For this book review, I read “Where Soldiers Fear to Tread” by John Burnett. Although the title of this novel alludes towards the experience of a soldier, it actually is a narrative of the author himself based on his experiences as a humanitarian aid worker. Burnett does an excellent job of describing the background of the places he describes, making reading the novel as educational as it is an experience. For example, towards the beginning of Burnett’s experience, you can tell his confusion with the state of Somalia but informs the reader background information as well. For example, we learn that “there are basically five or six families in Somalia, each with its own turf. When the government collapsed, the country was left in the hands of the clans, and most of them fought for the ports, airports, main roads– wherever money could be made. They run import and export activities in narcotics, charcoal, and guns. Many of the clans print their own money” (78). With this information, the reader is able to learn while Burnett is learning as well; adding to the depth and understanding of his experiences. Below is a video that further describes the issues within Somalia.
While reading this novel, one can relate it to our class by including another humanitarian perspective within our knowledge. Even while reading this novel it becomes clear how different one humanitarian’s experience can be comparable to others. From this, we learn that when entering into this sector, one must not set any expectations. Also while reading this novel, I was challenged to ask questions and redefine preconceived statuses in a sociological manner. One particular instance where the novel made me think back to class was when discussing the type of humanitarian needed in the particular moment. Burnett describes that “each humanitarian crisis is different, but the Somalia flood crisis had all the ingredients of the worst that could befall mankind: It was a natural disaster that had occurred without warning; thousands suffered from malnutrition and starvation and required immediate rescue; it was a part of the world that was poorly mapped; it was within a combat area; there were diseases known and unknown; and so far there was no much money to do the job (24). In class, we discussed the difference of a natural disaster that affects everyone and aid needed within a war zone (SOC 376: 4/01/19). However in this particular case; both instances were present.
Personally, reading this novel helped me better understand the challenges associated with working within the humanitarian aid sector. Even from the beginning of Burnett’s work I could feel the layering of questions develop, with no definitive answer. The introduction of the novel posed very powerful questions stating “why would relatively normal people knowingly risk their lives to help others in areas too dangerous to send soldiers? Personality deficiency? Or merely a different personality? It is a question that I sought to answer, not just about the others in the field but about myself” (9). There are answers I came across while reading such as the satisfaction of saving the lives of others, the distraction of one’s own reality, and the opportunity to travel in places untraveled by most. I researched outside of the novel to develop more answers and came across an article called “We Asked Our Staff: What Does Being a Humanitarian Mean to You” found on the Mercy Corps website. Below are some of the responses found within this article…
- “To have human values and an understanding of all human situations that we share, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion and social status. It’s working towards common human goals and ensuring we support people with respect and dignity” (Tirhas)
- “I can reduce the suffering of people and help them, and also help create long-lasting change” (Dia’a)
- “I have developed a new perspective to everything around me and I see the world differently. I am more conscious of people and their daily struggles to survive” (Clara).
However, I have come to the conclusion that while this question is important, there is not one overlying answer. Even when continuing throughout the novel one can evaluate Burnett’s perspectives and understand that he is learning as he is experiencing as well. For example, after the meeting with the Somalian sultan one can almost feel the frustration and confusion Burnett places upon his identities and roles when he claims “I’m not even sure what I’m supposed to do here. I’ve got some boats, but I am told there is no river” (78). “Where Soldiers Fear to Tread” is an interesting narrative in which the author gives us a personal experience towards the humanitarian aid sector and the issues that arise.
References
Burnett, John S. Where Soldiers Fear to Tread: a Relief Worker’s Tale of Survival. Bantam Books, 2006.
Network, OnePath, director. What Is Going on in Somalia? YouTube, YouTube, 19 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1MiwrJgJ7Q.
Soc 376 “Being/Becoming Global Citizens”: 04/01/2019
“We Asked Our Staff: What Does Being a Humanitarian Mean to You?” Mercy Corps, 19 Aug. 2015, www.mercycorps.org/articles/we-asked-our-staff-what-does-being-humanitarian-mean-you.