The Last Resort

A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa

By: Douglas Rogers

Narrated by: Kevin Hanssen

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Douglas Rogers is the son of White farmers living through that country's long and tense transition from postcolonial rule. He escaped the dull future mapped out for him by his parents for one of adventure and excitement in Europe and the United States. But when Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe launched his violent program to reclaim White-owned land and Rogers' parents were caught in the cross fire, everything changed. Lyn and Ros, the owners of Drifters - a famous game farm and backpacker lodge in the eastern mountains that was one of the most popular budget resorts in the country - found their home and resort under siege, their friends and neighbors expelled, and their lives in danger. But instead of leaving, as their son pleads with them to do, they haul out a shotgun and decide to stay.

On returning to the country of his birth, Rogers finds his once orderly and progressive home transformed into something resembling a Marx Brothers romp crossed with Heart of Darkness. And yet, in spite of it all, Rogers' parents - with the help of friends, farmworkers, lodge guests, and residents - among them Black political dissidents and White refugee farmers - continue to hold on. But can they survive to the end?

©2009, 2010 Douglas Rogers (P)2021 Tantor

Great storytelling

Really enjoyed this book. Note that It’s told from the perspective of a white Zimbabwean family.

Fascinating account of white Africans surviving tumultuous changes in Zimbabwe

World traveler journalist Douglas Rogers true account of his parents, whom were both born in Africa after generations of their European families settling there! The authors writing abilities his words bring your visions right as if you are there in Zimbabwe! It’s ability for conversations and descriptions of the True life character speaking Colon makes this a page turner and a book went almost hast to finish quickly as Then becomes part into each chapter! The verbal narrator was fantastic especially personally having a good fortune to know Douglas Rogers his voice was very similar! Looking forward to reading his other book and hopefully seeing them on the big screen!

Must read

If you’ve ever spent significant time in either Zimbabwe or South Africa this is a must read. It’s well written. The audio is amazing.. so authentic. The story is sad but entertaining and almost so crazy you would think it’s fiction.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book

I really enjoyed this book and learned alot about Africa, it's history and the resilience of the white farmers and their bond with the black neighbors that helped them.

Outstanding and brilliant performance

I’ve read several books on Zimbabwe and this is one of the best. The parents are amazing people who are brought to life through brilliant narration. All the characters were made real through amazing voice dialects. Great job Mr. Hansen. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.