The Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton was inspired by the Kenyan Camel Mobile Library, a government program set up to improve literacy rates in poverty-stricken areas. Masha is a foreign correspondent who has worked in the Middle East and in Afghanistan reporting on issues such as child brides, war widows and women in prison.
I was attracted by the story, and of the "real" bookmobile. Search "camel bookmobile" into YouTube for more information.
Fiona Sweeney sets out from New York to Northeastern Kenya to begin work on a travelling library. It will travel around the country strapped to camels, and as there are a limited number of donated books, there is one rule - If any books do not return there will be no more bookmobile.
Although she is sincere, few of the the nomadic villagers read and do not see the value in learning about things from outside, better to work on what brings food, water and shelter to your family.
The story centers around the village of Mididima, a favourite stop. Some of the characters are Matani, the teacher, a young woman who loves to read named Kanika, and Kanika's grandmother who wants Kanika to grow and learn. Some of the elders reject the bookmobile and prefer the oral traditions of the tribe.
There are interesting characters and even tension when books go missing, but for me this book never really took off. It lacked a spark that kept me involved. I found myself disinterested and when it was finished I found it quickly fading from memory. Kind of a puzzle, I usually find something to like in any book, and the idea of the bookmobile is intriguing. The writing was pretty good, story interesting, characters likeable, but it didn't catch on with me.
Can't say much about it. Can't recommend it.
2007 / Hardcover / 308 pages
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