African Visas: A Novella and Stories

Then Maria Thomas is to travel writing--agile, insightful, wise, and resourceful. You don't have to be from Africa or even want to travel there to enjoy this book although it complements it nicely. Maria writes about the common thread that all humans share and the chasm that exists between cultures and peoples. African Visas is about the Peace Corps to be sure, but it's more than that. It is a story of yearning to do good--to make your life really mean something to you and others. It's about unconsummated love. Full of nuanced American humor, it made me laugh out loud a few times--travelling on the bus with strangers no less. As such the book transcends just travel writing about Ethiopia or the Peace Corps. The only qualm that I had about African Visas is that it is too short. It could (should) have been written as full length feature novel. When I learned she died in a tragic plane accident, my heart was broken as if my own sister had died.

I have read stories about Africa before reading Thomas's collection, but I was very touched by her imagery and her autobiographical themes. Her writing reflects her creative use of language as well as creating rich images. At times, I felt like I was there with her. I would highly recommend this book if you have an interest in Aftrica and the mystique the Continent. I especially appreciated her writing about Ethiopia and the challenges facing the people. The writing flows.

Was hesitant to read this book ... thinking it would be simplistic. Not at all. This former Peace Corps volunteer, who died in an airplane crash in Ethiopia while heading Congressional delegation led my Mickey Leland, writes wonderfully, shares insights about Africa and about living in countries that are not your own, and describes scenes that leave lasting images in your mind.