I just finished your book, it's 2 am here in the Mountain region of the US. I so, so enjoyed it. I think I was most interested in the possibilities of homeschooling as I have a daughter who is 15 months. I was so fascinated to hear of all of your adventures and how in the end the three of you children completely soared, doing things you love and with passion. I think this is so important in a world where this seems to be somewhat unusual for most. I was saddened to hear of your parents separation as their lives together seemed to hold so much possibility for the two of them but all of you as a family. It's hard for me to understand why people, parents in particular, decide to divorce later on in life when the children are all grown and gone. I especially liked your plea to them in the book to remain friends as their togetherness helped you to remember more subtle parts of yourself. This was a good reminder of the power of family. I wish you well in all your endeavors.

Well done Robyn. At a young age you have written a wonderful memoir, I would have loved to have had some pics in the book, which I think would have added greatly to engaging your reader. Any reason why there aren't?

robbie, wot a work of art! i absolutely loved your book, and could not put it down!!! read it in two days!!! i spend lots of time in india, and enjoy travel writing, non-fiction and all memoirs/biographies, and have read many, but your book had me hooked. i was there, every step of the way, with your parents, your amazing monther and all her holistic lifestyles and new ventures, your father and his constant hard work and family orientated projects, your grandparents, and your brother and sister. you three had an amazing childhood, and you painted a beautiful picture. it made me want to pack my rucksack and head off to botswana, asap!!!! your style of writing was so simplistic, but so full of detail and love. and every single project, activity, and chapter in your life, was brought to full, glorious reality, right before my eyes. your parents had it spot on, having fun is the sure-fast way that children will learn, and want to! you dont stop play when you grow old, you grow old when you stop play!!! 11 out of 10 for 20 chickens robbie! you deserve an award! xx

Hi Robyn: Thank you for sharing your wonderful story. I am very much like your mother with the homeschooling, alternative medecine , whole foods diet and love of travel and I shed a few tears at the end when the nun told you you were a credit to your parents. It means a lot to hear that when you've spent your life bucking "authority". Your unconventional upbringing was, contrary to what most would say, the best thing that could happen to a child. Good luck, Gail from Rhinebeck NY

Hi Robyn, congratulation for your book. I’ve already finished to read it. First of all sorry for my english, I’m italian. Last year I spent my honeymoon in Botswana and when I came back to Italy I bought “Twenty Chicken for a saddler” after reading a good reviews on a famous italian magazine. I was curious to find out how foreigners can live in an african country, where life is so difficult and so different. I loved and envyed your free childhood. My experience that last only a couple of weeks travelling around north of Botwana was great: wild nature, wonderful sunset, peace etc. I imagine so many years over there… I was so sad when you tell about your departure from Molopo Farm, a little paradise in the middle of nothing. Hoping to read your next book, sincerly. Benedetta (Milan, Italy)

I wept at the end of your biography. It was such a happy journey with you and your family, but the end had me filled with tears. Tears of joy for your success and tears of sadness for the outcomes of adult life. But what a beautiful memoir - thank you for sharing it with us. I look forward to your next contribution to modern literature. It would seem that home schooling is to be highly recommended if it results in such expert writing. I had a similar African childhood with eccentric parents and home schooling, so it was with such love that I read each page. I hated getting to the end. I had to come back to present day and be grown up again. Best wishes. Miranda

Hi Robyn, Thank-you for a wonderful journey reading this book. Couldn't put it down. Reminded me of my own childhood in 80s/90s Africa and all the funny (and special) little things that only happen there. The Selebi-Phikwe part especially had me in stitches, the X-ray spider and Damien's ninja suit. Hilarious!! My Mum also used to say "sherbert" and ply me with homeopathic sugar balls, my sister a little like Lulu! All the best to you and your fabulous family! Regards Tracy K-B

Its a wonderful book. very well written

This is certainly one of the best books I've had the pleasure to read. Throughout the story I felt as if I were a part of the family,seeing Africa through their eyes. I only wish there were a sequel to this book as I would greatly enjoy hearing how Robyn started up Mothers For All and how that came about. As an "unschooling" parent, I found the educational life-experiences fascinating and only wish more families would consider this way of living/learning. Robyn is a talented and gifted woman and I thank her for sharing her life with us! Sandie Erskine

Robyn: What a wonderful read! Reminded me of my childhood & adolescence in Rhodesia & S. Africa in the fifties. We used to pass through Botswana by steam train on our way to Michaelhouse and later to UCT. Tell Lu that I had a pet night-ape that used to live on my shoulder in Cape Town! Your recounting of your growing up reminded me so much of my (& my brothers) upbringing by our doctor father. Sent shivers down my spine. All the best in your endeavours in New Zealand. Paul Burrows Salmon Arm, BC, Canada

I grew up on a farm in South Africa but it was not as exotic! I so enjoyed every page of this book and could not put it down. I am a health fanatic just like Robyn's mum so could relate very well to the wholewheat sandwiches and lack of Simba crips! I've read parts of the book to my children ages 7 and 4 and they also love it.

This book brought back wonderful memories of the African Bush and our family's visits to widespread family, farms, game parks and tribal areas all over South Africa. It made me homesick for Africa. I admire your family and what you all have achieved so far and, at times reading your story I was even a little 'jealous' of the life you led. Thanks for a wonderful story excellently written and with so much to enjoy in it. I look forward to your next book.

i have just finished reading your book and wanted to say how much i enjoyed it - one of the best books i have read for ages - you are so lucky to come from such an interesting family.i just did not want the book to come to an end and read lots of it twice!! well done and thank you. what's next?

Robyn, I have just finished reading your beautiful book, with tears in my eyes. Tears you ask? What a beautiful ending...hearing your grandfather's last words. Thank you so much for sharing your life in Botswana with us. I can only dream of going to Africa...but one day, my dream will come true. Again, thank you for this light read, it was splendid! Sincerely, Nathalie Roy

Hi Robyn I have just finished reading your book and enjoyed it! My daughter was born there 7yrs ago in Botswana and we left when she was 4months old to come and live in New Zealand. We are born in Zimb. It brought back many memories and familiar things-thank you for your lovely book! Your book will be enjoyed by many more to come!! Kindest regards Linda

One of the best books I have ever read. Reminded me of my childhood in Zim & a farm we lived on in Natal. Beautifully written & very funny. We are now going to buy & raise some chickens!

Fascinating book! I got it as a present from my boyfriend after hearing it on Radio 4. Laughed my head off when reading stories from doctor's clinics. I loved the book. It reminded me about my own childhood, when me and my brother used to explore the fields around around our house at the edge of a small town. I had so many similar experiences, although not in such an exotic environment. It was lovely to read. I tell everyone about the book.

I read alot and this is one of the very BEST books I've ever read. A friend loaned me her copy and I am going out to buy more copies to give to my friends for Christmas. I just loved this book. Great read, wonderful characters/family.