Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart Book

Published to rave reviews in the United Kingdom and named aRichard & JudyBook Club selection—the only work of nonfiction on the 2008 list—Blood Riveris the harrowing and audacious story of Tim Butcherâ??s journey in the Congo and his retracing of legendary explorer H. M. Stanleyâ??s famous 1874 expedition in which he mapped the Congo River. WhenDaily Telegraphcorrespondent Tim Butcher was sent to Africa in 2000 he quickly became obsessed with the legendary Congo River and the idea of recreating Stanleyâ??s journey along the three-thousand-mile waterway. Despite warnings that his plan was suicidal, Butcher set out for the Congoâ??s eastern border with just a backpack and a few thousand dollars hidden in his boots. Making his way in an assortment of vehicles, including a motorbike and a dugout canoe, helped along by a cast of characters from UN aid workers to a pygmy rights advocate, he followed in the footsteps of the great Victorian adventurer. An utterly absorbing narrative that chronicles Butcherâ??s forty-four-day journey along the Congo River,Blood Riveris an unforgettable story of exploration and survival.Read More