This is the mystery of David Mungo Booi, the orphan child who survived a fire as an infant. He has gone to seek help from the Queen of England and subsequently disappeared. His journals are all that is left. They are returned to the tribe in a brown suitcase carried by a white woman in a blue hat.
The ability to speak English was a well-treasured accomplishment of our narrator. He repeats often that he is the only English speaking individual among the tribe and he is self-taught.
What became of the boy after his entire family was burned to death? Where can one find the King of Bongo-Bongo-Land? What is the true color of ostrich bile? Could a settlement in England be established? Can Humpty-Bloody-Dumpty be put back together again? What is the answer to cultural identity if there is only muscular gloom? The belief that if you had been to Cape Town you knew the ways of the world. What is the Great Paper? Does Old Auntie with Diamonds in Her Hair know the truth? Speaking of truth, I wanted to laugh more when reading Darkest England. I wanted the satire to be bitingly funny. Instead I found it to be more dark than snark. In hindsight, the prison scene was kind of funny. Steel bracelets around ones wrist, being taken from one place to another in a "courtesy" vehicle, the stark "apartment", having a toilet next to the bed was a luxury, and best of all, the devotion to privacy - all doors locked behind us.
Maybe if I had bonded with any character it would have made a difference. I'm not sure I liked anyone even a little bit. ( )

Not a satisfying novel, but how can you not like an excuse for the phrase nasty, British and short.

A book that is funnier in its premise than in its actuality. A San Bushman is sent to explore England, to meet with the Queen, and to evaluate the land for colonization by his people. The whole colonial history of Africa turned on its ear, but the book is very dark in its humor, and personally I think gives both an unrealistic picture of England and the Bushmen. Sure there are many humorous culture-contact moments and some insightful satire, but the plot is so dire and the characters unlikable, I really couldn't enjoy it too much. Reminds me of the Sot-weed Factor in that attempts at bawdy humor come out as mean-spirited and what's supposed to be a laugh riot is just a drag. ( )

Good premise, but - sadly, this book should be better than it is. ( )

The only book I have EVER stopped reading. Maybe in another life I will try it again. ( )