No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals

Hi R,

I read the first four chapters yesterday and found it enthralling. The narrative, descriptions and dialogue bring the characters and environment to life, making mental imagery easy.
I liked the comparison of the inside of the helicopter with the skeleton whale - excellent.
The method of writing portrays your recollections clearly and encapsulates qualities that would appeal to readers of a variety of genre's.
There were no major factors to detract from my enjoyment of a story that flowed effortlessly making me want to read on.
I think a variety of readers would be attracted to and intrigued by this book thus aiding its success.

Sarah Jane
Glass Half Full

This is a very well written piece, which stays true to it's intention of informing the reader with almost no embellishment. I'm enjoying it very much and look forward to finishing it. (On chapter 3 at the moment.)

Prologue plus chapters 1-6

It's an exciting and captivating read! Very entertaining but I also learnt a lot. I loved the way you mixed the serious nature of your work with great humour and comical insight.

It really is funny, from your title, to the opening story of chaos on the plane, through to thoughts about lunchbreaks and eating habits and then hopes of being a giant amongst the pygmies (alas, some were still taller than you!) I think you've got a very likeable voice here: I was cheering you along in those lighthearted moments and also in the very serious business of your UN peacekeeping mission, where you go to villages with no medical supplies or access to ambulances and hospitals, almost always under threat from the rebel army.
And I'm really pleased that if ever I need to speak swahili, I can at least say "hello" (jambo, if I've remembered that correctly!)

I'm giving you a 6 star rating and will back when I have a spare place on my bookshelf. Good luck with this.
Cherry
The Girl from Ithaca

No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals is quite an adventure story, made all the more real because it’s true. I’ve never read any type of first hand account from someone who was a UN peacekeeper, so it was really interesting, and more than a little telling, to discover the trials and tribulations that author Ruko Dango went through.

The book starts off well, introducing us to the fact that things are quite different in Africa, from airplane flights to driving around town. The UN mission itself is similarly dysfunctional, often surviving, and even thriving, despite itself.

The novel reminds me a lot of Richard Hooker's novel MASH, which of course was made into that wonderful TV show. Dango shows us the absurdity of the UN, and also the professionalism of many of its people, how they do a good job despite all the odds being stacked against them, and despite likely being oddballs themselves. Dango becomes a sort of comedic straight-man in the middle of all this, the only one who is normal in the midst of all the craziness, though she herself also seems a little bit prone to the madness, a treat that readers will quickly figure out.

If No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals was simply a fictional tale, it would be quite good and easily find an audience. The fact that it’s a true story means that it could actually become a classic, a real example of what it’s like to be a UN peacekeeper, or more broadly, what its like to be a stranger in a strange land. It should easily prove successful once published.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

I know nothing about the Congo and even less about UN Peacekeeping missions, so it was with a little trepidation that I started reading. Two hours and 10 chapters later I managed to stop reading and post this comment. A very well written story which draws you in and keeps you hooked, with a subtle humour which I think is indicative of someone who has seen atrocities first hand. A book which I will be reading more of and would certainly purchase if published. High star rating and will back once I have shelf room. Janet

Janet/Helen
The Stranger in my Life

Hi R,

I read the first four chapters yesterday and found it enthralling. The narrative, descriptions and dialogue bring the characters and environment to life, making mental imagery easy.
I liked the comparison of the inside of the helicopter with the skeleton whale - excellent.
The method of writing portrays your recollections clearly and encapsulates qualities that would appeal to readers of a variety of genre's.
There were no major factors to detract from my enjoyment of a story that flowed effortlessly making me want to read on.
I think a variety of readers would be attracted to and intrigued by this book thus aiding its success.

Sarah Jane
Glass Half Full

This is a very well written piece, which stays true to it's intention of informing the reader with almost no embellishment. I'm enjoying it very much and look forward to finishing it. (On chapter 3 at the moment.)

Read the first two chapters and I really like this. Although it isn't the sort of book I would usually go for (I'm guilty of being unfairly dismissive of memoirs and non-fiction) I'm thoroughly enjoying your writing, which strikes me as some of the most professional I've seen on the site. Colourful, fun and human despite being factual about a situation far outside of most readers' own experiences. I'll keep this on my watch list with the intention of giving it some shelf time in the near future.

