- Paperback: 240 pages
- Publisher: Calyx Books (21 Jan 1994)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0934971358
- ISBN-13: 978-0934971355
- Product Dimensions: 22.6 x 15.2 x 2.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
559,559 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #98 in Books > Travel & Holiday > Countries & Regions > Asia > Nepal
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More About the Author
Product Description
Synopsis
The author describes her experiences while living and teaching in Nepal for a year, offering her insights into issues of cultural differences and her relationships with Nepali women.
From the Publisher
Winner of the PNBA Book Award
One of the most moving memoirs written, this account of Barbara Scot's year in Nepal demonstrates insight into cultural difference and challenges readers with women's global struggles while nurturing a deep empathy and respect for the Nepali people.
One of the most moving memoirs written, this account of Barbara Scot's year in Nepal demonstrates insight into cultural difference and challenges readers with women's global struggles while nurturing a deep empathy and respect for the Nepali people.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Two years ago I went on a 3-week trek of the Annapurna region of Nepal which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would love to return but until I can, this was the next best thing and I was thrilled to discover this book. It was like being back there all over again.
Barbara Scot uncovers the real Nepal. I dislike the overuse of the word 'empathy' but she truly has an uncanny understanding and passionate feeling, especially of Nepali women.
Her sensitivity and frankness are refreshing. This book has made me hasten my quest to return to visit my Nepali friends and their country.
Barbara Scot uncovers the real Nepal. I dislike the overuse of the word 'empathy' but she truly has an uncanny understanding and passionate feeling, especially of Nepali women.
Her sensitivity and frankness are refreshing. This book has made me hasten my quest to return to visit my Nepali friends and their country.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Fascinating and honest account of a Westerner's reactions to a different culture. Also a superb homage to the beauty of a mountainous land and its flora and fauna, together with a tribute to Nepalese women.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
10 reviews
25 of 25 people found the following review helpful
a truly lovely and insightful read!
3 Feb 2000
Format:Paperback
Unlike many travel narratives that deal with conquering the Himalayas or giving a traveler's view of the Nepalese people, Barbara J. Scot's THE VIOLET SHYNESS OF THEIR EYES, shows an insight into the region that few experience. She is a teacher living and working in a small village in Nepal. As a teacher, she works at a small, overcrowded school and sees how western education is hurting, not helping the Nepalese. Frankly, when Scot comes to the realization that people like herself are making things worse for the Nepalese, I was overwhelmed with her honesty and her plight. However, she says it far better than I can: "I think the main trouble with motivation for teachers in Nepal is that they have no self-esteem. They are told they must learn from westerners how to do things the right way . . . You ought to get rid of all westerners. You are an ingenious people. Let the Nepalis figure out what works for education for Nepal."
As a professor, I was stunned to read this statement. After all, I had bought the text because it was marketed as a travel narrative of Nepal, and I am a climber and hiker who has wanted to go this area for ages. So, when I started reading this book, I was surprised to see that, yes, it is a travel account of living in another land that happens to be smack up against the most beautiful scenery in the world, but I was more intrigued by Scot's voice in the book. It has an earnest and sincere quality. It made me think. And, it made me agree with her view on the situation. Scott is not against western education, but western eduators who ardently believe that their viewpoint on universal education is the only one of worth. These educators go to other countries and inform the local educators that their view on educating is wrong or, at least, misguided. Scott wants us to realize that what western education has to offer is valuable to non-western people, but these people must be able to pick and choose what they need from western education methodology and mix it with their own cultural values and beliefs.
An insightful and well written book. I hated to see the narrative end.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Poignant images and no rose-colored glasses
15 Jan 2004
Format:Paperback
I was really surprised by the quality of this book. Many people who have lived or worked abroad try to write about their experiences, but few actually have the talent to create something worthwhile and lasting. Barbara Scot, however, has managed to capture some moments of incredible poignancy and beauty. A few passages even approach the level of poetry.
The book is a bit uneven in places, but nevertheless I consider it an excellent effort for a first-time author. You come away with a deep respect for both Nepal and her people, and for Barbara, who as an adventurous woman in her late 40s, will be a an inspiration for many. She's the kind of woman you'd like to know.
On another note--When I saw this book came from a feminist publishing house I was afraid I might be subjected to preachy diatribes about the evils patriarchy, but mercifully that was not the case. Scot does have a special concern for the women of Nepal, but she doesn't preach about it. In fact a sense of evenhandedness is one of the many virtues of the book. She poses many good questions without claiming to have the answers.
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Narrow-minded
7 July 2004
Format:Paperback
Like too many Americans, Scot approaches Nepal as a mysterious secret land. Her book is full of wonderful theories and ideas to help this backward nation, but her notions are little more than jabs at the West and progress. In a country where only 45% of the population is literate I don't think any nation with resources should sit by and let them "figure it out for themselves." I have spent a few years living in differing regions of Nepal and did not come away with this mystical notion of a people that Scot so dearly clings to her heart. Perhaps she should have scrutinized a little more and wore the rose coloured glasses a little less. I don't recommend this book.
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