Sanmao (1943–1991)

I raced through this book: a page-turning account written in 1976 by a Taiwanese/Chinese woman married to a Spaniard who realised her dream of living for a while in the Sahara Desert: which was in the 1970s still a Spanish protectorate. Sanmao is infectiously enthusiastic, curious, not to say nosy about the Sahwari people among whom she lived, and tells us much about everyday life and culture, and the reality of living in a climate which is in the course of a single day searingly hot and brain-numbingly cold. All this was interesting, but I couldn't warm to Sanmao, whom I found judgmental, even racist, and impetuous to the point of foolhardiness: whether it was opening her mouth without thinking, or driving endless miles in the - deserted - desert with no particular aim. Nevertheless, since I'm unlikely to get to the Sahara, this was an illuminating and immersive account of what life was - and I suspect still is - like there.… (mehr)

A Taiwanese woman traveling through the Sahara? I thought this had the makings of a fascinating travelogue. Well, not quite. Though the author did take such a trip (not alone, but with a Spanish husband) and doubtless had experiences more or less related to the stories, many are written in a too cute, comic book style in which the narrator represents herself as a kind of female Arabian Nights Sinbad cleverly outsmarting djinns and natives at every turn. I would have preferred a bit less of the author's overweening charm and more engagement with the desert and its people, through her eyes, to be sure, but on their terms.… (mehr)

It lacked the variety of stories that I expected. Still, it is the first book I've read about Western Sahara, and I'm interested to learn more.

> ‘Gueiga, let me ask you. Can you go around to all the neighboring women and ask what, besides my toothbrush and husband, you’re not interested in borrowing?’ She seemed to wake from a dream, hearing this. ‘What does your toothbrush look like?’ she asked immediately. ‘Get out,’ I cried in agitation. ‘Get out.’ Gueiga kept speaking as she stepped backwards. ‘I just want to look at your toothbrush. I do not want your husband. Really—’

> The crowd stepped aside as the Jeep began to go. The silhouette of the mute slave gradually disappeared into the sunset. His family members didn’t cry or scream. They held each other in a tight embrace, shrinking into the big red blanket like three stones formed in a sandstorm.… (mehr)

Sanmao, and her husband Jose live in the Spanish Sahara among the native Sahrawi people. This book is a collection of short stories outlining their lives in the desert. Since this is a collection of short stories, at times it feels disjointed and hard to follow. Some of the stories lacked context - not knowing anything about the history of the area left me a little lost at times. I also found myself wanting to know more about the Spanish Sahara and its bid for independence. Despite these criticisms, the stories were interesting, dynamic and oftentimes humorous. I admire Sanmao and Jose's courage and sense of adventure. Overall, well worth reading.… (mehr)