麻豆社

Say the name David Livingstone on the continent and you'll see his name on streets, cities, towns in honour of the Scottish missionary, doctor and anti-slavery campaigner. He explored much of the interior of Africa in the 19th century and kept a diary of his journey. Although his experiences have been well documented, the Africans who supported him in his travels - those who cooked, washed his clothes carried his equipment get just a passing mention. Zimbabwean author, Petina Gappah has changed that in her new book, 'Out of Darkness, Shining Light'. She tells the story of the two Africans close to him who carried Livingstone's body 1,500 miles over 9 months in 1873 when he died.

Petina Gappah has been researching their story for more than 20 years and spoke to Focus on Africa's Jenny Horrocks about this fascination with David Livingstone, as seen through the eyes of these two Africans.

(Photo: Zimbabwean author Petina Gappah visits the Focus on Africa team in London, UK. Credit: 麻豆社)