Distorted Vision

by Susan Lewallen

Ana and her brother Jared’s short trip back to their childhood home in Tanzania should benefit everyone. He’ll volunteer as a surgeon at a remote hospital, and she’ll seek projects for her university’s global health program. When Jared disappears, Ana’s work and life fall to pieces. She’s forced to reevaluate her ideas about providing “help” to improve the lives of people in countries she knows and loves. Whether you imagine that Western aid is a panacea or the problem, this suspenseful story -- rooted in the author's decades of award-winning work in the field -- will challenge your views.

298 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2021

Reviews

[Sue Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful novel set in Tanzania. Ana and her brother were raised in Tanzania and return together as adults for what is meant to be a short trip. When Jared goes missing Ana searches frantically for her brother while learning some hard truths about the effectiveness of foreign aid and international medical exchange programs.

We view Tanzania through the lens of tourists visiting Zanzibar and going on safari to exotic game parks as well as from the perspective of the Tanzanian people who are dedicated to making a difference in the country that they love.

We gain the benefit of Susan’s many years of experience working in eye health and raising a family in Tanzania and other sub-Saharan countries. The complexities and challenges associated with foreign aid are skillfully interwoven into the plot making this a book I couldn’t put it down.

[Stephanie Hemphill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Distorted Vision by Susan Lewallen

In this exciting page-turner, her second novel, Lewallen brings together a lively cast of characters, a discussion of the perils of western aid to African nations, and a family drama that drives the story to a heart-pounding conclusion.
The main character, Ana, and her brother Jared return to Tanzania, where they grew up. She is looking for opportunities for her university-based aid organization to collaborate with local aid providers; he is doing volunteer surgery at a remote hospital. When he suddenly disappears, her native self-doubt balloons into a panic that threatens her ability to solve the mystery. But she perseveres, traveling the country with help from several generous and smart acquaintances who invite the reader to witness the contradictions and challenges of a colorful yet painfully struggling country.
In her next book, Lewallen might present debates about the value and pitfalls of western aid more subtly. In Distorted Vision, she paints the scenery and action vividly, introduces us to sympathetic and well-developed characters, and gives us a wonderfully entertaining way to learn about Africa.

[Heather Barksdale · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Distorted Vision” introduces Ana, a young woman seeking to establish collaborations between her university in the US and organizations in Tanzania, where she used to live with her brother Jared.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It was clear that the author provided significant first hand experience and ideas into this tale. The main protagonist is relatable and likeable (though a little naïve) in her motivations, desires, and shortcomings. Her need to be part of something more and better was such an altruistic view that it shined through some of the politics and not-so-great things that occurred around her. The full blog post review can be found at heatherlbarksdale.com

I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this tense, well-written written sub-Saharan whodunit the reader follows the emotional and physical journey of Dr. Ana Lotner after her much loved and admired older brother is kidnapped. The author skillfully and interestingly explores the range of emotions experienced by the central character and deftly evokes a sense of the different atmospheres of the locations in which the action takes place. Along the way, the reader learns why aid from richer countries to poorer countries sometimes fails to deliver the expected outcomes.

[fortunate]

It is a very relevant read for people doing public health activities in Africa, more specifically foreigners and/or donors with interest in working in Africa, especially Eastern Africa, Tanzania to be specific. Susan captured the norms and myths clearly and she explained the culture and reality of the people in Tanzania-Eastern Africa without exaggerating anything meanwhile appreciating the cultural differences that exist.

[Evelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author transported me to a world I am unfamiliar with and piqued my interest in adding Tanzania to my list of places to visit one day. The story moves along nicely. The main character is lovely, though slightly naive. I like the discussion questions at the end of the novel, definitely a good read for a book club.

[Dr Patricia Weir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good story combined with some thought provoking issues around international aid to low income countries. I was gripped by the story which was really well described by someone who obviously knows her subject. Looking forward to the Susan Lewallen next book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a good read. It was interesting to see through this story and these characters how sometimes good intentions get disconnected from actually doing good and how a place can change you. Since the author lived in Africa I feel I really I learned things about Africa.

[Kim Kimpton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Lewallen shares her observations of life Tanzania and the challenges with Global Health Organizations in Africa in a suspenseful story. Each of characters had their own stories and Lewallen wove them together seamlessly. I can’t wait to read her next book.

[Kathleen Harnig · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Distorted Vision. The first few pages got me hooked. I could not put the book down. I hope to read her first book and intend on going to her book signing at Warwick’s on March 13.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title captures the theme completely. Persons and organizations think they see clearly how to act in the best interests of all, when in fact, they may be helping themselves, but harming others.