The Expat Stereotypes.…Lifting
the lid on 21st century expat life in Africa.
Synopsis
“I had a farm in Africa, at the foot of the Ngong
Hills….” Hang on a minute...this book was written a hundred years
ago! Today news stories concern terrorist strikes, famine and corruption but what
does Africa look like from the point of view of the British or international
expat who actually lives here today?
In the 21st century times have changed. A tech boom, rising middle class, oil and
gas discoveries, traffic mayhem, the arrival of the Chinese and a rich new seam
of expats who are grabbing opportunities and making a life in the
sun. Is it still all polished floors, servants and white
gloves or is the truth very different?
Following the success of the Telegraph Magazine’s best selling ‘Social Stereotypes’ by Victoria Mather and Sue Macartney-Snape, I
devised the ‘Africa Expat Stereotypes’ in order to dispel myths of modern
life in Africa as an expat; from the locally recognisable Kenya Cowboy (and cowgirl) to the modern day ex-army security specialist, the jobbing news reporter, the craft fair stall holder, the UN worker who is set to solve the world’s
problems, to the aging safari camp managers who are holed up in the Masai Mara.
The ‘Africa Expat Stereotypes’ humorously describe how foreigners are carving out a life here that is very different to the one that they would be leading back in Blighty. The Africa Expat Stereotypes are currently being serialized by the UK Telegraph online (on their Life/Expat Life page).
Potential
audience
The book would have a wide appeal, either to expats the world over (since many of the themes are universal) to travellers who are interested in Africa or in living overseas. The short, satirical articles are coupled with fantastic illustrations that would make the book an excellent gift item. Just
as the UK Social Stereotypes series is
still running, the ‘Africa Expat Stereotypes’ could run as a multiple series of books since there is a wealth of untapped material available!
*Look out for 'The Reluctant Camper' due to be published with illustration in The Telegraph soon.
Am going down the conventional route but it's tough (needless to say). Creative suggestions as to how I might get this book off the ground are welcome!!! :)