Special mention to the line "Being a good flirt is a prerequisite for an efficient peacekeeper", this really jumped out at me as being well observed.

Rachel
The Diver's Brilliant Bow

Ruko:
I read this sometime ago and enjoyed it then as now. The beginning and the flight got my attention. Who hasn't had one of those nightmare flights. I love reading about them.
"Which way is up"
"I did not feel like I was getting a bargain"...love the humor.
You take the reader to another place and do a good job with that.
Parasite in the toe and then in the breast. YUK
I only read the first few chapters. I saw no typos of any consequence and I enjoyed the read. Keeping on W/l I see your work is doing well and climbing.
ShirleyGrace

"I changed planes twice and each time the aircraft got smaller" Great, human observations make for a great bigger picture. Up to chapter 3 and enjoying this.

chapter 23 is very touching. Generaly speaking the whole situation in Congo is very confusing and difficult to describe. Chapters like this are moving and keeps the reader interested. Although I know the situation and environment, I sometime hooked off because its all so complicated. Sometime you don't see the forest anymore because of all the trees, as we say in Holland. However you describe it well and the powerlessness of UN forces/humanitrian aidworkers like you to do something about it. Difficult to be effective. It sometimes gives the impression that they just drive or fly around, but (can)do little about improving the situation or stop it from getting worse. Quite an difficult if not impossible task. And than there is the ineffectiveness of large organisation like UN. Here is a simple phone call that does wonders. You describe these matters well. For me it is easier to get the picture since I know the area and human conditions, but will others understand? Maybe you could be more clear about/ give historical background information on the whole political situation for those who don't know. Still, I'm enjoying reading it and will continue.

it is all so familiar to me although Butembo was a small place when I was there in 1969. I enjoy reading your story

Hi Ruko,
I've just read the prologue and chaptern 1 and I like it. It reminds me of my own arrival at the Ndjili airport in 1996. Your writing is excellent and what you say about us Dutch is true: pumped up with hormone stuffed beef...rather porc and chicken. I try to avoid them. I like the way you describe things: people moving like a puppet show etc. good on you! Hope you will enyoy my story about Congo(sent to you by email)
cherio, Karel

Claw Review; No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals ch1-3

The short pitch is good, sets the hook. The long pitch is well written, always like a true to life read. Engaging plot and storyline, definite page turner. There is good conflict and drama in the story, also with the dialogue. It is well edited, I found no punctuation or grammar issues through ch1-3. If I was forced to critique it would be this- add more description to the settings and characters. Overall this is a very interesting book. Good Luck- high stars. Mark Stone.

Wow, what an amazing insight into a life of a peacekeeper! Monique, Mudacumura--sounds like a great plot. I was not surprised when the money, allocated for returning people home was half used up and the ship chosen to bring people home was so old, would easily drown. I was not surprised at the old aircrafts Ruko had to travel. But I was surprised that the place where she was going had cannibals and no ice cream--what a scary hole to end up in.

I read three chapters. You write in a witty and almost comical fashion, making it an interesting read.

Amazing: “Being a good flirt is a prerequisite for an efficient peacekeeper.”

Thank you so much for sharing your story--I am glad I came across it,
Alexandra Mahanaim

This is entertaining, funny and a little bit scary. I love it. Yours Bea

Ruko, what a great book. I've only read the first two chapters but already felt compelled to comment. I love the description of the plane journey and your comparison between the white people and lions, the Asians and cow is brilliant. So well written and thought out. I shall continue reading.

CLAWED review.
There is a good smooth development of your plot. I didn't feel rushed through it or confused by choppy sentences or paragraphs. Good work, that can be hard to accomplish.
The plot is unique and the vision is easy to see. The ice cream twist is very creative.
I thought that your dialog is smooth and real. You have this as fiction and non-fiction and I can see why that is.
I have to say that this is not my sort of book. That being said, I think that there is a good deal of touches that make the reader think.
I saw a missing period, but I can't find it now. Oh, well.
Toni [Cavern of Time]

Thank you for bringing these things up. In fact, these three takes on Capt.Baptiste are the only fictional part of this book. I have mixed them as an experiment. However, if readers feel odd about their 'thoughts' written by me, I have to reconsider the approach. Thank you again for your comments.

