For the Love of Guinea

Three Months in a West African Diamond Exploration Camp: 1980

By: Darcy Williamson

Narrated by: Susanna Burney

In 1980, I was thirty years old, and my son, ten, when we traveled to Guinea, then a closed country in West Africa. My fiancé was a geologist working in a diamond exploration camp in Baoule Valley, near Kérouané. During my time there I kept a diary. Once back in the United States, I wrapped the diary in a silk scarf and tucked it away. I had had planned to return to Guinea and the diamond camp, but life took me in a different direction. I didn't open and read the diary until autumn of 2023, forty-four years later. This book is based on the diary and letters sent home during that life-changing time of challenge, camaraderie, joy, and heartbreak.

©2024 Darcy J Williamson (P)2024 Darcy J Williamson

A story of love, loss, and self-discovery

For the Love of Guinea is that rare combination of a good story, in the hands of a great storyteller, and told by an excellent narrator. Darcy's story of life in a West African diamond mine camp in 1980 had me laughing out loud with her son and his tape recorder, cringing in horror at the details of the gaboon viper, salivating over the many surprising feasts created out of canned potatoes and "bush meat", and holding back tears at the loss of loved ones. Darcy will make your heart long for adventure, whether it's on the other side of the world or in your own backyard.

Beautiful memoir of life & human connection

Vivid storytelling by the author as she recalls a captivating and unique experience, finding herself as "cook" (with very limited recourses) in an African diamond exploration camp in remote Guinea. Her writing brings the reader into the heart of the story as a direct observer. Detailed imagery entwined with beautiful analogies make you feel as though you were there guided by her through all the ups and downs of human relationships, love, and life. For all those who can identify with self discovery and the ever enduring human spirit. This book exemplifies the authors ability to tell a captivating story of courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to finding love and meaning in the most unexpected of places.

Iwent to Guinea!

Darcy takes you with her on this trip. Her ability to describe a place, situation, food, or person is top notch. You feel you are in the hut with her and feel the emotions she described. Ifound myself tearing up right along with Darcy as she would describe situations and laughing with in other places. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend. Thanks for taking us along Darcy!

So this is Guinea

I found myself also falling in love with this rough and dangerous place. Darcy paints a beautiful picture of what Guinea is and opens the door for us to peek into her emotions around it. Her writing is raw and honest. The author has an effortless way of pulling you into her narrative while also providing education around the situation. I really appreciated the way she wove it all together. I had not expected to learn so much about being resourceful in difficult situations. And I may have shivered with her as the snake crawled across the bed. The narrator has a pleasant voice that is easy to listen to.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

This is the story of a young woman who acted upon the opportunity to fulfill a lifelong dream of visiting Africa. The adventures she had in a diamond exploration camp in the 1980s showed her strength of character, her ability to make lemonade from lemons. The book is a testament to the spirit's creativity when faced with survival. Darcy didn't just survive, she thrived. She loved and respected the exploration team. She became a strong member of the team making gourmet meals from the most meager supplies, caring for the sick, thanks to her herbal skills, It's adventure, heartbreak, friendship, teamwork and more. You will enjoy the book, and maybe learn something new.