi was shocking and the quick aside about the genocide (which was so awful for the author because she learned that people stole her fine China and silverware when she returned).

This book really showed me why people in Africa often distrust Americans.

What an incredible woman!

This is a fascinating life story and a first person account of life in Rwanda through most of the 20th century.

Amazing Life! Wonderful Person!

This story was amazing. I was unfamiliar with the life of Ms. Carr. She lived such an incredible life. I learned so much about the History of Rwanda (both good and bad) and the surrounding area. I would highly recommend this book.

Not to be forgotten

Having lived in Africa I love learning more about this continent full of mysteries and cultures to be encountered. This is the story of a very special woman who lived in Rwanda for decades and truly became part of it’s culture. She experienced part of the genocide and finds a way to tell the story that cannot be told because of it’s cruelty. For everyone who wants to know more about the background of the Rwanda of today this is a must read.

Brilliant, fascinating, a true education on Rwanda

This magnificently written and narrated book was an eye-opener about life in Rwanda from 1949 - 1985. The author -- wise, curious, loving and accepting -- came to love the Rwandan people, as they in turn loved her. Her account of the joys and sorrows shared in this beautiful land with these remarkable people is deeply moving. This was an ideal way for me to learn about life past and present in Rwanda.

Worthwhile reading

This book is good history lesson on Rwanda, the Congo, and surrounding African countries in the early to mid-1900s, written by a woman in an agriculture setting. It is a 'matter-of-fact' memoir - definitely not a light and dreamy romp through her life. However, Rosamond Halsey Carr was determined, intelligent, and kind, showing humility and respect to everyone around her during tumultuous and tragic times. I recommend this book.

Best Book in a Long Time

Loved descriptions of Africa & it’s people. Good love story. Narration excellent. I will listen more than once.

loved it

I absolutely love this book, and would recommend.
Adventure, journey, history, wisdom....what a story!
She had a way of explaining that made you feel like you were there...this is a great story to get lost in.

A moving detailed history of Rwanda: 1949-1999

Provides important insight into the history of Rwanda and a larger context for the 1994 genocide. Also includes a full, complex portrait of researcher, Diane Fossey, and a portrait of White colonial and postcolonial experience in Rwanda. I was surprised by the portrayal of Congolese liberation figure, Patrice Lumumba, and plan to research more on him to determine the accuracy of the anti-Lumumba sentiment.

Well worth the read. Wished it was even longer.

One of my favorite books ever!

This book was so inspiring, really touched my heart, this is first review I’ve ever bothered writing, But it is so wordy