Hi Ruko,

I found your travel journal style of writing very engaging and interesting. A personal view can lighten up the scenery and give it some extra dimension which illuminates the problems as well as the opportunities.
May I, please, point out a couple of things which I noticed :
(ch3) And old man like him ??
he took his hand out of (his) pocket
There are a couple of incidents where the journal steps out of its confines and takes on an empirical viewpoint. I found this slightly disconcerting although most readers might not notice - Captaine Baptiste's thoughts would be inaccessible to Ruko. This happens again in ch6, where the Chief of villages' thoughts are reported.
And, excuse me if I'm dull . . . What is Primus?
Not a lot of typos at all, as this MS is polished and well constructed.

Ame

Hi Ruko,

I found your travel journal style of writing very engaging and interesting. A personal view can lighten up the scenery and give it some extra dimension which illuminates the problems as well as the opportunities.
May I, please, point out a couple of things which I noticed :
(ch3) And old man like him ??
he took his hand out of (his) pocket
There are a couple of incidents where the journal steps out of its confines and takes on an empirical viewpoint. I found this slightly disconcerting although most readers might not notice - Captaine Baptiste's thoughts would be inaccessible to Ruko. This happens again in ch6, where the Chief of villages' thoughts are reported.
And, excuse me if I'm dull . . . What is Primus?
Not a lot of typos at all, as this MS is polished and well constructed.

Ame

Hi Ruko,
I'm here just to read, not a writer myself. I live in SA, and one of our extended family members works for the UN with refugees, so your pitch caught my eye. She's based in Switzerland for now, but has been all over the world too. Curious to find out if any of your experiences match hers - and seems like the nuttiness that she describes at the UN is not limited to just one area! I like the very personal feel to this (I suppose because I live in the general region, I don't need more fill-in on the background on Africa.). I would like to hear more about the Iraq background though because that is something I'm not familiar with - CNN or Sky don't really count. I've only read a chapter so far, but found this enjoyable, and interesting. Happy to shelve for more reading - I'm not on here often.

Hi Ruko,

I read 1-6. Your lively writing style makes it a real pleasure to follow you as a reader on your various Congo excursions. I'll comment properly later. Best wishes on your way to the desk.
Backed.

Ame

Ruko - the promised return read. I've no literary training nor ever published so feel free to deal with these comments as you wish. I will say that the real life genre this offers itself as is one I would often pick up.

I read the opening Chapter a few times. It's one that's intriguing but for two reasons I think can be pushed further. The first is this is almost totally limited to dialogue - as I read I found I wanted to know more on the politics of this war; there have been so many - Rwanda overspill or DRC internal or something else? I did Google to check but that took me away from your book.

The other issue was you tempted me with your title. What is the highest penalty - is this cannibalism or must I wait longer? But within that opening you've also promised me the Wikileaks version of UN actvivity - that's intriguing as I've heard some stories that have never made the press.

Your Chapter 1 - nice easy starting style, personal and a little action to set the scene. I'm expecting UN dysfuntion and it's there already and some amusing as well as dangerous moments - the immigration entry and confusion with your nationality is short but spot on.

This is almost a rush of information, almost, but I'm just staying with it. I want to know more about you personally, why you joined the UN and now what happened in Iraq. I would suggest being a good flirt is a prerequisite for a 'female' peacekeeper, but bow to your experience. I'm also wondering what the UN's poistion is - what I would call a situation statement.

The story is flowing well but where I did find myself wanting just a little more was the background to Afirca. Almost all of this Chapter is about the UN related characters. I loved the paragraph opening on Kinshasa and the vibrant colours of the clothes. Maybe just pushing a little of Leick back and allowing us to settle into Kinshasa more gently and become familiar with it would help the reader - just a thought.

By now I'm forgetting typos and grammar - none of those - style and story are what I'm looking at and you have much of that.

Nice, very personal closing line, that behind it's simplicity offers so much.

Brief mention of Walikale - interesting, again moments of great humour with key chains, and slight info dumps with the history of Rwanda and FDLR - I love geopolitics but wonder how readers manage who have no knowledge may stay with this.

Brief scenes follow, each good and you cover yourself and your fears with prayer to several gods. Then Fiorennza and Bon, with Goma and Butembo as potential places to go, somehow related to the North Kivu Region.

