Yankee Girls in Zulu Land

"Yankee Girls in Zulu Land" by Louise Vescelius Sheldon is a late 19th-century travelogue that follows a trio of American sisters as they journey to South Africa seeking better health and thrilling experiences, all while set against a backdrop of vivid scenery and cultural exchanges. The story provides glimpses into their transformative adventure and the era's societal landscape in South Africa, particularly its interaction with different groups, including the native Zulu population. We begin with the three sisters, Louise, Eva, and Frank, escaping a gloomy London winter for the sunny climate of South Africa, inspired by a doctor's advice and enchanting stories of the land's beauty and riches from an African woman. Their voyage on the Trojan begins chaotically when Louise realizes she forgot her diary, triggering a wild chase to recover it just before departure, setting the stage for a deeper look at diverse cultures, landscapes, and the sisters' unfolding experiences among missionaries and the Zulus.