THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE
Masha Hamilton
Harper Perennial
Fiction
Hardcover: 0061173487
Paperback: 9780061173493

• About the Book
• Critical Praise
• Read an Excerpt
• Author Interview -- April 6, 2007

Veteran reporter and two-time novelist Masha Hamilton's latest book takes readers into the remotest areas of the African continent to explore what happens when modern Western traditions are introduced into the very fabric of a third world, traditionally nomadic society. Based on actual events, THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE tells the story of an American librarian (and her book-bearing caravan) who permanently alters the bedrock of one Northeastern Kenyan tribe in both positive and negative ways.

Prior to her trip to Africa, 36-year-old Fiona Sweeney was living a fairly cushy life. She liked her job, her apartment in Brooklyn and, yes, her boyfriend, Chris. Her day-to-day existence was fairly comfortable --- which, of course, was part of the problem. It had been a while since she felt excited or passionate about anything, which was why she needed a change.

Unlike the rest of her family, Fi hadn't fully squelched the urge to travel --- to do something outside her comfort zone. The trip to Africa to start a traveling literacy program seemed like the perfect alternative; plus, she would be doing a good deed for humanity. The only problem, though, is that not everyone would see it this way --- especially those on the receiving end.

As in most cases like these, Fi's idealistic vision of what it would feel like to "bring literacy to Africa" was far rosier than what it turned out to be in reality. Villagers don't line up in anticipation of her visits. The rules for "checking out books" are far too strict in her opinion. And traveling via a camel caravan is exceptionally grueling work for a woman --- especially in the sweltering heat. 

What makes matters worse is that many of the elders in Mididima, a small farming village along her route, are completely against the books to begin with. They view Fi's project as an unwelcome intrusion into their traditional way of life and want nothing to do with the written, contemporary world she represents. When one of their children refuses to give back the books he borrowed --- which, in turn, brings shame to the entire community --- Fi begins to wonder whether her efforts to "make a difference" were all in vain.

On the whole, THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE raises many important questions regarding modern education versus ancient traditions. Why, for example, are most of the books in Fi's cache written in English? Is it always a good idea to introduce stories with contemporary elements (TV, telephones, Justin Timberlake) when many African villages don't even have electricity or running water? Is it naïve for an American woman to think that a book-bearing camel is really the most effective path to "making a difference"? And making a difference for whom…the American or the Africans?

Fi's enthusiasm grows tiresome at times, and many readers will cringe at her seemingly oblivious behavior. Her "one night stand" with one of the teachers from the village (that she thinks might turn into something else) raises even more questions about her idealistic intentions and her ability to even understand the gravity of the situation she's in. Hamilton's decision to separate the book into chapters narrated by different characters, while giving a well-rounded picture, may end up fragmenting the story more than it needs to be. We don't get enough of a look into any of the characters' lives to care about them more than superficially, and we don't get enough of a common through-line in any of their individual stories (aside from the stolen book quandary) to want to dig any deeper.

Nonetheless, THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE is an enjoyable surface introduction to a subject that deserves further investigation.

   --- Reviewed by Alexis Burling

Click here now to buy this book from Amazon.com.

© Copyright 1996-2010, Bookreporter.com. All rights reserved.

Back to top.