Your Chapter 3 - the Goma Girls

Now this is excellent! You paint parrallel pictures of the history for the unknown reader with the modern women and their genetic heritage. The humour continues and you also start to portray a little of the dark side of life with rich expatriaties having acess to young girls. I sense there is more of the dark side of life here but you dont show that as I was expecting - am certain prostitution was rife in some areas.

What is MONUC? Have I missed that?

The bug - also excellent - clearly memories that have stayed with you.

Your Chapter 5 - Safari territory

Again clearly written and I suspect you have an excellent memory for conversations. There is more of Africa here and I want that a lot. Also a little more of the history that causes these confused conflicts.

Ruko I've read 10 Chapters and loved all the scenes. You write extremely well and the style comes across as very personal, but I feel there is still so much more missing. Just my thoughts but here they are:-

Most memoirs, military or similar include detail about a persons upbring and I want to know a lot more about you, Ruko San. This isn't a travel book, it's about you in the United Nations; where did you grow up, what was your family composition, what made you join the UN and take an approach to life so different from the average Japanese woman - why are you haunted by your mission in Iraq? - you hint at much several times with prayers, views on relationships but this is your story and I feel you've hidden much of yourself from me. I read your bio and how you compared allowing others to read your writing to the first time at a nudist beach - I can associate with the fear of letting others read your writing, but I would suggest there is more of you, and/or the UN to show.

Many military memiors include some very personal admission of being brought up in broken families, perhas youth crime and alchoholism as a response to stress. They talk of lost friends and stress - in short they bare their soul to the reader.

The individual scenes are frankly excellent. Very human and your humour is perhaps the best part but as I read I felt I was being given snapshots when I wanted the whole story - I hope this comes across - they are my views and others will see this differently so finding the balance for publication is where the difficulty lies.

The deployment of the UN into any situation requires some form of votes and then a mission. From my background I was trying to see how orders and actions were following a 'mission statement' but I found myself reading almost a travellog. At one point you indicate they need water and stated that knowing you could sumbit a report about water pipes completed your mission. I do feel you could maybe every 3 or so Chapters update us on the background of what the UN was doing; that would then add greater depth to your excellent personal memories that later start to lose their impact, to me at least. Include issues of corruption and abuse of local people if they are there; you suggest it but then step back and I felt cheated of knowing the very facts the UN wont admit to.

There have been few books written from UN officals at your level and this is one I would love to buy and read several times over, but I want it all - I want both the very human side of you and those around you, and also the geopolitics of UN missions - I looked at the UN and have friends who've done similar work so heard their stories.

But the one element missing is who you really are. Put that in and I'd buy it tomorrow. I love what you've written but feel it's only half the story you could write. I do hope that makes sense. Steve.

Hi Ruko, I read Ch. 5 and I think the pacing is fine. There's a nice balance of action and description, humour, grimness and personal interest. The last paragraph is extremely effective - it makes me want to kick somebody! Hard!
Picked up one typo capital t on they not needed in the bit about the army commander being killed.
I'm sure I saw something on tv just recently about the Virunga National Park being brought back to how it had been, reintroducing animals etc.
Sorry, I haven't really got any suggestions. I seems fine to me.

Prologue plus chapters 1-6

It's an exciting and captivating read! Very entertaining but I also learnt a lot. I loved the way you mixed the serious nature of your work with great humour and comical insight.

It really is funny, from your title, to the opening story of chaos on the plane, through to thoughts about lunchbreaks and eating habits and then hopes of being a giant amongst the pygmies (alas, some were still taller than you!) I think you've got a very likeable voice here: I was cheering you along in those lighthearted moments and also in the very serious business of your UN peacekeeping mission, where you go to villages with no medical supplies or access to ambulances and hospitals, almost always under threat from the rebel army.
And I'm really pleased that if ever I need to speak swahili, I can at least say "hello" (jambo, if I've remembered that correctly!)

I'm giving you a 6 star rating and will back when I have a spare place on my bookshelf. Good luck with this.
Cherry
The Girl from Ithaca

Have so far only managed to read two chapters of this but will definitely come back and read more as I'm enjoying it enormously. Really nice crisp writing which pulls the reader right in and a highly unusual subject, all the more so since it's non-fiction.

