Squirting Milk at Chameleons – A Review
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Squirting Milk at Chameleons: An Accidental African by Simon Fenton was an interesting read that I’m excited to share with you.
So what’s this book about anyway? A Synopsis –
Squirting Milk at Chameleons is the tale of an Englishman making a life for himself in Senegal.
Khady pulled out a breast and with a deadly aim fired milk at the chameleon. “If I don’t offer it milk, our son will grow up to look like a lizard,” she explained. Clearly I had a lot to learn about life in Africa.
On the cusp of middle age, Simon Fenton leaves Britain in search of adventure and finds Senegal, love, fatherhood, witch doctors—and a piece of land that could make a perfect guest house, if only he knew how to build one. The Casamance is an undiscovered paradise here mystic Africa governs life, people walk to the beat of the djembe, when it rains it pours, and the mangoes are free. But the fact that his name translates to “vampire” and he has had a curse placed on him via the medium of eggs could mean Simon’s new life may not be so easy. (Eye Books Synopsis)
But I’ve never heard of this author….
Along with his photography and writing, the Fenton and his wife manage The Little Baobab, their home with guest accommodations near Abene, Senegal.
So how was it?
Squirting Milk at Chameleons is different than any other memoir that I’ve read recently. While the author lives in Senegal, he grew up in Brittan and I found myself confused on several occasions by wording and phrases that I expect would make perfect sense to Brits.
Once I got past the language difference, I found the book both entertaining and enlightening concerning life in rural Africa. Having never been to Africa myself, or outside the US for that matter, the lifestyle portrayed in the books was eye opening. The only other reference I’ve seen to outdoor showers with buckets took place in the 20’s in the Solomon Islands (ref. Headhunting in the Solomon Islands: Around the Coral Sea).
Parts of the books did seem a bit repetitive at times, with Fenton constantly mentioning his disbelief in mystic tribal remedies that he went (and continues to go) though. I felt that in some places the story would have been more interesting if he could have just told us what was said and his take on the events without the constant reiteration. However, it also made the book feel a bit more conversational. You know that if he was telling you these stories in person, you would be hearing those opinions.
While I don’t think this book is for everyone, if you like memoirs, or are interested in African life and culture this is definitely a book for you. I’d also recommend this book if you are wanting to step out of your reading comfort zone to try something new.
Where can I get my copy?
Squirting Milk at Chameleons is available now. Get your copy online, or check with your local book seller.
Hi Andrea,
Thanks so much for the review and glad you enjoyed it. You’re right that we could have an interesting conversation about the tribal beliefs – this is great feedback though, seeings as I am mid-way through the sequel. To be honest, even when I’m with people who speak great English, it’s hard to understand exactly what’s going on. I’ve explained as best I can and am learning local languages to understand even more. As a toubab (white) I’ll probably never fully get it. Although a little sceptical, I have no doubt how important the beliefs are to local people and am endlessly fascinated by the rituals…so I keep going back for more. I’m trying to understand!
Simon
Thank you so much for stopping by. I really did enjoy your book and am glad to hear you’re writing another one. Your book was an enjoyable look into a different kind of life. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.