The sheltering desert : Robinson Crusoes in the Namib

Rating:
Summary: Inhabiting the Uninhabitable
Review: I picked up this book in Namibia after visiting the fascinating Namib desert. It tells the story of two Germans who go into hiding in the Namib desert for 2 1/2 years to escape the ravages of WWII. Martin's observations about the desert and the wildlife in that part of the world are very descriptive. The stories of the strategies, sometimes ingenious, used by the characters to inhabit a nearly uninhabitable land and to escape detection by the authorities are quite interesting. And finally there is much reflection on the natural history of humankind and evolution. The Namib desert, like the Galapagos, provide much food for thought about survival and evolution. At points, it got a bit too flakey for me (especially the proposal that evolution could occur through dreams). But on the whole, I really enjoyed the story, setting and characters and would recommend this book, especially to anyone interested in Namibia or evolution.

Rating:
Summary: Truely civilized!
Review: It's just an unbelievable book! The German name for it is "Wenn es Krieg gibt gehen wir in die Wueste" which translated directly into English would be "If there's going to be war we'll go into the desert". And the amazing thing is: they actually did it. They stayed in the Kuiseb canyon in the Namib desert, first in a cave and later on in a "house" they built. It's the total opposite of the modern, "civilized" society in Europe. A quiet, peaceful world. Some might find it boring or "primitive", but if you want to have a look at another world, read the book! And enjoy :)

Rating:
Summary: Inhabiting the Uninhabitable
Review: It's just an unbelievable book! The German name for it is "Wenn es Krieg gibt gehen wir in die Wueste" which translated directly into English would be "If there's going to be war we'll go into the desert". And the amazing thing is: they actually did it. They stayed in the Kuiseb canyon in the Namib desert, first in a cave and later on in a "house" they built. It's the total opposite of the modern, "civilized" society in Europe. A quiet, peaceful world. Some might find it boring or "primitive", but if you want to have a look at another world, read the book! And enjoy :)