The Lost Treasure of Kilimanjaro

A Novel by William Overby

Published by Publish America 2002

 

A Children’s Book. I have to admit, when I was first asked to do a children’s book I was reluctant, visions of some variant colored eggs and ham, or yet another child that lives in a castle and has magic powers permeated my thoughts. Nevertheless, after checking out the description, I was so surprised by what I read, that I jumped at the chance, glad that I did not follow my first instinct.

A loving desire for adventure is generally something that we lose as we age, tending to forget all about the joy of many discoveries we make as children. In the novel, ‘The Lost Treasures of Kilimanjaro’, we are brought into the world of Brock Ford, a twelve-year-old boy, bright eyed and filled with the desire for new things. His desires, matched with the time period of the 1930’s with so many things happening in the world, and so many things left to be found is just a perfect time to be a boy filled with the wanderlust of adventure. Unfortunately, he finds himself stuck in the small town of Springfield. Having explored every nook and cranny of anything that holds even the slightest interest for him, he dreams of adventures that are to come someday, never imagining how soon those dreams are to be brought to fruition.

He hears his mother and father talking about a letter they have received from his Uncle Dirk, an anthropologist. However, to his surprise, his uncle is not some boring old foggy college professor, but actually goes on adventures in far away lands. In fact, as he is writing the letter, he is in Africa! Brock is so excited that he responds to the letter himself, and is stuck waiting an excruciatingly long month for a reply. But when it comes, not only is there a letter, but also a khaki hat and a hand carved souvenir. But the best part is that Dirk is coming to town for one day to lecture before going back to Africa, so he will finally get to meet him!

The day at last comes, and Brock is enthralled as Dirk tells him of the adventures that he has been experiencing. When the morning comes, Brock finds out not only is his uncle going back to Africa, but also that he is to accompany him! Feelings of homesickness leave as they arrive at the Dark Continent, and they journey into the heart of Mt. Kilimanjaro in search of the lost tribe of Kipktu.

I’m not going to give away any of the adventures that our intrepid explorers undertake, as I wish for any reader, young or old, to relish this fine piece of work. The story is told in first person from Brock’s perspective, and the author has the great gift to make you feel as if you are twelve yourself, and venturing into the heart of uncharted Africa, and seeing it all through the eyes of a child. The storytelling is so engaging I read the entire novel in one sitting, cover to cover, and it has bee a while since I was so inclined to do that with any book. Mr. Overby paints a wonderful picture of both the land and the characters in ways that is not overbearing or wordy and lose the attention of a child, while still keeping older readers enthralled to the end.

I would welcome a chance to read about where Brock and Uncle Dirk head off to on the next summer break, and the one after, and the one after that. I think this has the potential to develop into not only a great series of books, but also a ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’ type of series where young readers can identify with Brock, and older ones with the uncle, and all not only learning something along the way, but having the time of their lives as the do. A tip of the fedora to Mr. Overby, I wish you the success that is due you with this story you have crafted. Now, where are we off to next? The Mummy’s Tomb you say? Well, let me get my airline ticket now, I’m ready when you are.