South from the Limpopo - Dervla Murphy

A social, cultural and political journey through South Africa, before, during and after the transfer of power, by the much-loved and indomitable travel writer, Dervla Murphy.

Dervla Murphy's journal of her cycle tours of South Africa in 1994 gives a day-by-day view of that momentous period.

When Dervla first pedalled across the Limpopo (the great river dividing South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe) she fancied that she 'understood' South Africa's problems because for more than 40 years she had - from a distance - taken an interest in them. Twelve hours later that illusion was shattered. South from the Limpopo reflects her moods of confusion and elation, hope and disappointment as she tries to come to terms with a country even more complex and fractured - but also more flexible - than she had expected.

The journey of more than 6000 miles took her through all 9 provinces of the new South Africa. As the months passed she came to realize how simplistic it is to see South Africa's conflict as only 'black versus white'. What consistently sustained her on this emotionally and physically gruelling journey was the blacks' most moving and humbling capacity for forgiveness.

To read this book is to share her invaluable and moving experiences and to see South Africa in a new light.