The African Safari Papers

Norman P. Goldman is a retired Civil Law Notaire (Notary) who also
specializes in Montreal history and culture.

The African Safari Papers is the story of a couple, Ted and Janet Clark,
and their 19-year-old son, Richard, who travel to Africa to participate
in a safari led by their mysterious guide, Gabriel. What ensues is not a
travelogue, but rather a son’s coming to terms with his mother’s
mental illness, his father’s alcohol abuse, and his own drug addiction
and physical disfigurement. Richard explores these and other disturbing
topics in a daily journal. In the background, dangerous animals roam the
game parks of Africa. (Some of the animal scenes will not appeal to
squeamish readers.)

Unfortunately, Richard’s relentless introspection becomes tiresome,
and the characters reveal little that would help us understand the
family’s disintegration. The author’s use of wicked humor is a
welcome diversion from the wrenching tragedy that slowly unfolds.