Things Are Different in Africa

By Frederick Edward Pitts

   Imagine entering a world where most of the inhabitants speak a different language. Where a corrupt official greets you with a demand for payment of illegitimate fees, and political unrest is the norm. Here, roads are so dangerous, delivery of wares as basic as food and fuel is erratic and fatal accidents are a fact of life.

     Envision asking folks questions and if they reply at all, they give answers they think you want to hear rather than the truth. In this world, everyone does everything in his or her own time. All that one owns belongs to everyone so few work to improve their lots. Women toil throughout equatorial days to ensure their families’ survival while the men sit idly in the shade.

     Welcome to Makoua, a village deep within the Congo.

     In “Things are Different in Africa”, Frederick Edward Pitts writes a frank account of his year spent as a Peace Corps volunteer. After spending years in corporate America, Mr. Pitts decides to employ his degree in biology by helping Congolese villagers cultivate fish farms. While the cultural differences provide frustration, his clashes with superiors who fail to provide the necessary tools and support appear to doom the project. However, Mr. Pitts’ determination to achieve his goal hurdles all surmountable obstacles, even serious personal injury.

     Mr. Pitts’ writing is sometimes flippant, occasionally funny and always straightforward. The author’s philosophical observations will encourage readers to understand a culture most will never experience. His ability to impart vivid descriptions will transport readers to awe-inspiring vistas. I highly recommend Things are Different in Africa. This is the most fascinating, informative chronicle of life on the Dark Continent I’ve ever read .