This is an insightful and visually arresting narrative that deepens our understanding of ecology, community, and what it means to witness without altering.
Table of Contents
Review
Reflective, rich, respectful.
A safari, in the Swahili sense, simply means journey. But in Letters from Gilgil 2, Peter Massam shows us that journeys aren’t always defined by miles—they’re defined by how deeply we listen. One could spend an hour by a river watching elephants emerge like shadows, or examining the behavior of a bongo antelope vanishing into brush, and learn more about the world than from any documentary. That’s what makes this book not just a travelogue but a meditation.
This volume covers Massam’s second year in Kenya, expanding his geographical range and emotional depth. He takes us to Tsavo, to Amboseli, and to forgotten corners of Meru, often with guests in tow, but never for spectacle’s sake. He’s not interested in proving anything. He wants to understand. The storytelling is sharper this time, often layered with ethical undertones about conservation and modernization. Whether he’s describing the eerie silence of a dry lakebed or the glint of a snake’s skin disappearing under a tent, there’s always a tone of deep respect—for nature, for cultures, for silence.
Here, the content grows more textured, interlacing natural history with personal anecdotes. The writing is nimble—observational when needed, evocative when deserved. Its appeal lies in its quiet revelations. A reader doesn’t just read—they accompany. This is the sort of book a family could read aloud by lamplight, one chapter per evening, each ending with a sense of both awe and contentment. Visually, the inclusion of original slides adds depth. Its uniqueness lies in its ecological empathy—Massam never centers himself over the land he treads. The editing is crisp, with well-curated transitions between stories. The standout moment? When the group experiments with water rotation at the Equator and finds out (delightfully) that even plugholes follow physics and folklore.
Readers looking for high drama or sweeping romanticism might wander off. But those who enjoyed The Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen or the fieldwork of Jane Goodall will treasure this. It shares DNA with scientific memoir and poetic observation.
In the end, this second volume reminds us that the Earth does not perform for us—we must learn to observe its theater with reverence. If the first book was a sunrise, this one is the golden hour: richer, longer, more shadowed—but just as beautiful.
About the Author
Peter Massam is a writer whose work documents places, events, and personal experiences. He has published poetry, technical works, and the Cuz Collection, combining verse with sketches. His recent output includes two themed poetry collections and the Learning Experience trilogy. His first technical book addressed Customer Experience in business strategy.
Book Details
- Title: Letters from Gilgil 2
- Author: Peter Massam
- Genre(s): Non-Fiction
- Sub-genre(s): Travel and Adventure
- Theme(s): Exploration, Culture
- Minimum Audience Age: 12
- Main language used in the text: English
Book Themes
(Note: 0=none, 1=a few, 2=considerable, 3=pronounced, 4=excessive)
- Sexual themes: 0 – None
- Zero allusions, entirely family-appropriate.
- Religious themes: 1 – A few
- Mosques, Islamic architecture noted factually.
- Violence, self-harm, etc.: 1 – A few
- Mentions poaching, wildlife conflict lightly.
- Crude language, expletives: 0 – None
- Clean, respectful language throughout.
- Other adult themes: 2 – Considerable
- Includes hardship, environmental degradation.
Rating
- Content: 5
- Writing Style or Visual Presentation, or both, as applicable: 5
- Appeal to Target Audience: 5
- Uniqueness: 5
- Editing: 5
- Other factors: 5
- Overall rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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[…] Letters from Gilgil 2 by Peter MassamA poignant continuation of a heartfelt series, this installment explores cross-cultural dynamics, nostalgia, and the strength of the human spirit.🔗 Full review […]