The early scene on the aircraft was very well written and graphic and had me clutching the arms of my chair since I hate flying, even in calm weather, and felt as if I was actually on the flight and starting to panic.

Very few errors of any significance at all, perhaps the odd very minor quibble over a comma. I would just question “flirted rigorously” which didn't ring true to my ears. The more usual phrase is “flirted outrageously”, perhaps that's what I was expecting to read?

Will certainly come back and read more when time allows. High starred and in my opinion, deserves to do well.

Have only had the time to read the first two chapters so far but will definitely make the time to come back and read more. Liked it enormously, very readable, engaged my attention from the start and was quite unlike anything I have read before.

The early scene in the aircraft was particularly well written and had me clutching the arms of my chair as I read since I dislike flying intensely, even in good weather, and this was so graphic I really felt I was on the flight.

Very nicely and correctly written, I have virtually no quibbles at all with anything I have read so far, perhaps the odd comma missing here and there. I would just question the phrase "flirted rigorously", which didn't ring entirely true to my ears. The more usual phrase is "flirted outrageously" and I wonder if others like me expected that one instead?

I wouldn't however presume to suggest how the military leader might speak, so make no comment on his use of English.

I think this unusual genre deserves to do well as it is refreshingly different and well told. Highly starred.

I've finished two chapters and though I generally do not read this genre, I was really engrossed in the story. The point of being a flirt comes across strongly and I rather enjoyed that part.
The humor blends in well with the storyline.
I've given this high stars and hope top come back and read more.
MC
Exposed

Dear Ruko,
I have now had time to read your novel, it is very well written and the dialogue works very well. A very strong storyline and most enjoyable to read. Loads of stars. Good luck in the future you deserve it.

Regards Eddie

Hi Ruko,

Just having a read of your book. Wasn't sure this book would be for me, even after reading the Prologue, but into the first chapter I'm finding that your writing is very engaging. You describe life in the UN (Iraq and the Congo) in a very personable way, not just dry description of events but people and feelings. Describing yourself as a big flirt, and that being a pre-requisite for your job, being an example. You actually show that you are a big flirt too. And then being teased about the possibility of cannibals where you were going to be posted. You were able to show both the serious side of that and the lighter side.

This book is kind of a memoir I guess, but it's very well written. It deserves its ranking. High stars. I'm going to keep reading through a bit, but I'll save this now.

A couple of minor editorial things:

Prologue: When you open with "My good officers, my comrades!" It didn't sound right to me. The word "good" stuck out like a sore thumb. The phrase "My good officiers," jars big time. It had me wondering whether the english was going to be a bit of a struggle through the book. It isn't, but that opening is a bit linguistically weak. I'd take a look at improving that if you can.

"...more desertion recently'''" I think might be better as "...more desertions recently..."

Chp 1: "...pack of A4 papers." should be "...pack of A4 paper." I'm not sure a lot of North Americans will know what A4 paper is. I'm living in a small city here (from Australia) and tried to get some A4 paper - couldn't get it anywhere, and almost all the people I spoke to at the printing places had no idea what I was talking about. If you want to make this more international, I would just say "...pack of printing paper."

Cheers, Scott Butcher (The Merlin Falcon)

Hi Ruko,

I have to be honest and say I don't read a lot of non-fiction, BUT you certainly grabbed my attention with this.
So far, I've read four chapters and will come back for more, when real life allows!
For me, the special thing about your book is the voice. I really think you have nailed this and the humour throughout is brilliant.
Oh, and great title too.

Wishing you all the best with this. Will keep it on my WL and comment again after reading more.

Cheers,

Simon,
GhostCityGirl.

I read the first four and the last two chapters of No Ice Cream in the land of the Cannibals. It is a well written account of traveling and working under less than favorable conditions. I enjoyed reading how the mixture of races and tribes produced beautiful dancers in a land where ethnic clensing is previlent.
Richard McStay

Nicely written non-fictional piece. It's not my genre but very creative. I enjoyed it. It's well-written, thought provoking & has a style of its own. A very unique piece to say the least. The flow is great and the character draw you in. I wish you the best of luck with it. Thanks for sharing.

