To the Moon and Timbuktu: A Trek Through the Heart of Africa by Nina Sovich

There is much to talk about after reading this memoir, yet to convey the significance of Nina's work and explain my initial struggle reading to just about the middle of the book, (without revealing spoilers however), took hanging in there... an ironic symbolism of Nina's struggle validating her interest in Africa.

The vivid 'Motherland' landscapes and tapestry described, its rich history explored, and the colorful people Nina encountered and befriended, along with the inclusion of explorations written in other travel journals, were most riveting. Those scents, sounds, tastes, and soul-filled climates and experiences will likely be with me forever.

Her husband, Florent, was an absolute gem of a man. It's unlikely I will soon forget him either.

And Nina, despite her lamenting over a quantum many take for granted, has now successfully passed on to this reader a token to infinitely cherish. Her willpower and resolve was too phenomenal. I'm not sure if anyone has described in clearer examined detail, often painful, but intriguing and uplifting all the way around, what looking for and finding a lost soul feels and looks like.

...And I guess I better go on and admit this too; the reason I selected this book, in part what caused my initial sputtering as I read, but exactly what kept me glued to every page, was the allure of Timbuktu. Something about that name I've as well, been persistently drawn to. But thanks to Nina I think I'll go on from here and live vicariously through her travels.

What a beautiful travel memoir, well worth the wait... and weight of appreciating, reading to the end. A thoroughly thought-provoking experience that honestly took me over the moon.