The Garden of Mars

Madagascar, an Island Story

By: John Gimlette

Narrated by: Mark Elstob

A journey - both historical and contemporary - among the fantastical landscapes, beguiling creatures and isolated tribes of the world's fourth island: Madagascar.

An improbable world beckons. We think we know Madagascar, but it's too big, too eccentric and too impenetrable to be truly understood. If it was stretched out across Europe, the islands would reach from London to Algiers, and yet its road network is barely bigger than tiny Jamaica's. There is no evidence of any human life until about 10,000 years ago, and, when eventually people settled, it was migrants from Borneo - 3,700 miles away - who came out on top.

As well as visiting every corner of Madagascar, John Gimlette journeys deep into its past in order to better understand how Madagascar became what it is today. Along the way, he meets politicians, sorcerers, gem prospectors, militiamen, rioters, lepers and the descendants of 17th-century pirates.

©2021 John Gimlette (P)2020 Head of Zeus Ltd

A very enjoyable journey through Madagascar’s history and culture.

After returning from a short trip around Madagascar I craved more information about that mysterious country. This author describes the culture and history of Madagascar through his travels all around the country and the people he befriends. The book covers a lot of ground and the author is good company throughout. I think anyone who enjoys adventure and learning about other corners of the world will enjoy this book.

A LOT of history.

I bought this title expecting more of a travel essay. It is mostly about the history of the country.

Review

Some interesting history. Hard to keep track of all the people mentioned in the book.