From Rhodes and Rhodesia to the Belgian Congo and Rwanda-Urundi and finally to Italy -
An Eur-African Saga
This is the story of Sandro Romano-Livi, a young Italian Jew, leaving his Mediterranean island by boat, for the Belgian Congo (DR Congo), in 1926, as a stowaway. Of his adventurous life in Central Africa, during the first fifteen years, of David-Kanza (aka Daviko), the mulatto son he adopts, a secret he will disclose to his white Anglican fiancée, Gloria Simpson, born and raised in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). Of their two daughters, Astrid and Dalia. Of his family's difficult situation and of their hopes. Of the loss of his parents and baby sister, who were sent to a nazi concentration camp. Of his many travels in the African bush and of his ultimate success as a businessman. Of the family’s departure to northern Italy, where they will settle, just before Central Africa’s tragic events, whilst Sandro and Daviko will remain in Africa for a longer period. Of their love of the black continent and their incurable nostalgia. Of Astrid’s later humanitarian activities in Botswana and Malawi.
In this superbly woven tale, the book commences with a depiction of Sandro's death. His wife refuses to attend his funeral. She stumbles upon a notebook left by him detailing his life. His education having been interrupted by war, he later returns to Rhodes for his schooling. He obtains employment as a teenager, traveling to the Belgian Congo. He is later joined by two brothers, who also find employment. He marries Gloria, adopting one son, and producing two natural children. Set during the early to mid-1900s, the tale advises us that Sandro's Jewish family is annihilated in a World War II death camp. He overcomes the hazards of war and unrest, moving from poverty to business owner. The book has three parts. Gloria's section tells of her work and affairs before marrying Sandro. David's diary is told by Sandro's adopted son. Filled with geography lessons, and interspersed with poetry and prose, the son speaks affectionately of his parents in the last section of the book. The legends told are classic, and the rendition of this Africa tale is well done.
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