The Last Resort: A Memoir of Mischief and Mayhem on a Family Farm in Africa

This is a story of proud Africans, corrupt dictators, civil war, displacement, blood diamonds, and one resilient couple who rode this crazytown ride, heads held high, dignity intact. When Mugabe allowed White farmers (and Black farmers, and anyone, really, who worked for the party of democracy) to be kicked off their land in order for it to be turned over to his cronies and kin, he extinguished Zimbabwe's esteemed reputation as the breadbasket of Africa. The world watched in horror at what was happening in Zimbabwe, none moreso than the author who gives us an idea of what it must be like to move a couple of stubborn parents out of harm's way. There is a deeply patriotic sense to this tale. The parents are doing their best, trying to go with the flow and adjust, even as the world around them spins faster out of control. Their families have been there since the turn of the last century and have deep roots in Zimbabwe, one of the most beautiful countries in the world.And so we watch, holding our breath, as the folks make deal after deal to keep their business alive. Rogers describes the characters with such subtle but telling detail that you immediately feel that you are there with him watching each new enterprise take root at Drifters Inn, the author's mother collecting the day's take in her little metal box. I enjoyed this book very much. I've sent it on to friends and recommended it to others. It is a stark, poignant, terrifying read. You will not want to put this book down until you learn the fate of this charming couple. Will they survive this? Can they? I was riveted to the page for two days straight.Is that Hollywood calling?Great read! Five stars!

I read Douglas's book in 3 days and when I had finished I just wanted it to go on. It is sad, funny, thought provoking and brought back so many memories hidden in the back of my mind. We have known the Rogers family for about 37 years and yes we are the Russell's mentioned in the book....what an honour. Douglas has written such a true account of those times and we admire him for this. The country and its people are portrayed so well that one can actualy visual them. Well done. Diana Russell

This book was my first ever e-book purchase. And what a choice! Poetically penned by a native white Zimbabwean (Rogers,Douglas)who details his frequent visits to his parents' small backpackers lodge business while they stared straight in the eye some of the most daunting of circumstances which threatened their livlihood, and even their lives!I flew through this addictive and easily read non-fictional account of the peril's of life under the Mugabe regime for fourth-generation Rhodesians,namely the author's biological parents, who are forced out of necessity to adapt to the volitile political climate that has declared them (white landowners) de facto Enemies of the State. The ways in which they do this are clever, resourceful, and always entertaining; in part due to the incredible optimism and humor these last bittereinders retain, all the while facing down daily the most daunting of obstacles, not to mention the ever-present threat of state-sponsored forceable Occupation & Eviction from their farms by political thugs. White farmers (and all white land owners this couple soon discovered) became Mugabe's scapegoat for diverting blame away from abyssmal economic state of the country which sat in 80% unemployment and 10,000+% inflation ahead of the looming Presidential elections where the ruling ZANU-PF party faced viable opposition for the first time in decades. Vivid and accurate articulation of the pervaisive extent of corruption in Zimbabwe, and blatent abuse of democracy, as citizens see their constitution erroded while President Bob's power is increased as his cronies get enriched at the expense of the largely starving populace. The Amazing tale is truely the Rogers' remarkable faith in Zimbabwe's critically-wounded democratic system, their determination and unwavering resolve to eek out a livin and refusal to disown their native country that has turned their back on them.Lastly, let me say that this book is one of those "real life is stranger is Crazier than fiction" reads that makes me want to visit Drifter's Lodge outside of Mutare, Zimbabwe.