Song from the Forest CL

The author will have no need of any defense from anyone, least of all myself, however I felt obliged to write something, especially as a retort to the reviewer attacking the author's 'demeaning western imperialism'. Anyone who has actually spent time in rural central africa will know that the items Mr Sarno offers to the villagers are an everday form of currency and in some cases a basic courtesy. Pygmies like to smoke. It may upset us to think so, but they also quite like to wear tee shirts, use machetes, and listen to radios. For the most part, they do not spend their days wrapped in bark cloth. Many no longer live in leaf huts. Pygmies everywhere in central africa are in direct contact with 'western' influences. In some cases, these influences can be seen as detrimental to their culture. In most cases, we are hardly in a position to decide which are or are not. Louis Sarno is a man who has spent many years of his life living the life of the pygmies and he understands the real threats to the most important aspects of their way of life. He is a man who recongnises the contradictions, the ugliness and the beauty of different ways of living, and he achieves this perspective through living out those contradictions in his daily life. His account is an honest one of the reality in which pygmies live their lives in this part of central africa. It is neither glorified nor demeaning. While we sit around listening to magical recordings of the pygmy's transcendant music and imagine ourselves immersed in a shimmering rainforest home, most of their forests are being logged, and their culture flattened with similar efficiency. Louis Sarno is not an agent of this destruction but someone with a deep personal attachement to these people who simply gives us a first hand account of his experience of village life in central africa. A real account, where people fall in love, and the great leveller that is human emotion and experience runs free despite the considerable cultural differences that exist.

This book was thoroughly captivating. Sarno had the courage to follow a wild idea, fueled by a passion for a strange music that spoke directly to his heart. The story that follows provides a glimpse into a rich and vibrant world most of us will never see or hear in person. Of course, every story is told through the eyes of the person who gives the account, and people by their very nature are imperfect beings. Sarno does not claim to be a Messiah, an eco-warrior, or a morally perfect human being. Yes he fell in love with a 16 year old girl. Yes, her family was fully supportive of the union. Yes, he respected her wishes and did not force any relationship upon her. Yes he was crestfallen. Whether you approve of the events, this is a well-written and extremely honest book that transports the reader to the Central African Republic.

The enthralling story of Sarno's life among the pygmies. It leaves you with the burning desire to visit Africa and find your own peace.

I really enjoyed this book, from its beauty and innocence, to the sacrifices made by the author to be a part of a culture he believed in.