A Crocodile in the Pool: Tales of a Diplomat's Wife in the Congo

Debbie Fyfe is the reference/Internet resources librarian in the
Information Services Division of the Edmonton Public Library.

Toronto-born Janet Ruddock tells a fascinating tale of her time spent in
the central African country Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the
Congo) with her diplomat husband, Frank, on assignment for their first
overseas posting. Her story, pulled together from the newsletters she
sent to family and friends in Canada during their stay in the capital
city of Kinshasa, details the amazing experiences the couple shared.

Newly married, Janet and Frank, who is currently the Coordinator for
Pan-African Affairs with the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, set off in the fall of 1978 for a two-year stay in
the country that inspired Joseph Conrad’s classic 1902 novel Heart of
Darkness. While the book is based on letters written 25 years ago, one
needs only to look at the current state of the Congo to see that not a
lot has changed since the Ruddocks returned in 1980.

Ruddock writes in an observant and energetic tone about daily life and
making a home in a faraway land. Simple activities such as purchasing
groceries and buying fabric become unbelievable events. The author
dodges giant cockroaches and lions, and learns firsthand about tropical
diseases. Particularly funny are her experiences at diplomatic functions
and as a volunteer elementary-school teacher at the American School of
Kinshasa. Many readers will be shocked to learn about the depth of
corruption and greed that pervaded the country at that time and,
unfortunately, continues today.

A Crocodile in the Pool is a must-read for anyone traveling to Africa,
but will be especially enjoyed by armchair travelers.