My Dad is a massive Wilbur Smith fan, devouring every book as soon as it's released. I vaguely think I've read one (can't remember which) and thought it a bit too "boy's own" for my liking so have never re-visited his novels since.
I thought this memoir may go the same way - early recollections of hunting were a bit of an initial turn off - but I'm glad I kept going as this really is an entertaining book.
It's definitely a whole different ball game if you grow up in Africa, as the son of a renowned hunter. Not many kids could recount tales of their father shooting three lions one night when they invaded camp or of their attempts to retrieve bird's eggs from a nest only to find a deadly black mamba sitting there.
These, though, are exactly the type of experiences that shaped both the man and the author. From hob-nobbing with the stars to perilous, almost deadly, diving expeditions Wilbur Smith really has had a life packed full of adventure.
What was lovely about hearing all these tales though was the underlying message of how lucky he considers himself.
They say fortune favours the brave and in this instance it provides inspiration for countless books as well.
I thought this memoir may go the same way - early recollections of hunting were a bit of an initial turn off - but I'm glad I kept going as this really is an entertaining book.
It's definitely a whole different ball game if you grow up in Africa, as the son of a renowned hunter. Not many kids could recount tales of their father shooting three lions one night when they invaded camp or of their attempts to retrieve bird's eggs from a nest only to find a deadly black mamba sitting there.
These, though, are exactly the type of experiences that shaped both the man and the author. From hob-nobbing with the stars to perilous, almost deadly, diving expeditions Wilbur Smith really has had a life packed full of adventure.
What was lovely about hearing all these tales though was the underlying message of how lucky he considers himself.
They say fortune favours the brave and in this instance it provides inspiration for countless books as well.