Return to Laughter: An Anthropological Novel | Elenore Smith Bowen

Return to Laughter: An Anthropological Novel | Elenore Smith Bowen | This is a remarkable book

books:

Return to Laughter...

	Return to Laughter: An Anthropological Novel Elenore Smith Bowen Anchor, 1964 - 320 pages average customer review:based on 7 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A vivid and dramatic account of the experiences of an American anthropologist who lived with a primitive bush tribe in Africa.

Great for the traveler!

Although the politically correct and socially aware reader may be inclined to huff and puff a little bit over this anthropological journey through Africa, it is neccessary to take into account the actual year that this book was first written. Aside from a few "dated" remarks, this book provides a tender glimpse into the field work of an anthropologist. I think this a great book for those who travel extensively. It really depicts the frustration and loss of pride that come with trying to adjust to another way of life.

for more information click here

This is a remarkable book

This is a remarkable book, one that I've reread with pleasure & profit
about once/decade since it was published. RETURN TO LAUGHTER was based on the
author's fieldwork in West Africa in the 40's &/or 50's. The most
memorable part is the recounting of people's reaction to a smallpox
("water") epidemic -- required reading for anyone essaying a fictional
plague. It's as powerfully written as the best of Farley Mowat.
Absolutely not to be missed.

Happy reading--
Peter D. Tillman

Honest and enjoyable

An enjoyable book by an American anthropologist in a small Nigerian village. Honestly portrays life in a foreign culture and successfully probes the relationship between culture, individuality, and community.

for more information click here

Another book I push at my friends!

A young anthropologist is confronted with a quagmire ethical and moral ambiguity as ideals and unconscious assumptions meet the reality of living within a human community. Witch trials and a smallpox epidemic provide a dramatic context for problems familiar to anyone living among strangers, whether in the next town or the next continent. Along the way, Return to Laughter also serves as an engaging, impressionistic, ethnography. In fact, I'm amazed at how many different layers of book Smith Bowen has squeezed into such a quick read.

it was ok...

everything went well at checkout but when it came to delivery, it left much to be desired. i paid for overnight delivery and did not recieve the book until 4 days later.

for more information click here

reviews: page 1, 2

products you might be interested in