Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness [book Club Kit]

Alexandra Fuller's Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness is widely praised for its beautiful, engaging, and witty prose, which reviewers describe as both shimmering and musical. Many found the author's writing style captivating, expertly blending humor with moments of profound sadness. The book offers a deeply intimate and compassionate portrayal of Fuller's parents, particularly her mother, Nicola, highlighting her indomitable spirit, courage, and resourcefulness in the face of immense challenges. Readers appreciated the author's ability to accept and admire her mother, even with her complexities. The memoir is also lauded for its vivid depiction of life in colonial and post-colonial Central Africa, seamlessly weaving personal family experiences with significant historical and political events in Kenya, Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), and Zambia. This provides readers with a rich understanding of a unique time and place, often making them feel both mesmerized and enlightened.

Despite its strengths, some reviewers expressed reservations, primarily noting that the book rehashes material from Fuller's earlier memoir, Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, with some wishing for more new stories or deeper emotional exploration. A few found this book less vital or engaging than its predecessor, suggesting it lacked the raw, child's-eye perspective that made the first so compelling. Concerns were also raised about the narrative's objectivity, with some feeling the portrayal of the parents was somewhat sanitized or apologetic compared to the previous work, particularly regarding sensitive historical contexts or family tragedies. Structurally, some found the book to be a bit disjointed, reading more like a collection of vignettes than a cohesive memoir, and a few felt the beginning was slow or lacked focus. An "elitist tone" was also mentioned by one reviewer, and others questioned if some accounts might be exaggerated.

Overall, Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness is generally considered a strong and worthwhile read, often seen as a compelling companion piece to Fuller's debut. It offers a nuanced and balanced look at a complex family navigating an equally complex continent, marked by both profound love and devastating loss. This memoir is highly recommended for readers who appreciate evocative storytelling, family histories, and narratives set against significant historical backdrops, particularly those interested in the experiences of white settlers in Africa. Fans of Alexandra Fuller's previous work, especially Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight, will likely enjoy this different perspective on her family's extraordinary life, as will anyone seeking a story of resilience, humor, and the enduring human spirit amidst adversity.