What does the country of Africa symbolize in the novel, In a Free State?

Africa symbolizes both escape and disappointment, as different characters take different things away from the continent. For Bobby, Africa is an opportunity to leave the embarrassment of his life in Oxford behind, and is someplace where he can fully explore his sexuality. Yet, Linda expresses her disappointment in the continent, as it has defied her expectations of Africa, with the people and physical characteristics of the continent being remarkably different from what she had envisioned.