-Lyn
Forty-Four Footprints Following Me
Surviving Manic Depression My Story & The Real Truth to Managing It

No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals is quite an adventure story, made all the more real because it’s true. I’ve never read any type of first hand account from someone who was a UN peacekeeper, so it was really interesting, and more than a little telling, to discover the trials and tribulations that author Ruko Dango went through.

The book starts off well, introducing us to the fact that things are quite different in Africa, from airplane flights to driving around town. The UN mission itself is similarly dysfunctional, often surviving, and even thriving, despite itself.

The novel reminds me a lot of Richard Hooker's novel MASH, which of course was made into that wonderful TV show. Dango shows us the absurdity of the UN, and also the professionalism of many of its people, how they do a good job despite all the odds being stacked against them, and despite likely being oddballs themselves. Dango becomes a sort of comedic straight-man in the middle of all this, the only one who is normal in the midst of all the craziness, though she herself also seems a little bit prone to the madness, a treat that readers will quickly figure out.

If No Ice Cream in the Land of the Cannibals was simply a fictional tale, it would be quite good and easily find an audience. The fact that it’s a true story means that it could actually become a classic, a real example of what it’s like to be a UN peacekeeper, or more broadly, what its like to be a stranger in a strange land. It should easily prove successful once published.

John Breeden II
Old Number Seven

Dear Ruko,
The initial four chapters, I've read, brought me a lot of delight.
To read your wonderful book is just the same as to experience your life style, fresh with the winds of change, full of experience but often dangerous not only due to Malaria, dammed larva or bugs, as I can guess.
Reading your book the reader can admire the reflection of the moon on the calm waters of of the night lake from Hotel Karibu bungalows, and, at the same time, can have a look at the country and the UN Peacekeeping business from inside.
As for me, I can detect now Tutsi from Hutu.
The language of your book is rich and smooth, it lets the characters and scenes become live, inspires the reader's imagination.
I haven't found any flaws. In my opinion, the text is well elaborated and perfectly polished.
All the Constellation of stars, my WL for the time being and my respect, dear Ruko!

Valentine But
Escape

What I have read so far is entertaining and, for the most part, well written. There are a few small errors in grammar and punctuation that are easily combed out of the manuscript. I have a couple of questions. One has to do with your nationality: you are Japanese. The remarkable thing - I have had a long association with Japanese women and made several trips to Japan - is your character's very broad, westernized manner in both her outlook and her language. Have you spent most of your life in the West? The second question is regarding the fictional/non-fictional designation. Are you of two minds about the kind of book you've written, or are you saying by 'non-fiction' that the book is based on personal experience, but you are giving the hard facts a fictionalizing treatment? I'd be interested in conversing further with you about what you've written.

Hi Ruko,

I like the prologue. I like how you've taken us into the action and I think it sets the tone really well. The grammar is strong and your writing style flows well.

Chapter one - I like the first person narrative and how you described the plane 'flying like a kite'. When you get into describing a scene - Like the boat that waited forever to leave - You do it really well.

I think this is an interesting story that needs to be told.

While I appreciate that there is a lot of information that you want to convey, I did feel at a few points in this chapter that it sounded like an info dump. It must be so hard to set up a story like this without giving lots of info, but I found my mind wandering a little because of the way it was delivered. Maybe breaking the first chapter up a so you can devote a bit more time to explaining each event?

I thought the end paragraph was really well written and hooked me for the next chapter.

There are a couple of small things that I noticed:

The repetition of the word 'again' - a few paragraphs from the end of the first section - Stood out to me. I don't think it's a big deal, but it did jump out against what is really well written and flowing prose.

I don't quite understand the line 'The warm humid air tagged around my shirt.' It's the word 'tagged' that doesn't make sense to me.

Do you mean 'The nameplate on the desk I sat 'at' read....'?

I think calling Leick a 'fiftyish' dutch man doesn't quite read right. I think it would read better to say a dutch man in his fifties, or of around fifty.

The image of the men in stripy pink tank tops really made me laugh.

I really like this story on the whole. I've tried to be as critical as possible because it's what I would want from people on this site. I hope it helps.

I've given it high stars and will keep it on my watch list.

Michael
Back to Basics

Hi Ruko,

Your writing is very fluid and your descriptions are excellent. Your almost arrival at the wrong destination was a hoot. What happened to your seat mate, did he get back on the plane? I really like your MC voice. It is lively and strong. You seemed to flit from place to place with ease, which makes me think you might want to break up the second chapter into two or more chapters.

