Customer Reviews

Waiting for Rain: Life and Development in Mali, West Africa

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I've been living in Mali for over 15 years now, and this book truly and accurately captures the emotions, joys and tribulations of living and working in the development field in Mali. A "must read" for anyone interested in international development and life in West Africa. Poignant, touching and very well written.

While many Americans have worked for the US Agency for International Development over the years, few have subsequently penned their reminiscences as Lewis Lucke has done in "Waiting for Rain". This authobiographical volume recounts both his life there and issues of economic development relevant not only to Mali, but also many other developing countries. The author successfully weaves these two broad themes through his account, which makes for an enjoyable and informative read. A sensitive and insightful observer, Lucke describes Malians and their country with empathy and understanding. His vivid, and at times humorous, descriptions of expatriate life in the country will loudly resonate with anyone who has spent time in this part of Africa. Traveling throughout the country, he was able to observe well-intentioned development projects gone wrong, but also a number of success stories. Above all else, he came to know the Malians and their country well, and developed a sincere admiration for their incredible capacity to overcome enormous adversity. Lucke's narrative is enriched by fine descriptive detail and many captivating human interest stories which make it enjoyable reading. "Waiting for Rain" will appeal to a very broad audience of readers including armchair travelers, international development workers and those interested in Africa.

Pascal James Imperato, MD, MPH & TM, Editor

"Waiting for Rain" provides an entertaining, informative perspective on what it is really like to work on aid projects overseas, in this instance in Africa. The descriptions of Mali are vivid, while the details of expatriate life in Bamako are interesting and ring true to life. Particular incidents described are by turns hilarious, informative, and moving. The fact that the assignment to Mali represents the author's first real encounter with life in a "third world" country makes the narrative all the more compelling. This is definitely a book that goes beyond the more usual superficial and sensational newspaper reporting about foreign aid programs. On the contrary, it provides an informative perspective at life in "development" as it is experienced by someone directly involved.

As an American who has spent 24 years living and working in Africa, including nine years in Mali, I judge "Waiting for Rain" to be an excellent book about that beautiful country. It provides a sensitive, informed, insightful view of the challenges Malians face to improve their lives through economic and social development programs. Because Mali is so diverse -- culturally, ethnically, ecologically -- I was especially impressed with the fact that Mr. Lucke was able to see and evaluate, firsthand, development efforts throughout the country. He clearly understands that different ethnic and ecological zones -- for example, the Gao corridor versus the Upper Niger River Valley -- present different challenges. I appreciated Lucke's professional views and personal touches. His sense of humor -- which I found delightful -- pervades the book but is in no way disrespectful to Malians and their culture. His insights about expatriate life in a country emerging from its early socialist years to one driven by market economics will be useful for newcomers to Mali and Africa. Mr. Lucke clearly had a good grasp of the issues that development professional and do-gooders need to understand so that they can honor the "do no harm" mandate. There are very few books in English (Pascal Imperato's come to my mind) that can teach the reader about Mali like "Waiting for Rain." Though a second edition may be warranted, I include Mr. Lucke's work among the very best. This reviewer highly recommends it to readers interested in African economic development or Malian culture, as well as anyone planning to visit or work in Mali.

The book rings true as a vivid description of life in development work. It's a very good and very informative read. My only complaint is that it could be better edited. Simple grammar errors occasionally slip in (for example, I remember the phrase "beckon call" used when "beck and call" was intended). Also the author's description of his work sometimes dwells on technical issues that slow up the story a little.

The reviewer from Mali who complained of distortions should remember that the author worked in Mali 20 years ago, and that conditions have no doubt improved since then.

Well thought out and a pleasure to read about Mr. Luckes adventures. A great source of information for those wanting to work in third world countries.

After reading this books I was quite dismayed at the many distortions of Mr. Lucke's book.
As a person who has experience in the region I continued to wonder where Mr. Lucke found or conducted his research. It was a real dissappointment.