Twenty Chickens for a Saddle
Twenty Chickens for a Saddle
Book Brief
466
Novel • Fiction
•
Travel Literature•
BiographyBotswana • 1990s
2008
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott is a memoir about her childhood in Botswana after her parents decided to move from New Zealand. The book provides vivid accounts of their unconventional life, filled with improvisational homeschooling, her father’s remote medical work, and life on a 2000-acre farm. Robyn’s upbringing is marked by freedom, curiosity, and adventurous spirit, filtered through the lens of Botswana’s challenging yet enriching environment. The book discusses topics such as traumatic injuries and the AIDS epidemic in Botswana.
Nostalgic
Adventurous
Heartwarming
Informative
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
3,007 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott is a memoir that captures the charm of an unconventional childhood in Botswana. Reviewers praise its vivid storytelling, rich cultural insights, and engaging humor. However, some critique its meandering pace and occasional lack of focus. Overall, it is celebrated for its warmth and vibrant depiction of life in Africa.
Who Should Read Twenty Chickens for a Saddle?
Readers who relish memoirs of unconventional childhoods and African landscapes will find great appeal in Twenty Chickens for a Saddle by Robyn Scott. Fans of Alexandra Fuller's Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight and Peter Godwin's When a Crocodile Eats the Sun will appreciate Scott's vivid storytelling and unique life experiences in Botswana.
3,007 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The title Twenty Chickens for a Saddle is inspired by the barter system in rural Botswana, where the author's family lived, highlighting the local practice of trading goods like animals for everyday necessities.
Robyn Scott, the author of Twenty Chickens for a Saddle, grew up in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana, providing a unique perspective filled with vibrant cultural and environmental experiences.
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The book offers insights into the unconventional homeschooling approaches embraced by Scott's parents, fostering a highly independent and diverse learning environment for her and her siblings amidst the African wilderness.
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466
Novel • Fiction
•
Travel Literature•
BiographyBotswana • 1990s
2008
Adult
16+ years
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