The Tuareg: Blue Man of Sahara

George DiGuido
Netsource Distribution (2009)
ISBN 9781587761577
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (5/09)


What an incredible read and history lesson to boot! The author’s descriptions of times, scenes and how women were treated were fantastic.

I didn’t know much about Tuareg’s until I read this book. The Tuareg people are predominantly nomadic people of the Sahara Desert, mostly in the Northern reaches of Mali near Timbuktu and Kidal. The Tuareg are often referred to as “Blue Men of the desert”" - because their robes are dyed indigo blue. They live in small tribes with between 30 and 100 family members and keep camels, goats, cattle and chicken, which graze the land.

A wonderful young Virginian woman who had everything she ever wanted is one of the main characters in the book. She leaves her famous, protected home to travel to live with family after her plantation burned. Little did she know that the people she trusted most had devious ideas about what they could do with her and sell her to African slave traders. She is put into many situations that many could not survive, raped on the pretense of love – she finds one man of two whom she really loves. They search for her and yet have many trials to go through to find her.

She is found doing many tasks that she has never done before as a pampered princess- making butter, preparing animal skins, collecting firewood and being at the beck and call of all others. She is feisty and determined to escape, yet has no one to help her get home.

The author’s descriptions of the land and the people, as well as their use of those who the Tuareg’s find lower than their own, are incredible insights. The research from the author’s own travels and background add great authenticity to this book.

“The Tuareg: Blue Man of Sahara” by George DiGuido is a dynamic book from page one till the end, you will sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation, yet you will learn much about this culture.

 

Make comment on weblog
Read Interview with author