Going Solo

Going Solo is Roald Dahl's autobiographical account of his early adult years, beginning with his 1938 journey to Africa as a Shell Oil employee. The book serves as a sequel to Boy, his earlier memoir about his childhood years. The first portion chronicles Dahl's experiences in colonial Africa, where he encounters unique characters and witnesses remarkable events in the East African territory. His peaceful employment with Shell Oil is interrupted by the outbreak of World War II, marking a dramatic shift in his life trajectory. The second half documents Dahl's service as a Royal Air Force pilot during World War II, including his missions in Greece and the Mediterranean theater. His accounts include his training period, aerial combat experiences, and the physical challenges he faced as a fighter pilot. The memoir demonstrates how extraordinary circumstances can transform an ordinary life, while showcasing Dahl's characteristic blend of humor and gravity in recounting historical events. Though some details have been questioned by historians, the work captures the spirit of a young man's journey through a pivotal period in world history.

Readers appreciate Dahl's vivid descriptions of his WWII experiences as an RAF pilot and his encounters in Africa. Many note his straightforward, engaging writing style that brings wartime events to life without sensationalism. Common praise: - Authentic portrayal of a pilot's perspective during WWII - Balance of humor and serious moments - Clear, accessible prose that appeals to both teens and adults - First-hand historical accounts that complement school curriculum Common criticisms: - Less compelling than Boy (Dahl's first autobiography) - Some passages about Africa reflect colonial attitudes - Abrupt ending leaves readers wanting more detail Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (44,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (1,200+ ratings) One frequent comment from teachers and parents is that the book helps students connect with WWII history through personal narrative. Several readers mention the crash landing sequence as particularly memorable.

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West with the Night by Beryl Markham The life story of a pioneering aviator in colonial Africa details her experiences as the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic from east to west.

A Pilot's Story by Robert Buck This autobiographical account captures the experiences of a commercial pilot who flew during the same era as Dahl and transitioned from civilian to military flying during WWII.

Into the Blue by Norman Macmillan A RAF pilot's firsthand account of aerial combat during WWI provides insights into the early days of military aviation and the challenges faced by fighter pilots.

Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry The author's experiences as a mail pilot in Africa and South America during the 1920s and 1930s blend flying adventures with observations about human nature.

🌍 Dahl's time in Africa lasted from 1938 to 1939, where he lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (then called Tanganyika), marking his first great adventure away from home. ✈️ While serving as an RAF pilot, Dahl crashed his plane in the Libyan desert in 1940, suffering severe injuries including a fractured skull - an experience that later influenced his writing in "A Piece of Cake." 📝 The book was published in 1986, nearly 40 years after the events it describes, demonstrating Dahl's remarkable memory for detail and his storytelling abilities. 🐍 One of the most memorable sections describes Dahl's encounter with a deadly black mamba snake in Africa, which he had to carefully maneuver around while alone in his bathroom. 🎭 Many of the characters Dahl met during this period, particularly his fellow RAF pilots, would later inspire characters in his fiction works, including his stories for adults in "Over to You."