Dutch-American Hensen's memoir of his youthful adventures shines like a searchlight across several continents and the second half of the 20th century, exposing notions of history and heroism; exploring new horizons and old politics, border, boudoir and other battlefield matters.                 Dr. Albert Nekimken, Kocsis Scourged, Surviving the Art World, 1999

Joost Hensen’s life abroad before mass tourism became commonplace, and as a witness to historic events, makes this personal story both eye opening and hugely entertaining.                                                                         James Andrews Kiehle, Walking West, 2000

We praise Hensen’s memoirs not only because he manages to recover the rich and wild experiences from his distant past, but also because he redeems them from oblivion through the wittier devices of  storytelling.       Joshua Longobardy, Las Vegas Weekly

 An inspiring story which has brought me countless smiles and taught me many lessons. Joost Hensen has given me a peek into one of the saddest chapters of our history and new appreciation of our newfound freedom and my diverse heritage.                                                                                         René Erasmus, a young woman's vote from Cape Town, South Africa

At once travel book, memoir, and potted history of the world, Hensen's book is compelling. He puts on paper what we should experience when visiting different countries – a how-to- travel-and-enjoy it guide. He is especially perceptive when it comes to understanding the people he meets, and describing the nuances that make each society and culture unique.                                                                                                            Chanda Kapande, a view by a Zambian woman, now a UK international civil servant for Northern Ireland