Like a Mask Dancing: A Tanzanian Story

by Sally Stiles

Reviewers have called Sally Stiles' latest book "beautifully written, vivid, compassionate, eye opening, enthralling, thoughtful and humanitarian--and highly recommended." Anna Chadwick follows her husband to Tanzania where he becomes general manager of a mill. At first, she imagines herself a "lone wren perched on the sidelines while her husband becomes leader of the flock." But, through a series of dramatic episodes, and a growing understanding of the effects of poverty, AIDS and corruption,  a recognition of the heritage all humankind shares, she discovers the path to embracing the men, women and children of the village she comes to love.  From Professor Carrie Dolan, The College of William & "A carefully woven book with a lyrical feel that takes you straight into the heart of Africa."

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 8, 2020

About the author

SALLY STILES worked for fourteen years in New York City as an editor and writer and, later, as an advertising executive. In addition, she has published over a hundred magazine articles, several books, poetry and short stories. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in writing from Vermont College of Fine Arts

After leaving New York, she and her husband, David, lived in Nigeria, Michigan, New Hampshire, Tanzania, British Columbia, Washington State and Virginia. She taught writing at Lebanon College in New Hampshire, at the Simon Fraser Writing and Publishing Program in Vancouver, B.C., and the Christopher Wren Society at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg.

Her volunteer work has included, among many other things, running a women’s shelter; a craft store; a woman’s golf league; and investment club and an after-school enrichment program for primary school children in East Africa.

Sally Stiles’ latest books are ACROSS THE COVERED BRIDGE, a novel in 9 stories; LIKE A MASK DANCING, a Tanzanian Novel; PLUNGE!, a memoir (2013), and THE HAIKU GUIDE TO CRUISING (The Pacific Northwest).

Reviews

[Caterina Novelliere · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written novel that provides some interesting snapshots of life for a fictional American woman accompanying her husband to Tanzania. The narrative chronicles her time in country and her experiences in engaging with both the African people of the community in her book and other expats working for her husband at the mill. It also introduces the Western reader to some of the challenges faced by the people living in rural Africa.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literary adventure, African travelogue, cultural immersion – LIKE A MASK DANCING takes the reader over the rough and rutted roads of Tanzania as Anna aches to improve lives while balancing cultural respect. Sally Stiles creates a thoughtful and sensitive humanitarian tale.

Highly recommended!