Out of Darkness, Shining Light
Out of Darkness, Shining Light is a story told from the perspective of the Africans who carried the body of David Livingstone across Africa for 1,500 miles, a journey which took more than 279 days. Livingstone, a legendary missionary and doctor in Africa during the Victorian period, was also an opponent of Africa’s slave trade. The later portion of his life was spent as an explorer in an obsessive search for the source of the Nile. He made three long expeditions throughout Africa from 1852 until his death in 1873 of malaria. The caravan of bearers and servants camps in Chitambo while Livingstone, Bwana Daudi, is too ill to travel.
In part one, the cook, Halima, tells of Livingstone’s last days and death. The group decides their bwana’s body must be returned to England. They remove his organs, burying his heart in a marked grave. His body is dried and mummified. Part two is told by Jacob Wainwright, an educated and devoutly religious freed slave. Through his journal we hear of the arduous journey of 70 natives carrying Bwana Daudi’s body and crates of his papers.
Along the way they meet opposition from tribal chieftains, hunger, sickness, and death. The horrific reality of the slave trade is witnessed as remains litter the trail, captives who didn’t survive the forced march to the slave ships. After many deaths and desertions, 45 bearers arrive at the coast to place the body on the ship to England. From history we don’t know much about these brave and loyal people, but Gappah gives voice to these forgotten men and women while creating resilient and interesting characters. Halima stands out as an outspoken and opinionated woman, and Jacob’s narrative adds interest as a religious man of a lofty mindset. This is a thought-provoking and worthwhile read.
