Under the Neem Tree

by Susan Lowerre

The author recounts her experiences living in Senegal and teaching the villagers there how to raise fish

Genres: Africa, Biography, Senegal, Guinea Bissau, Nonfiction, Memoir

255 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1991

Reviews

[Mrs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this before joining Peace Corps myself, many years ago.

It's not any easy read. But it is an accurate read. It reflects the life of a volunteer in her community... a reality few will know themselves.

I'd like to thank the author... because of her, it occurred to me that I could have a dog while I served... and as a result, I met my dog soul mate in my 3rd world country.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most helpful book I read when coming back from a 2-year missionary term in Africa. Written by a Peace Corp volunteer who spent two years in Senegal. She articulates the struggle both there and in returning. I gave it away to lots of people upon their returning from Africa.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one started out well, but I feel the author expended all she had to say within the first two or three chapters. It dwindled after that into a dreary monotony - but, to be fair, this is probably an accurate reflection of her day-to-day life. Nevertheless I can't not compare her story with those of other Peace Corps and aid/missionary workers, some of whom have been able to capture much more of the sense of place, and of the people, than this memoir has achieved. Having said that, I admire and applaud all Peace Corps and aid/missionary workers. You've contributed far more to the good of the world in one day than I have in 60 years.

[Ella Miller-Hodge · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a peace corps volunteer currently serving in the same country the author did, I’ve enjoyed seeing what has changed and what has not. The author captures some universal PC Senegal experiences wonderfully. It has been helpful to read about shared challenges, perseverance and growth, the serious and the humorous. Other moments are a bit self indulgent for my taste. Although in all fairness I’d likely be a bit more self indulgent if I was also serving without access to a cell phone.

[Saskia Marijke Niehorster · Rating 2 out of 5]

A sad and truthful account of an idealist young woman who joins The Peace Corps in order to change the world for better through her hard and arduous work.It is a love story between a girl who does not ask for much and a Country that has little to offer. She becomes a witness to other women's struggles and her mentality transforms into believing that one's heart is better safeguarded by hardening it. Her accounts of the Africa she meets is both haunting and harsh. (255 pgs)

[Jenn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this over the course of many weeks. As close as I'm ever going to get to a Peace Corps experience. A realistic look at being a foreigner doing relief work alone. I'm still dreaming about it, and at this point in my life if you ask me what I want to be when I grow up - I'll answer, "a relief worker."

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book for anyone moving to Senegal, or Africa in general. You get a realistic view of the lifestyle and mentality, the struggles and joys.

Probably wouldn't interest those without a connection to Africa.

[Julia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wouldn't recommend this, especially to someone who has no connection to Peace Corps or West Africa. I thought the writing was poor and was only able to finish because I identified with many of the experiences described. But also I just wanted her to stop whining.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a bit to get into this book. It is very much a run-of-the-mill Peace Corps returnee book. However like being in the Peace Corps it takes some time to get the hang of things and by the end you don't want to leave. I felt pretty much the same after reading this story.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

a peace corp story about a woman working in southern senegal- it related to so much of life in Guinea-Bissau.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very informative, as well as heart-rendering at points.