The Colour of the Elephant is about a woman who volunteers with the Peace Corps in Zambia. It is a memoir told in the present tense, much like a travel diary but without the diary entry style of writing. I didn't love this book, in part I think it had to do with the writing style. The author acknowledges and explains her choice of writing in the present tense despite the trip taking place in 2002, in the author's note at the beginning of the book. But the explanation doesn't change the reality of the fact that the beginning of a trip like this is a lot of logistics and not a lot of action. At 25% of the book we were still just settling in with her billeting family and learning the language. There was not real direction for where things would go or what might happen in the rest of the story, and that's when I realized that this was probably the point. The story is about learning about a country, culture and society by immersing oneself in it and not taking things too seriously. I personally thought this memoir was alright, not my favourite but also not the worst. I would recommend this book for people wanting to read a memoir about the experience someone might have learning about a culture through a volunteer organization such as the Peace Corps, and potentially feeling a bit like living vicariously through the author.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Thank you to the author, GenZ Publishing and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Joining the Peace Corps is a huge step into the unknown, and the author takes us with her as she embarks on this adventure. Relinquishing a comfortable life back in the USA, she tells her story with honesty and humor, being unsparing of herself when she finds it hard, and sharing the joy of settling into a rural culture that is very different from her own, but so welcoming as well. If you find countries and cultures far from your own interesting, you will find this memoir fascinating and perhaps even inspiring.

This is a very honest first-person account of a young , middle class woman who felt very strongly that she should try to help at a time when AIDS was decimating the continent of Africa. She joins the Peace Corps, asking them to send her where she could be the most help.
She begins with concentrated classes to learn the language and to gain a basic understanding of how to live in a rural village that lacked electricity, plumbing, or fluent speakers of English.
The author is very candid about how the hardships she faced were not always met with equanimity. She showed an impressive ability to deal with setbacks, misunderstandings, malaria, and the occasional meltdown while still continuing her duties. This is a person you will enjoy meeting.
As you read this book, you will be taken on a fascinating first-hand look at a completely unfamiliar society. I highly recommend it.

The Color of the Elephant by Christine Herbert is a fantastic foriegn fish out of water story in which the fish finds wisdom, perspective, and a fine tale to tell. With great honesty and humor, Herbert leads the reader through a nuanced exploration of a beautiful people and their unique culture. I highly recommend The Color of the Elephant to intrepid readers everywhere.

- David Metzger R.N. author of the memoir Nurse Papa