I can't think of anything you could change in your writing to improve this. I'm not sure where you're going and what the conflict will be, but I want to find out. So far you have taken me into the Congo where there is no ice cream.

Best wishes with this and highly starred. Will also put you on my watch list.

Sneaky Long
"Trophy Wives"

Hello Ruko,

I read Chapters 1-7 and found this to be a highly entertaining as well as enlightening story, with lots of descriptions that captured the imagination. Adventure abounds as we follow your journey into the Congo, another world, one filled with sweet bananas, toe-boring bugs, and pygmies. I felt as if I were there, traveling alongside you, experiencing the people, the sights and sounds, and all in technicolor.

Underlying currents of friction pop up, such as the incident of the chief and the thug, these incidents are like the rumblings of a volcano, preparing us for what lies ahead. This makes me want to turn the pages.

Also, a possible romance down the road with Yuri? Who knows, but he appears intriguing.

Suggestion:
I did not see a strong plot. At times, it felt as if this was a travelogue or that I was reading a diary.

Also I would have liked to have seen more dialogue. For example, when you were with your female friends, laughing and joking, I liked the part with the toe-boring bug, etc. That was hilarious. More moments like that would really bring out the personality of Roku.

Overall the story is well-polished and deserves an Ed desk and six stars! On my WL for now. Will have to return to read more and back soon!

Best,
Patty Apostolides
The Greek Maiden and the English Lord

Most interesting...and i'm glad ot have someone writing a few truths on the lacking of the UN's efficiency shall we say in matters where it really counts.
It's going to be on my shelf
Nagwa

Hi Ruko,

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to return your read - life got in the way again, I'm afraid. Anyway, I'm here now!

Your book reads to me like a cross between a novel and a travel journalist's memoir. You're not exactly a war correspondent - although perhaps later on you get closer to this (I've read to the end of chapter 3). Your description is extremely good and your observations of people - I could totally visualise them.

A personal preference would be for more dialogue, if it's 'novel' that you're aiming for. If this is a fictional version of a journalistic memoir, however, I think it's pretty bang on. Have you read any Granta stories? Check them out - yours would fit right in!

I've really enjoyed the chapters I've read so far. Good luck getting up to the ED. Not long now, I'm sure ...

Sally
The Psychic Detective Agency

Ruko,

Read through chapter 4 and enjoyed every sentence. An unique look at a UN mission from the eyes of someone who lived it as opposed to what we hear in the news media. Nothing canned about it. Will read more this weekend when I get a chance. Rated and put on my WL.

Jon Schafer
Dead Air
Immigrant Song
Normal is a Washing Machine Setting

Ruko - Absolutely fascinating - one comment though - at the start - you say the forest in walikale - then you start in a room - I would suggest you name that room/building at the start - it kind of threw me at the start - which obviously is so important for catching the editor's eyes - I have backed and highly starred. If you get a chance to do a return read that would be appreciated. cheers Jimmy

Ruko - Absolutely fascinating - one comment though - at the start - you say the forest in walikale - then you start in a room - I would suggest you name that room/building at the start - it kind of threw me at the start - which obviously is so important for catching the editor's eyes - I have backed and highly starred. If you get a chance to do a return read that would be appreciated. cheers Jimmy

No Ice Cream in the Land of th.... -Ruko Dango

Hi Ruko,
I enjoyed reading the first 4 chapters of your book. Although your book begins in 2005, it is amazing to witness that the sadness and the poverty in Africa still continue at full speed despite the efforts of the UN. You have a very honest, sincere and witty 'voice' that skillfully tells the tale in a simple format while depicting the atmosphere in Congo and the disorganization and lack of communication within the giant organization of UN. Well done, high stars and congradulations! You are on my WL. Best wishes, Sebnem-The Child of Heaven

I'm just to the end of chapter 2 but it sounds interesting.

When you referred to the airplane making a pin turn, did you mean a hairpin turn, used to describe a sharp turn? This may be a minor typo but thought you might like to know.

