Goosebumps Like Kopjes by Stamford Spencer is a non-fiction account of a time now lost. The intrepid Spencer family start again in Zimbabwe after bidding farewell to North East England in the 1950s. Stamford Spencer is the eldest son and most of the story is told through his eyes.
A foreword from Stamford’s widow
The book starts with a foreword from Stamford’s widow Christa, who completed and published Goosebumps Like Kopjes after her husband’s passed away. The book is for their family and future generation to remember what a unique and special country Zimbabwe is.
After the prologue and timeline, the story begins and right from the start we get the sense that Stamford was an adventurous soul.
“The toddler wandered aimlessly through a forest of legs … Making clumsily for the door, he was soon gone.”
Arrival in Africa
The first part of the book quickly thrusts us into the Stamford family’s new life in 1955 as they arrive in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Against political uncertainty and world events we follow and everyday family trying to make their way in life. There are ups and downs, plenty of upheavals and further emigration. Part one ends shortly after Stamford and Christa marry and they decide to move to the UK.
An insight into family life
Part Two provides a captivating insight into the Spencer family (and Christa’s family) through family letters and correspondence. There is a great deal of intimacy in this part of the book, including the courtship of Stamford and Christa. There is also touching and frank honesty to show life doesn’t always go according to plan.
A story to be told before it is lost
Goosebumps Like Kopjes by Stamford Spencer is a lovely account of a family with a lust for adventure. I admire the bravery of anyone who has the courage to write about their own family, warts and all. And I think it’s a wonderfully magnanimous gesture of Christa Spencer to finish what her late husband started. And in doing so it allows us all to look back on a piece of history. As the book says. “A story to be told before it is lost.”
If you would like to purchase a copy of Goosebumps Like Kopjes by Stamford Spencer, please contact Christa Spencer at goosebumps1950@gmail.com