This book had me gripped from start to finish. I came across this book after finishing reading ‘Afropean’ by Johnny Pitts, in which he cites this book as an inspiration for his work.
I have left a link to my video review on Afropean below- you absolutely must read it.
This true story has been written by Tete-Michel Kpomassie starting from his native homeland in Togo, West Africa.
He came across a book on Greenland in a Missionary Bookshop and was utterly awed by a place in complete contrast to his own.
Completely mesmerized by it, he set his intention on getting there by any means possible.
The journey occurs over a number of years starting from the country’s independence on April 27, 1960 through several countries across West Africa.
He finally reaches France before staying for a short while with a connection he had made while working in consular services.
I won’t go into too much detail here but I’m not sure if it is still possible to simply turn up at someone's door without any notice.
I digress, the journey takes him across to Germany and in to Denmark before he finally sets off for Greenland. He would be the first African in Greenland and the natives were in awe of his visit to them. His travels takes him around treacherously cold and inhospitable regions of Greenland with his basic film camera.
He shares some of his black and white images, I presume taken on a Zeiss Ikon Nettar with Medium Format Film. The images give us an insight in to the challenges of living in such conditions combined with his descriptions of daily life give a rich experience to any reader who has not ventured in to such far flung places.
I am grateful to Johnny for having cited this book. The book takes you through highs and lows, the perils of journeying with small and little means. Ultimately the book is really about resilience, fortitude and Tete’s unflinching desire to reach his dream. Regardless of your circumstances with grit, hard work and determination you too can reach your goals and dreams. This book has been a renewal of inspiration for me as I hope it will be for you too.
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