The Violet Shyness of Their Eyes: Notes from Nepal

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Summary: To the author: Less about Birds, More about the Nepalis
Review: I read this book researching an upcoming trip to Nepal. I was not looking for a feminist dialog about the culture, but I figured I could get some insider knowledge about the people (and women) of Nepal. To my surprise, I did not get an anthropological view, but rather a detailed description of the flora and fauna of Nepal through the eyes of a jogger. I was hoping this book would provide insights into the people of Nepal, but after the author spent nearly a year there her observations where as foreign as mine half a world away. Many questions concerning the culture were left unanswered and I was left with many more questions than answers. This might be great for discussion, but did not aid my search for understanding of this admittedly complex culture. Ultimately, the observations are outdated (almost 9 years old) and the insights hollow.

Rating:
Summary: Poignant images and no rose-colored glasses
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Narrow-minded
Review: Like too many Americans, Scot approaches Nepal as a mysterious Shangri-La. 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.

Rating:
Summary: a truly lovely and insightful read!
Review: 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.