"Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird": Searching for Ali, Alfred Russel Wallace's Faithful Companion

by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski

A GREAT MAN AND HIS UNHERALDED ASSISTANT

For some 50 years, Paul Sochaczewski has been on the trail of famous naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and his little-known assistant Ali.

The result of this quest is an imaginative “enhanced biography” of an illiterate 19th-century teenager from Borneo who helped Wallace become one of history’s most successful explorers of the natural world.

This deliciously speculative book, filled with humor and touching scenes of imagined conversations, takes a hard look at “slippery truth,” and, perhaps most important, asks the question: “Is there someone in your life who has quietly helped you, perhaps without adequate recognition, on your journey?”

In this innovative approach to biography, you’ll discover:

• New clues that expand our knowledge of Ali’s background and career
• Why writing the history of a 19th-century teenage boy from Borneo is so challenging
• Details about how Ali collected some 5,000 of Wallace’s 8,050 bird specimens
• Imagined conversations that explore emotions and perceptions of Wallace and Ali
• How each of us has an “Ali” who has helped us along the way

Who’s your Ali? Perhaps this book might encourage to reach out to someone forgotten but who eased your path along your journey?

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

274 pages, Paperback

First published July 3, 2023

About the author

Paul Sochaczewski's highly acclaimed nonfiction books of personal travel include the five-volume Curious Encounters of the Human Kind series,An Inordinate Fondness for Beetles, The Sultan and the Mermaid Queen, Soul of the Tiger (with Jeff McNeely), and Distant Greens. Gary Braver, bestselling author of Tunnel Vision, said Paul's work is "in the great tradition of Asian reporting. The humanity of Somerset Maugham, the adventure of Joseph Conrad, the perception of Paul Theroux, and a self-effacing voice uniquely his own." Paul's handbook for people who want to write their personal stories, Share Your Journey, is based on the creative writing workshops he runs in more than 20 countries. Redheads and EarthLove are his eco-thrillers set in the rainforest of a mythical sultanate in Borneo.

Paul is an American writer (born in Brooklyn, New York), writing coach, conservationist, and communications advisor to international non-governmental organizations. He lives in Geneva, Switzerland, and has lived and worked in more than 80 countries, including long stints in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Paul served in the United States Peace Corps from 1969 to 1971, working as an education advisor in Sarawak, Malaysia. This exposure to Asia informed his writing, and as a result, most of his work has a Southeast Asian theme. He was also founding creative director of the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency in Indonesia and Singapore.

Reviews

[Swati Tanu · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story kept me interested all the way through. It made me think about what's true and what's not. I liked how the author mixed real history with some imagination.

The story is about a famous scientist named Alfred Russel Wallace and his helper, Ali, from a long time ago. Ali couldn't read or write, and he lived in the 1800s. But he played a big part in helping Wallace make important discoveries. The author, Sochaczewski, did a great job mixing real facts with made-up stories. These made-up stories help us understand how Wallace and Ali might have felt and talked to each other.

The story will make you wonder, "Who's your Ali?" This means, who are the people who help you in your life, even if they don't get famous like the big scientists. This story is a good reminder of the people who help us in our own lives.

You might like to wander through a few artistic journals — they’re full of sparks and surprises.

[AlexisODE · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was tentatively excited to pick up Look Here Sir by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, after reading some reviews of his other books. This "enhanced biography" of Wallace's assistant Ali is a delightful blend of history, creativity, and personal reflection.
The author gives voice to an overlooked figure in history. Ali, who assisted Alfred Russel Wallace in collecting thousands of birds, finally gets the recognition he deserves. The book shines a much-deserved light on Ali, and focuses on the crucial role this had in Wallace's success.
The writing is insightful and well crafted with some speculation and a dose of humour. The incorporation of cartoons and photos, added essence to the history of the story. Sochaczewski's uncovers fresh information linked to Ali's life and legacy and writes about it with an adventurous tone.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in history, science, and the untold stories of the people behind such achievements.
This is a fascinating and informative read that I wholeheartedly recommend. It's a beautiful tribute to an important but sadly overlooked helper, and proof that Sochaczewski is an innovative storyteller.

[Dolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Here Sir by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski, is a book that didn't disappoint. The author's approach to what he calls an 'enhanced biography' of Wallace's assistant Ali is remarkable. There was a mix of solid scholarship, personal memoir, hearty humor, and delicious speculation that made this book splendid.
The book tells Ali's story and also provides the often-ignored elements that were crucial to history’s achievement.' It's a delightful book that differs from conventional biography limits.
The author's strength lies in his wide range of ideas, themes, and imaginings. His writing was definitely insightful that shone a much-deserved light on Ali, an overlooked helper to Wallace. There's no denying that this book is a quest to uncover fresh information linked to the tantalizing mysteries surrounding Ali's life and legacy.
Look Here Sir is a fascinating and insightful read that adds an important chapter to history. It's a book that I imagine will resonate with many readers, especially those interested in untold history and behind the scene events and people.

[Leventak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird Searching for Ali, is an extraordinary book and one that is immersive and intriguing. This book by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski focuses on Ali, Wallace's companion and camp manager who was instrumental in his Malay Archipelago successes. Wallace discovered the Theory of Evolution through natural selection while being tended to by Ali during his malaria attack. Wallace would not have been as successful without Ali's help. Sochaczewski writing is insightful, amusing, and educational as he recounts Ali's travels and explores his connection with Wallace. Certainly a great read and one that will open your eyes to a subject you may know little about. Recommended.

[GrantedBooks Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read Paul Spencer Sochaczewski's Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird: Searching for Ali, Alfred Russel Wallace's Faithful Companion. This imaginative "enhanced biography" captivated me from the start. It's a heartfelt exploration of the relationship between the renowned naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace and his lesser-known assistant, Ali. I was pretty moved by the portrayal of Ali, an illiterate 19th-century teenager from Borneo, who played a pivotal role in Wallace's groundbreaking discoveries. The author does a good job weaving fact with fiction, presenting imagined conversations that shed light on the emotions and perceptions of both Wallace and Ali.
The narrative is quite engaging, challenging our understanding of "slippery truth." I really enjoyed the innovative approach Sochaczewski took, blending historical facts with speculative elements. The book is not just a biography but is an invitation to introspection. Who's your Ali? This question stuck with me long after I turned the last page.
In essence, Look Here, Sir is a powerful testament to the bonds that shape history. It's a reminder that every great person stands on the shoulders of others, often forgotten by time.

[Viclari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Look Here, Sir: What a Curious Bird Searching for Ali by Paul Spencer Sochaczewski
I was looking forward to picking this up, especially after hearing a friends opinions of its unique perspective on an unsung hero behind Wallace's success in the Malay Archipelago. This is a tale of Ali, Wallace's companion and camp manager, who was sadly overshadowed by other tales and I was happy to be reading things from his perspective. Sochaczewski's portrayal of Ali was informative and it sheds light on the instrumental individual to Wallace's discoveries.
The story is told with great care, and I found myself immersed in the vibrant world of the Malay Archipelago. The relationship between Ali and Wallace is beautifully told too, it highlights the impact of their partnership.
There's no denying that this book offers a fresh perspective on a well-trodden path. It was so lovely to read from the perspective of the unsung hero behind a great discovery. I also really enjoyed hearing of the closeness of the relationship between the two, a relationship that shaped history.
Look Here, Sir is a delightful read that gives a fresh perspective on a most familiar tale and a must-read for those with a love of history and curiosity for the hidden figures behind the scenes. Recommended.

[Lenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Is there someone in your life who has quietly helped you, perhaps without adequate recognition, on your journey?”

Full title: "Look Here, Sir, What a Curious Bird": Searching for Ali, Alfred Russel Wallace's Faithful Companion. This book was so beautiful written, the story is focused on Ali, Alfred Wallace’s companion who have helped him become one of the most recognized explorers in the world. This book is full of humor, and imagine conversations between the two of them, and a different perspective for Ali. I loved how this book recognizes that we all have an Ali, someone who has been there for us and helped in the most challenging periods and sometimes we don’t acknowledge their help until its too late or when someone points it out. A very recommended read.

