The Sahel - the 'shore' of the Sahara - is where cultures, customs and climates meet, merge and clash. Through the numerous characters we meet and from the obviously deep and sympathetic nature of the relationship the author has with the local people we learn of the realities of life in one of the harshest, most marginalized and but also quietly inspiring corners of the world. Searingly honest and refreshing, this is a superbly written piece of travel writing about a little-known part of the world. The author gets under the surface and gives a sensitive account of what life is like. He understands not just the culture and complex social dealings but also how economics and geo-political forces that can profoundly affect the lives of individuals in a remote community. Illustrated with maps and line drawings Village on the Edge is a unique journey - for the armchair traveller and those interested in development, climate change and global politics and economics.