To Benin and Back: Short Stories, Essays, and Reflections About Life in Benin as a Peace Corps Volunteer and the Subsequent Readjustment Process.

by Chris Starace

Just out of college seeking the adventure of his life and an opportunity to do good, Chris Starace joined the Peace Corps and was sent to Benin, West Africa for two years from 1995 to 1997. The challenge was great, and he was pushed to the limit in adapting to a starkly different culture while living on a meager $6 a day. He made many discoveries about himself, as well as an exotic land. Delving into the culture and creating strong relationships with the people led him to appreciate numerous aspects of Benin, while many outsiders are unable to see past its shortcomings. "To Benin and Back" recounts a variety of unique experiences from an insider's perspective such as living in a remote village, exploring the regional market, harrowing bush taxi rides, odd encounters with Voodoo, having a strange illness diagnosed by a very imaginative traditional healer, being stuck in a sandstorm in the Sahara desert, and humorous anecdotes about adapting to the Beninese culture, insects, snakes, domestic animals and children. When he returned to the United States, he was forced to reevaluate his own culture while dealing with severe reverse culture shock. Traveling back to Benin seven years later allowed him to relive, reexamine and assess his long-term contribution.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Africa

313 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[John Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many things to like about this book. Granted, it has a few flaws, but they are minor and certainly don't detract from the enjoyment and enlightenment one gets from following the author through his two years as a Peace Corps member in the West African country of Benin. Fresh from college and wanting adventure that also would make a difference in the world, Chris Starace joined the Peace Corps. This book evolved from his extensive journal entries and will provide readers with an excellent idea of what such an experience, particularly in a country not far removed from French colonial rule and with a primitive infrastructure, is like. Among the things I particularly enjoyed were the glossary in the front where readers can get a sense of the language and idioms quickly. Many times these are more confusing than helpful. The author did a very good job with this one.
The depth of detail about people, events and places is another big plus for the book. I liked his use of frequent conversations and greetings he had where he used both Fon and English so you could get a feel for the language as well as how daily interactions went. The author's description of places and ceremonies is another positive aspect. He is able to capture the essence of both in a way that enables the reader to 'see' them quite easily. The comparisons between daily living in Benin and America are another aspect that will help readers understand not only the culture shock, but the vast challenges of making significant changes in such a culture.
Starace's inclusion of the effect on him when he returned , while a bit longer than it could have been, is enlightening and would be a valuable insight for those either in the Peace Corps or contemplating joining. This is a great book for anyone interested in an intimate look at another country, planning on serving in a third world country, or who wants an intimate cultural immersion in literary form. It would also be of value in libraries with an interest in other parts of the world, whether they be academic or public.

[Chris Starace]

Quote:
"Great stories and detail about a fascinating country from a unique perspective. It provides a fresh look at a West African country and the Peace Corps experience. The book made me see my own culture in a new light." – Dan Florin.


Note from the Author:
As soon as I arrived in Benin, West Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer in October 1995, I knew that I had to share my experiences with others because Benin is such a fascinating place. I worked in fits and starts over the last 14 years gleaning the most interesting stories, anecdotes, cultural observations, essays and reflections from my journals.

For more information about the book go to www.tobeninandback.com. There I have a synopsis, reviews, excerpts, the full table of contents, cover art, photos etc.

To Benin and Back will also be available in e-book formats such as Kindle, Nook and Sony e-reader for $9.99 or less.

[Sebastien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book from the Goodreads giveaway and I am very pleased with the book! The book gives wonderful insight on many things you never even imagined happened or could happen in this world. The experiences which are described are told in such a way that you can completely imagine being in the situation. This book taught me a lot about a different culture! I am very pleased at winning this book! Thank you!

[Rachel Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful, account of life in Benin as a Peace Corp volunteer. Mr. Starace has wonderful insight and tells his tales with a deep understanding a humor. He does a good job of putting his experiences into the context of a young American and reflects on the differences in the two worlds that he calls home.

I throughly enjoyed this book. I laughed out loud at times and couldn't put it down.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

[Leah · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a good read but not something I'm really into. I just can't get connected. I have a friend who might like it.