Alison Blackmore

Africa Noon Alison Blackmore

Alison Blackmore had an unconventional childhood on a remote farm in Matabeleland during a turbulent transition from colonial rule to independence. In Africa Noon she recounts early adventures with her most loyal friend, her dog Shadow. This memoir covers Alison's early years in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), around 1965 during the period of UDI (Unilateral Declaration of Independence) from Britain. Africa Noon is a recounting of uncommon experiences, often magical, and sometimes tragic, that shaped a small girl; and a nation. The characters, places and events are real. Most names have been changed. It is a love letter to Africa, and Africans, inspired by that continent's aching beauty, resilient people, and troubled history. Growing up in a culturally and racially diverse environment, often fraught with violence, makes navigating the rites of passage from infancy to adulthood all the more challenging. Africa Noon is one girl's search for understanding, colored by her unique experience, growing up in one location but two opposing worlds. The book illustrates how singular events can be interpreted differently by people of diverse backgrounds, leaving her to ultimately draw her own conclusions. This is a story of love for varying cultures, and for anyone grappling to find their place in a diverse world.