Under the Neem Tree

by Susan Lowerre

Book Overview

Of the many descriptions I have read of Americans adapting to African culture, Ms. Lowerre's is one of the most honest. and absorbing -- New York Times New American Writing Award This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0295972734
• ISBN13: 9780295972732
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: University of Washington Press
• Length: 262 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Age Range: 22 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A BRILLIANT, vivid, and poignant Peace Corps Africa story

My Peace Corps experience was in Dominican Republic -- Susan Lowerre writes like an angel about her difficult, frustrating, wonderful time in Senegal. The physical [including health] challenges she depicts about her service in Senegal reminded me that I had served in a relatively "easy" Peace Corps country. Despite her travails in-country, what comes shining through in her account is her headlong embrace of life and her love for Senegal and its people. It's an unforgettable story. I recommend this book to anyone -- especially, of course, former, present, and potential Peace Corps Volunteers -- with an interest in understanding other cultures.

UNDER THE NEEM TREE

Not a glorified look at the Peace Corps but a realistic, gritty account of both the trials and tribulations of serving in the Corps. Lowerre tells how her romantic expectations of life in Africa contrasted with the reality she soon encountered- the heat, the hard life and even the parasites that invaded her body. Even so, she finds herself becoming attached to the people she lives among, to the country and a life that is far different than the one she expected. An excellent, honest memoir.

A must read for potential Peace Corps volunteers.

I am a two time Peace Corps volunteer and "Under the Neem Tree" truely captures the Peace Corps experience of many volunteers. The small accomplishments, the major disappoint- ments, the challenge of trying to stay physically as well as mentally healthy are all part of this volunteers story.