Call of the Marsh

“Call of the Marsh: Life with a Basenji” by Jill Wylie (1979) recounts a deeply personal and enthralling memoir of life in what was then Rhodesia, centred on the author’s extraordinary experiences raising and working with her beloved Basenji, Call-of-the-Marsh. Spanning the years 1958 to 1971, the narrative follows Call — a striking red-and-white Basenji — whose graceful, cat-like independence and innate hunting heritage are vividly brought to life by Wylie’s warm and detailed prose. The book captures the bond between human and dog against the wide-open, untamed landscape of rural Africa, blending the everyday rhythms of life on a remote homestead with the unpredictable beauty and danger of the wild.

Throughout the book, Wylie describes how Call (and later a female Basenji named Whisper) was trained not just as a pet, but as a working dog — skilled in tracking, rescuing other lost or injured animals, and alerting to snares set for wildlife. These passages offer a fascinating glimpse into not only canine behaviour, but the author’s compassion for animals and her unconventional decision to build a sanctuary for injured wildlife. This imparts to the reader a rare window into a way of life where human, domestic, and wild realms often collided.

Call of the Marsh is unpretentious and candid. Wylie does not romanticize — she acknowledges the challenges of raising such spirited dogs, the difficulties of finding undocked, naturally bred puppies, and the unexpected rewards and heartbreaks of wildlife rescue. Yet these candid reflections only deepen the emotional impact, giving authenticity to the bond she shares with her dogs. For collectors or lovers of African memoirs, canine stories, or wildlife heritage, this book offers enduring value. As a second-hand edition, especially if in good condition, “Call of the Marsh: Life with a Basenji” remains a distinguished and evocative addition to any bookshelf.