Return to Laughter: An Anthropological Novel

By Elenore Smith Bowen

Book Overview

This dramatic, revealing novel tells the story of a year with a remote African tribe--a classic of anthropological literature hailed by Margaret Mead as "the first introspective account ever published of what it's like to be a field worker."

Simply as a work of ethnographic interest, Return to Laughter provides deep insights into the culture of West Africa--the subtle web of its tribal life and the power of the institution of witchcraft. However, the author's fictional approach gives the book its lasting appeal. She focuses on the human dimension of anthropology, recounting her personal triumphs and failures and documenting the profound changes she undergoes. As a result, her story becomes at once highly personal and universally recognizable. She has vividly brought to life the classic narrative of an outsider caught up and deeply involved in an utterly alien culture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385053126
• ISBN13: 9780385053129
• Release Date: March 1964
• Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 4.9" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Absolutely not to be missed

RETURN TO LAUGHTER, An Anthropological Novel by Elenore Smith Bowen This is a remarkable book, one that I've reread with pleasure & profit about once/decade since it was published. RETURN TO LAUGHTER was based on the author's fieldwork in West Africa in the 40's & /or 50's. The most memorable part is the recounting of people's reaction to a smallpox ("water") epidemic -- required reading for anyone essaying a fictional plague. It's as powerfully written as the best of Farley Mowat. Absolutely not to be missed. Note: first published as by 'Laura Bohannon', a pseudonym. Happy reading-- Peter D. Tillman

This is a remarkable book

This is a remarkable book, one that I've reread with pleasure & profit about once/decade since it was published. RETURN TO LAUGHTER was based on the author's fieldwork in West Africa in the 40's & /or 50's. The most memorable part is the recounting of people's reaction to a smallpox ("water") epidemic -- required reading for anyone essaying a fictional plague. It's as powerfully written as the best of Farley Mowat. Absolutely not to be missed. Happy reading-- Peter D. Tillman

Great for the traveler!

Although the politically correct and socially aware reader may be inclined to huff and puff a little bit over this anthropological journey through Africa, it is neccessary to take into account the actual year that this book was first written. Aside from a few "dated" remarks, this book provides a tender glimpse into the field work of an anthropologist. I think this a great book for those who travel extensively. It really depicts the frustration and loss of pride that come with trying to adjust to another way of life.

One Fantastic Read!!!

I read this for a cultural anthropology class last year, 2000. My class had more than 350 students in it and I don't know of anyone who didn't enjoy it. It's not a gripping novel, it's just an excellent source for seeing how an anthropologist works, understanding other cultures, and drawing conclusions about life and the world around you. It is a definite read if you're interested in anthropology or ever thought, "Anthropology? What the heck is that?" This book will tell you all and more. Get it!!

The perfect rainy day book

I first read this book as part of an anthropology course in 1969. Since then I have read it at least once each year. Its insights into human nature and the commonalities found in all cultures are exceptional. It is easy to read and a joy to come back to again and again.