Across Africa Alone

A True Story Of Teaching Literacy In Africa

At first sight, crossing Central Africa alone in 1960 in a VW Beetle, 40-year-old American-born Louise D’Oliveira might have seemed to be a tourist thrill seeker. Instead, her mission was that of a literacy teacher with the goal of bringing Africans out of the darkness of illiteracy into a brighter future. She was inspired and trained by Dr. Frank C. Laubach, known as the apostle to the silent billion.

In those days, indigenous people usually did not bother a single white woman traveling alone, assuming she was a teacher, a nurse, or a missionary, but Louise did encounter considerable danger, from herds of elephants to hostile mobs in the throes of political turmoil as they fought for independence.

Louise did not let danger, three cases of malaria, or exhaustion from driving thousands of miles alone deter her from her calling. She met with local leaders, literacy organizations, and missionaries to help them expand existing programs or to launch new ones. Later, Louise helped to found Operation Upgrade of South Africa that in its day taught hundreds of thousands of South Africans to read.

Her story must not be relegated to the past, for to this day, illiteracy rates are off the charts in some African nations and in many countries around the world. Even in the United States itself, as of 2022, 21 percent of adults were illiterate and only 54 percent could read above the sixth-grade level.

Reviews

Literary Titan Review – May 9, 2025

Susan Giffin’s Across Africa Alone tells the thrilling true story of Dr. Louise D’Oliveira’s solo journey across Africa in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. Blending memoir, travel adventure, and missionary work, the book documents Louise’s relentless pursuit of spreading literacy through Dr. Frank Laubach’s “Each One Teach One” method. Battling rugged terrain, wild animals, political upheaval, and deep isolation, she navigates a continent hungry for education and desperate for hope all from behind the wheel of a scrappy little VW Beetle.

Right off the bat, I loved how real and raw Giffin made the adventure feel. Chapter One had me holding my breath when Louise got trapped between two herds of elephants, praying she wouldn’t get trampled. That scene where she speeds through a gap between massive elephants (“Go, go fast but carefully,” she coached herself) was so intense it practically yanked me into the driver’s seat. It wasn’t just drama for drama’s sake either; you could feel her deep, bone-shaking fear and faith in that moment. Giffin didn’t overcomplicate it with flowery language. She told it straight, and it worked perfectly.

There were moments when the writing became weighed down by extensive lists and background information, which disrupted the narrative’s momentum. The detailed historical account of Dr. Frank Laubach’s accomplishments in the prologue, while undoubtedly significant, lacked the immediacy and vibrancy that characterized Louise’s personal story. Although Giffin’s intention to honor the foundations of the literacy movement is understandable and commendable, I found myself wishing for less exposition and more of the emotional resonance that Louise’s experiences provided. Each time Louise’s voice returned, particularly when she described the transformative impact of literacy on the lives of the people she encountered, the story regained its energy and emotional depth.

What really stuck with me, though, was Louise’s sheer guts and soul. This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip, it was a life mission fueled by heartbreak over illiteracy and real love for people. I found her work with the Pygmies in the Ituri Forest, crafting simple lessons in Kingwana, incredibly moving. And her run-ins with danger such as rogue elephants, shady visa officers in Bangui, and even the fear of cannibal country, were always layered with this fierce conviction that her work mattered. You can tell Giffin admired her subject deeply, but she kept it grounded. Louise wasn’t a superhero; she was vulnerable, stubborn, scared, and that made her heroic.

In the end, Across Africa Alone left me feeling both exhausted and inspired, in the best way. This book would be a great fit for anyone who loves true adventure stories, missionary memoirs, or tales of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. If you’ve ever wondered what real courage looks like, Susan Giffin hands it to you here, dust, sweat, elephant encounters, and all.

I read Across Africa Alone. The story of Louise D’Oliveira was so inspiring! Having been to Africa myself and visited literacy programs, I easily imagined all that she went through to bring literacy to so many remote communities! I still cannot believe that she drove across the DRC alone – and managed to escape when the war broke out! Wow! What a gift to have been given that opportunity by Dr. Frank Laubach (and taken it!!). I loved all the quotes, pictures of Dr. Frank, and observations about each country and the impact colonization had at the time Louise was traveling across Africa. I have shared the book with various colleagues at ProLiteracy as well and wanted to thank you again for including a page about ProLiteracy and how any readers could support the cause of adult literacy around the world. Great work on capturing the amazing story of Louise and her literacy adventures in Africa! – Alesha Anderson

Miss Giffin,

At a certain age, as we advance in years, we tend to pivot toward the setting sun and often ask ourselves, “Where has the time gone?” There comes a time when nothing seems to grab our attention, too many “been-there-done-that” scenarios. Movies become bland, and storylines are often boring and mundane. We’ve just about had enough of the whole bowl of wax. Nowadays, sadly, nonsensical dramas and oxymoronic perspectives on the land of Oz are the new norm.

In order to peak and/or maintain our interest, a book needs to contain subject matter that’s infused with a nostalgic struggle, a storyline that we can relate to. Your book, Across Africa Alone, is a testament to personal sacrifices and noble objectives.

This kind of writing is wholesome, imparting a warm bread-and-butter feeling of accomplishment. For me, as somewhat of an authority on Africa, your book brought back a gush of wonderful memories and life experiences.

At a minimum, your book is prolific, touching, and, of course, rooted in nobility that is rarely found in today’s humanity.

Offering many accolades,

A. Sebastian Restum

Five Stars for Across Africa Alone

Giving the Gift of Literacy -An inspiring Story

The true story of a courageous and devout woman crossing Africa alone in a VW Beetle to promote literacy. Using a technique called “Each One Teach One” developed by Dr. Frank Laubach, she opened the eyes of thousands, perhaps millions of the unlettered. An exciting and entertaining read. — Steve Goodrich