David Livingstone: The Truth Behind the Legend

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I don't want this to sound anti-Christian, because I definitely am not. But the religious message gets in the way of what would otherwise be an interesting story.

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I don't want this to sound anti-Christian, because I definitely am not. But the religious message gets in the way of what would otherwise be an interesting story.

Rating:
Summary: It is not a book, it is a Journey--challenging and humbling.
Review: I guess there are times in biography writing when the sheer magnitude of the subject overshadows the book. However, Rob Mackenzie captures this life with pure genius. As he takes us on the chronological journey of David Livingstone's life, we are deeply saddened by the utter despair of his relentless failings and hopeless circumstances, only to reach to the top and celebrate in the victory of a simple move forward. He truly captures the love and compassion that Dr. Livingstone had for a forgotten people and shames us with the recounting of his unfeigned commitment. The road to Africa's salvation is surely paved with the blood of this man and the content challenges us to dare to take that road after him. When the author describes the final scene--with David Livingstone crumpled over, dying silently while in prayer, I am in tears and like the natives, afraid to consider what to do next. I took this biography personally and I am unworthy to even walk in his shadow, you see, I am a missionary in Zambia. Every success I experience now, was properly paid for and recounted in this book.

Rating:
Summary: It is not a book, it is a Journey--challenging and humbling.
Review: I guess there are times in biography writing when the sheer magnitude of the subject overshadows the book. However, Rob Mackenzie captures this life with pure genius. As he takes us on the chronological journey of David Livingstone's life, we are deeply saddened by the utter despair of his relentless failings and hopeless circumstances, only to reach to the top and celebrate in the victory of a simple move forward. He truly captures the love and compassion that Dr. Livingstone had for a forgotten people and shames us with the recounting of his unfeigned commitment. The road to Africa's salvation is surely paved with the blood of this man and the content challenges us to dare to take that road after him. When the author describes the final scene--with David Livingstone crumpled over, dying silently while in prayer, I am in tears and like the natives, afraid to consider what to do next. I took this biography personally and I am unworthy to even walk in his shadow, you see, I am a missionary in Zambia. Every success I experience now, was properly paid for and recounted in this book.

Rating:
Summary: Life-changing and challenging!
Review: I went to Cecil Rhodes School and my 'sports house' was Livingstone (this was in London). David Livingstone has always been part of my life, I came to South Africa some years ago. I visited Victoria Falls two year ago while I was there I too saw the same beauty David saw. His Statue overlooks the Falls as if keeping them safe. After reading this book on his life - it had such an impact on me. This man NEVER gave up, he loved the people of Africa and if we could just have a little 'piece' of his humility, we all have hope. Rob Mackenzie showed Livingstone humility all through the book and as I finished the last page. I felt that I had been of a real journey. My life changed because of this - I am 47 years old and I registered for 1st year University in Human Sciences. I even went and bought more copies to give to my friends - it is a humbling experience, it puts everything back into perspective.

Rating:
Summary: Life-changing and challenging!
Review: Reading this book on David Livingstone's life has really impacted my life in an incredible way! I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be spiritually challenged in getting the gospel of Jesus Christ out into the world. Having been born and brought up in Zimbabwe as the child of missionaries I feel that we owe so much to Mr Livingstone and many others for "sewing the seed"and giving their lives for the gospel in a beautiful but hard land.