Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness by Alexandra Fuller

Fuller first introduced us to her family in Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight.  This time the story revolves around her mother, Nicola.  Both delightfully witty and profoundly sad, this is the story of a couple in love with Africa with all it's challenges, it's dangers and it's breath-taking beauty - an Africa which took hold of their very heart and soul.  It covers the time period from Nicola's grandparent's colonial experience in Africa in the 40's through the tragic struggle  toward independence on to her parent's current life in Zambia.  Although her mother expresses "anger" that Fuller has written that "Awful Book", she has always dreamed of living a life worthy of a novel.  I would say she succeeded. That Nicola's daughter has put such a funny, joyous spin on such a difficult life is even better.  These are definitely people I would love to know.