https://us.amazon.com/dp/B0FFNTCWVQ/
Editorial Review For The Roof of Africa
The Roof of Africa is Graham Merz’s account of
climbing Kilimanjaro, told in a straightforward style. Merz chronicles his
six-day adventure up the Machame route, capturing both the mental hurdles and
physical demands of reaching Africa’s highest peak.
Merz’s strength is clarity. He doesn't sugarcoat the realities of mountain
climbing—the exhaustion, altitude sickness, and the unsettling sound of fellow
climbers getting sick at 10,000 feet. He’s candid about his anxiety, especially
during sleepless nights and nerve-racking ascents like the Barranco Wall. The
guide also earns points for practical details—how many liters of water to
carry, the necessity of layers, and the wisdom of bringing snacks for waning
appetites at altitude.
The book is firmly set within the travel-adventure genre. Readers familiar
with narratives of personal triumph over challenging terrain will find this a
familiar trek. Merz makes no claims of being a mountaineering expert, which
adds authenticity. There's a refreshing lack of pretension—though at times, it
might feel as if he's trying a little too hard to convince readers he's not
over-prepared or glamping, despite having a team of eleven guides and porters.
If you're a reader planning your own climb or simply curious about what it
genuinely takes to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, you'll find value here. Merz’s
down-to-earth tone is perfect for people seeking straightforward advice mixed
with a realistic preview of the climb's challenges.
Overall, The Roof of Africa offers a
relatable look at a difficult climb without dramatic exaggeration. Recommended
if you appreciate honesty over heroics.