[Liam Ostermann · Rating 1 out of 5]

I probably should have shelved this as 'unable-to-read' but I don't have such a shelf and why can't I read it? let me quote something:

"...In this innovative approach to biography, you’ll discover...

• Why writing the history of a 19th-century teenage boy from Borneo is so challenging...
• Imagined conversations that explore emotions and perceptions of Wallace and Ali
• How each of us has an “Ali” who has helped us along the way..."

I can already imagine that writing a biography of a teenage boy in 19th century Borneo would be difficult but I don't think imagining him into my life would be useful - I'm over 65 and involving myself with teenage boys is asking for trouble - but above anything else I don't read biographies for 'imagined' conversations.

Maybe some people have time for this nonsense, but I don't.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author is on a quest to find Ali, the companion of Alfred Russell Wallace. The story is at times humorous, and is always entertaining. The author employs psychics to assist him, but of course, he is skeptical with their responses. I especially enjoyed the chapter "Who is My Ali, and Who is Yours?", because the author points out that there are many people who help us along our way, even those that tell us no, as that gives us a chance to re-evaluate.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this memoir, but I enjoyed it.

[Kathy M. · Rating 1 out of 5]

My what a curious book. Undefinable. Part autobiography, part photo album, part writers workshop (historical fiction), part seance, part historical (Wallace).
The road to searching for Ali is short and circuitous and in the end we never know who he is.

I would have given 2 stars but not for the seances.

[Grymm Gevierre · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book immediately gripped me because of the subject alone. The focus is shifting the spotlight from what we'd expect (in this case, focusing on the assistant rather than the better-known counterpart, Alfred Wallace). Who we surround ourselves with often makes us sink or swim, and most successful people in any field can (and probably will) attribute their success to the people who helped them along the way. I loved that Sochaczewski opted to write about Ali. Admittedly, I didn't know much (or anything at all) about the subjects of this book before I started reading it. Still, I'm so glad I gave it a read. It's my second book by this author, and I'm equally impressed by his consistently excellent writing ( that book was 'A Conservation Notebook,' which I highly recommend).

There is some fiction here, but it's all rooted in fact. Sochaczewski uses intelligence, research, and facts to bolster the fictional parts (which are just filling in the blanks). I like that he calls it an "enhanced biography" because that's precisely what it is… it's not just presented facts with flowery language. It's an homage to Ali (and all oft-overlooked assistants), done with care and tact. After all, as the book states, "everybody needs somebody."

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

A semi-true, semi-fictional approach to a biography, this seamless blending makes for a very interesting book. I admit going in I knew next to nothing about Alfred Russel Wallace and his helper Ali, but I feel like I learned quite a bit while reading cover to cover. Sochaczewski did an excellent job of bringing them to life, and sharing his many years of research in a way that’s easy to read for even the most casual reader. One thing that really stands out to me is Ali is just as integral to the story as Wallace, and his importance in helping Wallace isn’t downplayed at all. It's so important to remember the people who play a big role in our lives, even if from the outside they may not seem all that important, and this book is an excellent reminder of that. Highly recommend for anyone interested in a new style of biography!

[Shelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was eager to learn about Ali.
The book often repeated the same information multiple times (is thus perhaps a collection if essays?), spent a significant time talking of the author's life, and even more time on communication with mediums.

If this same material were presented as a YouTube video, the repetition and side ideas would be enlivening. In a book - I kept wondering when we would get to Ali's story.

[Xiaoyun · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem this was. A new genre of history writing that I haven't really experienced prior, mixing nonfiction writing with small, moving pieces of evidence-based and fictional embellishments. An important story of a lesser known hero.

[Emily Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible literary journey. This book is thought-provoking, heartwarming, and beautifully written. I can't stop thinking about it.

[Miriam Cihodariu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful effort in recovering and reclaiming the history of de-voiced voices.

[Steven Groner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very narrow topic, but interesting and well researched.

[Joshua Friesen · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times this was difficult to want to read and not just toss aside. But with perseverance, I made it to the end. After finishing I indeed thought back and quite liked what I had read.