Tommy Goes Home by Peter Stiff is a gripping and adventurous memoir that chronicles the incredible journey of the Forster family as they travel from Germany to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in the 1970s. The family—comprising Dr. Manfred Forster, his wife Karin, their teenage sons Frank and Uwe, and eight-year-old daughter Gabriella—embarks on a remarkable overland expedition, accompanied by a variety of animals, including a half-grown lion named Tommy. Their journey takes them across several countries, including Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Angola, Zambia, and Botswana, all amid political turmoil in Portugal and Angola during the period of civil unrest.
At the heart of this adventure lies the unbreakable bond between the Forsters and Tommy, the lion, who serves as both a guardian and a constant companion throughout their perilous journey. Tommy’s presence proves vital, offering protection in the face of danger, and helping the family to navigate the chaotic landscape of war-torn Africa. Stiff’s writing captures the rawness and tension of their journey while highlighting the strength of the family and their unlikely bond with an animal that changed their lives forever.
This book is a must-read for those who enjoy true stories of survival, adventure, and the extraordinary relationships between humans and animals. Tommy Goes Home offers an unforgettable tale of courage, resilience, and the wild spirit of Africa.
