Dreams in Transit chronicles the remarkable journey of a young Kenyan woman whose long-cherished dream of studying abroad becomes reality when, at twenty-four, she boards a plane to Belgium. What begins as a pursuit of education soon transforms into a profound exploration of identity, resilience, and belonging.
In a foreign land, she discovers what it truly means to start anew. Through this memoir, readers witness her life abroad through the eyes of a young African immigrant navigating cultural differences, the loneliness of distance, the humility of blue-collar work, and the joy of unexpected friendships. Each experience, whether joyful or painful, reshapes her understanding of herself and the world. From the thrill of her first snowfall to the heartbreak of loss, from laughter in student halls to the quiet triumph of graduation, her story reflects the universal struggle of pursuing a dream while finding one’s place in the world.
Told with honesty, warmth, and introspection, Dreams in Transit is both a personal memoir and a universal narrative. It urges readers to believe in the possibilities of their own dreams, no matter how distant, while reminding them that life is fleeting and that joy must not be postponed in the name of ambition.
At its core, Dreams in Transit is a testament to growth, courage, and the beautiful symmetry of life’s full-circle moments, recognising that while travel broadens horizons, it also brings us home to ourselves. The woman who once left Kenya in search of opportunity returns not just with a degree but with a renewed sense of purpose, self-awareness, and peace. The journey that took her across continents ultimately led her back to where it all began, with a deeper appreciation of her roots and the dreams that first set her in motion.
Literature Guru –
Dreams in Transit by Angeline Wanjala
There are books you read and forget. And there are books that quietly ignite something inside you. Dreams in Transit by Angeline belongs to the second category.
Here are five reasons why you should read this book:
1. A Real Preparation for Studying Abroad
If you have ever dreamed of studying abroad especially in Europe this book prepares you for what to expect, particularly as a scholarship student.
Coming from Kenyan universities, you might be shocked at how seriously European institutions take education. The system is rigorous, structured, and extremely thorough. Imagine sitting in a 40-minute oral examination, face-to-face with a lecturer. The amount of fieldwork. The academic expectations. The discipline.
Angeline walks us through it all.
This book will not only make you want to study abroad, but it will also help you appreciate those who have done it. Some of us would have melted under that pressure.
2. It Takes You Across the World
Angeline does not just take us to Belgium. Through her lenses, we travel across Europe.
She shares her experiences in France, Spain, Belgium, and many other countries—opening up different cultures, expectations, and exposures.
Reading this book feels like boarding a plane without leaving your seat.
3. A Reminder That Dreamers Are Ordinary People
One of the most powerful takeaways from this book is this: those who get such opportunities are just people like us people who dared to dream.
From her background, you can clearly see that some of us may have even had a better start than she did. Yet she embodies resilience, courage, and intelligence.
Her story challenges you to stop doubting yourself.
4. Life Is Not Meant to Be Boring
Despite tight schedules, academic pressure, and responsibilities, Angeline reminds us that life should never become boring.
We must embrace the journey.
We must love every step.
There is beauty even in the struggle.
Final Verdict
I loved this book, and I highly recommend it especially to young people who dare to dream beyond borders.
Dreams in Transit is not just a travel or academic story. It is a testimony of courage, exposure, growth, and possibility.
If you have ever whispered to yourself, “What if I tried?” then this book is for you.