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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Meet the Henderson's..., September 15, 2010
This review is from: The Henderson Memories (Kindle Edition)
Doug Ingold, the author, does an excellent job of developing the characters in THE HENDERSON MEMORIES. Kyle and Jolene Henderson are two American's who served time in the Peace Corps in 1965. Their story is about love and conflict, religion and politics. I felt like I knew each character and I could imagine what they looked like, even the features of their faces. Interesting enough, I felt more drawn to Clint Estergard, who was a friend of the Henderson's during their time in the Peace Corps rather than the Henderson's. The author takes you on a journey through a time when idealism was high and many Americans thought they could change others in third world countries. Kyle Henderson is one of those individuals. One has to admire his determination and work ethics while wanting him to work on the project rather than working to change the people. Connie, Kyle's daughter, seems to take on many of her father's attributes. She, like her father, is very determined and pushes others for what she thinks is right. Throughout the story conflict about religion and politics is present making one believe the author must have experienced some of this story to write it so convincingly.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Inescapable Rhythms of Brazil, November 13, 2010
This review is from: The Henderson Memories (Kindle Edition)
I liked this book a lot!! And I think the main reason is the insights into human experience offered through the thoughtfullness and sensitivity of character presentations. For example: the gentleness and generosity of Brazilians encountered by the book's Peace Corps volunteer main characters. And the dedicated efforts of these young idealistic volunteers, anxious to serve the world and make a difference, who come up against the realities of being located in a remote area of a foreign country with minimal language skills and brief preparation -- being there largely alone and isolated -- and being faced with the need to both develop a mission and carry it out. The adventures that evolve are intriguing and unexpected. I also enjoyed the pace of the story which seems to simulate the inescapable rhythms of Brazil.
The generational range of characters is also fascinating: Brazilian children, young adults, parents and elders in the hierarchy of their lives; and the mostly college-age Peace Corps volunteers with their mid-life Peace Corps support staff; and the mature voices through which the novel unfolds and their personal connections and biases about the story and its telling.
I recommended The Henderson Memories to my literature discussion group where it was warmly embraced and promted a lively 2-hour discussion.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A COURAGEOUS BOOK, October 28, 2010
This review is from: The Henderson Memories (Kindle Edition)
We read to travel--to 18th century Russia with Tolstoy, through Renaissance Europe with Shakespeare, and across "the wine dark sea" with Homer. When Basho, the Haiku poet, wrote about visiting a secret waterfall on New Year's day, generations of poets made their way to the same, remote spot in hopes of sharing his vision. Alas, when it comes to human history we have only the author's vision to guide us to a remote, exotic experience.
"The Henderson Memories," Doug Ingold's intriguing novel, takes us to a remote place indeed: early '60's rural Brazil, where idealistic, young peace core volunteers have come to make themselves useful. Focusing on the poverty which afflicts part of Brazilian society, they willfully ignore the festive spirit of their hosts. The Fiesta is "frivolous" and the protagonist self-righteously refuses to set foot near one. The gorgeous Macaws in a local cafe are dismissed as loud and annoying. Deprived of meaningful work, they drift into odd jobs that puzzle their hosts. They turn inward, obsessing on personal analysis and earnest discussion of the work ethic. But what about the play ethic? Can you work with the poor if you refuse to play with them? The Peace Core kids become the guests who insist on washing dishes throughout the wedding party.
The book is part comedy, part tragedy and Ingold balances the two skillfully. Don't peek at the ending; it's worth the wait and you will enjoy every page on the way, especially the book's final, haunting image.
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