Otherwise, arigoto.
Fred

Ruko,

I have had the time to read most of this book. All I can say is, I am absolutely breathless. Despite the fact this is fictional, but based on real life encounters, going through it is like seeing the events through your eyes. The socio-economic problems as faced by the people at some of the places you take us through, are not synonymous only to that region. You tell the story like you`ve been to every corner of impoverished Third World Africa. I was thrilled going with you at places like Kibirisi and Kiwanja. Actually, there`s a place in a town north of my country called Chiwanja. Now you know what I am talking about.

In short, this is not just a pleasure read. It is so goddamned educative. The displacements of civilians and wild animals due to civil wars etc. That`s something that should always be highlighted. I pray that this book gets the recognition that it so much deserves. Good to notice that you`re almost there already. Good luck Ruko.

Ben

Great story-telling, well observed and told with humour and humanity. My only negative observation is that some of the description could do with being more subtle (more metaphor than simile) and the reader doesn't require quite so much explanatory detail.

Hi Ruko,

I have recently been reading P.J. O’Rourke about experiences in third-world countries, and this stacks up very well next to that. I haven’t got any critique comments to make. You’ve got a really good way of telling things and it was easy for me to get absorbed into the situations you were describing. And it certainly doesn't hurt that the things you are talking about are interesting in their own right. I have read to the end of Ch. 6.
Purely out of curiosity, have you written a Japanese version? I wondered whether it might be easier to get published there - Not as many other competing books about UN peacekeping experiences, perhaps?

P.S. I hope you can take a look at my book, but only if it’s something that interests you. Reading in a foreign language gives me a headache so you have my sympathy :) (though your English is good enough that maybe its different for you). Besides, you’re in the top 100 now so you probably need to spend your time promoting your book :)

Maurice

Ruko,

I have read through chapter 6, and cannot wait to return and read more. Your writing is inviting, descriptive, and entertaining. I found myself laughing at your humorous antic dotes. Great writing makes for a fantastic read. I do not know anything about the Congo, so I enjoy it tremendously from the learning perspective, as well.

Thank you for writing this! Congratulations on a job superbly done.

Celine Zabel
Lives Shattered: One Mother's Loss at the Hands of the Legal System

Hi Ruko,

Sorry for taking so long to comment; I didn't want to stop reading! You have a truly unique and refreshing perspective and it's a real pleasure to journey with you into the 'land of the cannibals'. Brilliant title! I always struggle with finding a title that captures the essence of a story, but you've done that perfectly. Congrats! What you have here is a very convincing, well written story that is easy to get into, but keeps the reader on edge, hungry for more. You build up the setting in an almost effortless way - it reads so naturally. I'm really glad you invited me to read this. A pleasure to back, and I would love to have this on my real bookshelf someday!

Burgundy Ink

No Ice cream...- The writer exhibited a unique talent of narration based on authentic experiences. Events unfold at a reasonably fast pace. She vividly described how difficult very small things in life can get to- yet they are normal day to day things for the people living in those countries. Especially, for UN representatives, working in odd, war and poverty stricken environments, the basic comforts of the life would be negatively affected, but they move on with their mission.Ruko made this fact very clear. My only concern is that113,000 words may be too long for a book( average 85000). Highly starred for the research and narration. On my W/L.

venkatarama
Ozoneraser

Hi Ruko,

This is absolutely amazing! Quite intriguing I must say. And to think that though fiction, but most of those incidents you either experienced or witnessed in actual life, just is incredible. I have loved your style of story-telling. Trust me you got me hooked from the first chapter onwards. I could relate to most of the towns and places, like I practically was seeing such life. This really is genuine work - of a real UN Peace Keeper. I no doubt would love to buy a published copy of this novel. Well done and wish you the best of luck. You are highly starred by me.

Ben – ‘run for your pencil’

Dear Ruko,

Thanks for your message. I hope you will indeed look at my book, "Africa's Embrace." I have placed your book on my bookshelf and as soon as I get some spare time from my demanding job here in Burkina Faso, I plan to begin readiting it. I hope you complete your book soon and upload your entire finished version. Best, Chief Baobab

Dear Ruko,

Thanks for your message. I hope you will indeed look at my book, "Africa's Embrace." I have placed your book on my bookshelf and as soon as I get some spare time from my demaning job here in Burkina Faso, I plan to begin readiting it. I hope you complete your book soon and upload your entire finished version. Best, Chief Baobab