Our Grandmothers' Drums [Hardcover]

Mark Hudson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1990

An account of a white man's attempt to penetrate the mystery of Gambian womanhood.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

After 14 months in an isolated village in Gambia, a narrow former British colony inserted into the heart of Senegal in Western Africa, Hudson, a young Englishman, was changed "completely and forever." In this perceptive first book, he explains that although he arrived as an observer who wanted to study the lives of the village women, he soon became an active participant in the rituals of the blank, listless people who fasted in their dilapidated, termite-ridden huts, surrounded by dangerous bush. They were entirely reliant on the one rainy season to produce the food necessary for survival. Working alongside the women, Hudson was drawn into their personal, religious, social and sexual dramas. When he left, he felt that he "knew these people too well to feel sentimental about them," but was nevertheless close to tears. Readers will understand his pain.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Hudson, a young Briton in his 20s, came to the village of Dulaba in The Gambia on an anthropological research mission, never clearly explained, but focusing on "the unchanging scheme of Mandinka women's lives." His work explores the landscape and inner workings of one village. It is a voyage of discovery and of self-discovery, despite the apparent sameness and slowness that characterizes village life. Hudson follows the women to the rice fields, working alongside them, trying to understand an impenetrable way of life. Despite his endless probing, and ubiquitous tape recorder, he remains apart, though he does cross a boundary by becoming intimately involved with a village woman. Hudson offers a little history, a little sociology, and a succession of vignettes. The many names becomes confusing at times, but his reconstructed conversations make the book personal, easily read, novel-like. This is anthropology with a human face. Recommended for African and women's studies collections and for large public libraries.
- Janet L. Stanley, Smithsonian Inst. Libs., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 321 pages
• Publisher: Grove Pr; 1st edition (May 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802112366
• ISBN-13: 978-0802112361
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,104,476 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Insiders View Of The Gambia, January 12, 2011

By 

William J. Summers (NEW HAVEN, CT, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Our Grandmothers' Drums (Hardcover)

I bought this book cautiously, not knowing what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Our Grandmothers' Drums
This book is somewhat dated, but is still highly relevant and I think you'll find value in reading if you are interested in rural life in The Gambia.
I have a close family member serving in The Gambia. I worry about him and wanted to know more of what his life may be going through.
This book eases my concerns and fears somewhat. I recommend you read this if you are planning an extended stay in The Gambia or if someone you care for will be travelling and living there. My Grandmothers Drums will help you realize the struggles and joys available in the complicated nation.
Sincerely,
Will In IL