The Prophet's Camel Bell

A Memoir of Somaliland

Nonfiction, Travel, Africa, Adventure & Literary Travel
Cover of the book The Prophet's Camel Bell by Margaret Laurence, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Margaret Laurence ISBN: 9780226923888
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: October 12, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: Margaret Laurence
ISBN: 9780226923888
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: October 12, 2012
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

In 1950, as a young bride, Margaret Laurence set out with her engineer husband to what was then Somaliland: a British protectorate in North Africa few Canadians had ever heard of. Her account of this voyage into the desert is full of wit and astonishment. Laurence honestly portrays the difficulty of colonial relationships and the frustration of trying to get along with Somalis who had no reason to trust outsiders. There are moments of surprise and discovery when Laurence exclaims at the beauty of a flock of birds only to discover that they are locusts, or offers medical help to impoverished neighbors only to be confronted with how little she can help them. During her stay, Laurence moves past misunderstanding the Somalis and comes to admire memorable individuals: a storyteller, a poet, a camel-herder. The Prophet’s Camel Bell is both a fascinating account of Somali culture and British colonial characters, and a lyrical description of life in the desert.
 

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In 1950, as a young bride, Margaret Laurence set out with her engineer husband to what was then Somaliland: a British protectorate in North Africa few Canadians had ever heard of. Her account of this voyage into the desert is full of wit and astonishment. Laurence honestly portrays the difficulty of colonial relationships and the frustration of trying to get along with Somalis who had no reason to trust outsiders. There are moments of surprise and discovery when Laurence exclaims at the beauty of a flock of birds only to discover that they are locusts, or offers medical help to impoverished neighbors only to be confronted with how little she can help them. During her stay, Laurence moves past misunderstanding the Somalis and comes to admire memorable individuals: a storyteller, a poet, a camel-herder. The Prophet’s Camel Bell is both a fascinating account of Somali culture and British colonial characters, and a lyrical description of life in the desert.
 

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book Critical Terms for Animal Studies by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Eye of Newt and Toe of Frog, Adder's Fork and Lizard's Leg by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book River Jordan by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Crime and Justice, Volume 43 by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Genentech by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book The Last Asylum by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book America's Snake by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book The Response to Industrialism, 1885-1914 by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Student’s Guide to Writing College Papers, Fifth Edition by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Kiss My Relics by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book West of Sex by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book The Mercenary Mediterranean by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Time and Narrative, Volume 3 by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Urban Appetites by Margaret Laurence
Cover of the book Mutants and Mystics by Margaret Laurence
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy