The Last Resort: A Memoir of Zimbabwe

The Last Resort follows journalist Douglas Rogers as he documents his parents' struggle to keep their backpacker lodge and farm in Zimbabwe during the country's political and economic crisis of the 2000s. His parents Lyn and Ros are white farmers who must navigate an increasingly dangerous landscape as President Robert Mugabe's land redistribution policies threaten their livelihood and safety. Rogers returns repeatedly from his home in London to visit Zimbabwe, recording the transformation of his parents' once-peaceful lodge into a refuge for various survivors of the nation's upheaval. The memoir captures the day-to-day reality of life under hyperinflation, fuel shortages, and political violence through the lens of one family's experience. Through interviews with war veterans, dispossessed farmers, politicians, and common citizens, Rogers constructs a ground-level view of a nation in turmoil. His reporting extends beyond his family's story to document the broader historical forces reshaping Zimbabwe's society. The memoir raises complex questions about belonging, identity, and the nature of home in post-colonial Africa. It examines the intersection of personal and political history without offering simple answers about right and wrong.

Readers praise Rogers' balanced portrayal of Zimbabwe's complex situation and his ability to find humor amid tragedy. Many note his skill at weaving personal family stories with broader historical context. Readers liked: - The intimate look at daily life during Zimbabwe's economic collapse - His parents' resilience and adaptability - The blend of tense moments with unexpected comedy - Clear explanations of political events for those unfamiliar with Zimbabwe Readers disliked: - Some found early chapters slow before the pace picks up - A few noted confusion keeping track of numerous characters - Some wanted more background on pre-Mugabe Zimbabwe Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (180+ ratings) Sample review: "Not just another 'white African' memoir - Rogers shows all sides of Zimbabwe's story through vivid characters and sharp reporting. His parents emerge as fascinating survivors rather than victims." - Goodreads reviewer

When a Crocodile Eats the Sun by Peter Godwin A journalist documents Zimbabwe's collapse under Mugabe's rule through his family's struggle to maintain their farm and identity.

Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller This memoir chronicles a white family's life in Rhodesia-turned-Zimbabwe during the tumultuous independence period and its aftermath.

The Fear: The Last Days of Robert Mugabe by Peter Godwin Through interviews and personal experiences, this book captures the final years of Mugabe's regime and its impact on Zimbabwe's people.

Mukiwa: A White Boy in Africa by Peter Godwin The transformation of Rhodesia to Zimbabwe unfolds through the eyes of a child growing into a young man serving in the police force.

Rainbow's End by Lauren St John A family's experience on their Zimbabwe farm during the 1970s and 1980s reflects the larger political and social upheaval of the nation.

🌍 Douglas Rogers grew up on his parents' backpacker lodge, Drifters, in eastern Zimbabwe, but was living in London as a journalist when the violent land seizures began in 2000. 🏠 The book chronicles how his parents' once-peaceful tourist lodge transformed into a refuge for Zimbabwe's displaced white farmers, prostitutes, diamond dealers, and political dissidents during the country's crisis. 🌿 His parents secretly grew marijuana on their property to survive economically after tourism collapsed, hiding it among the roses in their garden. 👥 The author's parents, Lyn and Ros Rogers, refused to leave Zimbabwe despite losing 90% of their retirement savings and facing multiple threats of violence. 🏆 "The Last Resort" won the 2010 British Guild of Travel Writers Award for Best Narrative Travel Book and was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award.