Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I chose to read this book based on the cover alone so I had no idea what I was getting into. While this isn't my typical go to read the story was beautifully written. I learned about a culture I knew practically nothing about. This book documents the authors experiences in Papua New Guinea while he was in the Peace Corps.

I loved this book! I remember watching a documentary about the tribe people of papa New Guinea and found it engrossing.
This book is beautifully written and touches on so much more than the witchcraft and murder of a woman. It touches on life, death, morals, religion, self awareness, the extent we go to find ourselves and a place in this world.
Just a beautiful book that will stay with me for life.

In 1994 Peace Corps volunteer Christopher Davenport embarked on an adventure to the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea where he lived in a village of farmers who welcomed him and with whom he built good relationships, feeling himself accepted into the community. At first everything goes well but then one day he discovers that the community has killed a local woman accusing her of sorcery. He finds this event very difficult to deal with, going against everything he holds right and reasonable in his western viewpoint. This well-written and thoughtful book explores his attempt to reconcile his feelings towards the people he has come to love and respect and this, to him, barbarous act. It’s an intelligent and insightful examination of cultural difference and the very concept of such “philanthropic” missions to native societies which are based on the idea that western civilisation is somehow “better” and more valuable than that of so-called “primitive” societies. This memoir of his time in the village is vivid and atmospheric, and he never over-dramatizes the effect the killing had on him. I’m sure there must be many others who have gone on such missions who will have found it hard to reconcile the different beliefs, values and assumptions of such alien cultures with their own. The book is also a vivid portrait of life in Papua New Guinea, a place I knew little about.

A fascinating, thoughtful book written by a Peace Corps volunteer who lived with an indigenous family in Papua New Guinea. He becomes part of a family, even calling the couple he lives with "Papa" and "Mama." He attends weddings, story-telling sessions, and de-briefing/training sessions with other Peace Corps volunteers living in the area. The perspectives of people who have only recently entered the modern world are amazing. They still believe in witchcraft and act on these beliefs. How do you deal with such a culture with respect and dignity? The author struggles with this question and takes most of his challenges in stride. I really enjoyed this book.