Customer Reviews

In the Shadow of the Sacred Grove

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Spindel's book humanizes and softens our often bleak view of Africa. The adventures of the American student of West African language and culture remind us that people are not so different as they seem. Furthermore, she reminds us that before European interference, there was gentility and natural wealth in African society.

Highly recommended for those readers who desire another perspective on the continent's people.

This is an extraordinarily sensitive portrait of a West African village. The writer really made the effort to know and understand her environment, and it pays off in a warm and tender account of her experience that brings the people and the culture vividly to life. I read this book six years ago, in preparation for a trip to Africa, and the strong sense of place she evokes stays with me still.

This book in incredible. I read the book while in the Ivory Coast and can account for it's authenticity. In fact, I have read it over three times as it brings back the culture and the people that are so dear to my heart. Through her incredible writing skills the author brings Africa to life and provides a more complete accurate picture of West Africa. Excellent book, a definite must read.

What a wonderful job Carol Spindel has done describing her year in an Ivory Coast village. So many writers have written about Africa from the perspective of "oppressed" colonialists or uninvolved observers. Ms. Spindel allowed herself to learn from the villagers, to earn their trust and friendship, and to become a contributing part of their circle. In turn, she becomes an effective teacher to readers who hunger to understand.