African culture and customs are very different and complex. Many aspects of them perplex even very well-seasoned travelers. The popular joke is to simply dismiss weird or frustrating things one might encounter as “TIA” – This Is Africa. But what lies behind the things we cannot comprehend? This book delves into this topic and helps to bridge this comprehension gap. Ryszard Kapuscinski, a world-renowned journalist, has spent decades in the continent and has come into contact with many varied people off the typical tourist routes and thus provides a fascinating insight into the African psyche. “The Shadow of the Sun” is a must read for travelers in Africa or anyone interested in their history and politics – it just helps to put everything African into context.