Dark Star Safari (Theroux)

Discussion Questions
Use our LitLovers Book Club Resources; they can help with discussions for any book:

• How to Discuss a Book (helpful discussion tips)
• Generic Discussion Questions—Fiction and Nonfiction
• Read-Think-Talk (a guided reading chart)

Also consider these LitLovers talking points to help get a discussion started for Dark Star Safari

1. Theroux sets out on his journey hoping for "the picturesque." Does he find it? Talk about his reactions, for instance, to the Sudanese pryamids or the Maltese nun who cooks him a gourmet meal. Who or what else charms him?

2. Eventually, however, the charm escapes him, and the trip becomes a nightmare. What are some of the dangers he meets along the way? Why does he continue the trip?

3. At one point Theroux confesses that he is "abused, terrified, stranded, harassed, cheaten, bitten" ... and so on. Do you think he is unnecessarily ill-humored? Or are his complaints justified?

4. Are there times his own treatment of people seems unkind and borders on nastiness? Consider the time he berates the Malawian street begger or curses the aid workers who leave him stranded on the road. Is his behavior justified or excessive?

5. Discuss the aspects of his trip that disturbed you most—the poverty, political or social chaos, physical decay, filth, or lawlessness. What parts of the trip delighted you?

6. How does Theroux present some of the countries of Africa? What does he mean when he says, for instance, that Kenya "seemed terminally ill"?

7. What are some of Theroux's theories for the underlying causes of the poverty and chaos in much of the African continent? Are his arguments convincing?

8. Why is Theroux is critical of internatinal development efforts, including many of the foreign aid workers who help the impoverished? Do you agree with his assessment?

9. What criticisms of America does Theroux encounter along the way? How does he answer the critics ... how would you answer them?

10. Have you come away from this book with new knowledge? What, if anything, have you learned? What, in particular, struck you (as surprising or fascinating)? Has the book altered any of your perspectives regarding Africa or America's relationship with the African nations?

11. Is Paul Theroux a good travel guide? Did you enjoy traveling with him in his book? Would you enjoy traveling with him in person?

(Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)

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