Review of Africa Opened My Heart

Post by **Seetha E** » 15 Dec 2024, 04:26

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Africa Opened My Heart" by Julie Dreyer Wang.]

4 out of 5 stars

Share This Review

Julie Dreyer Wang's journey is one of profound transformation and heartfelt exploration. As a mother of three children and three grandchildren, she weathered the heartbreaking loss of her husband, Byington, to a kidney disease. His slow death over five years was a life-changing experience. A year later, in her sixties, free from immediate responsibilities and in a stable place both physically and financially, Julie felt a stirring that urged her to dive deeper into the mysteries of life. With a spirit of adventure, she embraced the primitive life by offering to volunteer at an NGO dedicated to helping AIDS orphans in Uganda. Later, the Peace Corps led her to the vast landscapes of Benin, a tiny country known as Dahomey till 1975. Her desire to keep learning and apply her knowledge to help others blossomed. The quote, It is in giving that we receive, by St. Francis of Assisi, encapsulates the core of this memoir.

Amidst the backdrop of all the happenings in Africa, unexpected love entwined itself into her story. Even as she cherished her time with loved ones and the comforts of modern life back home, she yearned to return to Africa. The challenges of the people and the place revived her and sparked the need to contribute and learn. If you are now curious about Africa and what absorbed her and filled her heart and soul, I urge you to pick up a copy of Africa Opened My Heart by Julie Dreyer Wang.

At the Bandjama Learning Centre, she observed the nature of the work and witnessed the resilience of children who had lost at least one parent. Through her outings at the market alongside Jasmine and Rebecca, she felt the community's pulse and learned. Living with Grace's family deepened her understanding of the culture and its challenges. Contrary to prior notions, the author discovered that the locals in Africa, especially those living in poverty, were friendly, welcoming, and the most generous souls ever encountered. I appreciate that the author has split this memoir into several short chapters. She weaves in vivid descriptions of the landscapes, the local culture, and the everyday lives of the people she meets. The incredible detailing offers readers a fulfilling perspective on every aspect discussed therein, including food, living conditions, transportation, and other challenges with the minutest details. These portions enrich readers with information about Africa.

Despite growing up among elders who promoted an attitude that considered whites as the superior ones, Julie was eager to explore her innermost feelings and gradually grow beyond the casually accepted racism. Upon her arrival in Africa, she approached every new experience with an open heart and adapted quickly. She was honest about the cause and identified the gap between the help needed and provided in Africa. It charmed her that poverty was not an impediment to joy upon seeing the smiling little faces. I found myself feeling happy for the author. I concur with the author's reflections on modernization. Her actions reflect her beliefs in the importance of environmentalism. Observations on money management, respect for elders, religion, and the mystery around voodoo add depth. Her friendships and close interactions helped her appreciate a relaxed and less-competitive approach to life.

The best part about the book is how the author effortlessly walks readers through all the ups and downs of the outward happenings, her introspections, and personal growth. At an age when many might choose to retreat, her willingness to embrace challenges and confidence to take on uncertainties serves as an inspiring example. The way she navigates all aspects of her life with intelligence, honesty, and unwavering dignity is noteworthy and makes this a truly insightful read.

A few errors and inconsistencies force me to deduct one star. A quick round of re-editing will help. Nothing else about this memoir presentation bothers me; the essence of Julie's story and African people remains compelling. Actual photographs could add immense value to this work. Considering all the mentioned aspects, I rate it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. With a racially charged comment, though instantly regretted, and the presence of mature content, this book is best suited for an adult audience. Lovers of memoirs and those curious about the heart of Africa shouldn't miss this one.

******
Africa Opened My Heart
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Post by **Kutloano Makhuvhela** » 17 Dec 2024, 04:23

What a detailed review. I must say, it is commendable and rather extraordinary for someone to tell their life around after such a life-changing experience as losing the loved one. I think I am interested to learn what the experience were experienced in the African continent. Good review. No, really.

Post by **Seetha E** » 19 Dec 2024, 03:53

Kutloano Makhuvhela wrote: ↑17 Dec 2024, 04:23 What a detailed review. I must say, it is commendable and rather extraordinary for someone to tell their life around after such a life-changing experience as losing the loved one. I think I am interested to learn what the experience were experienced in the African continent. Good review. No, really.

It is, indeed. I took my time to read this one and went slow on it. Life is so simple when we give it time to really think about it.
Thank you for taking the time to read the review and leave a comment.
Happy reading!

Lene Lena · Post by **Lene Lena** » 20 Dec 2024, 08:29

Your review is thoughtful and well-detailed. Julie Dreyer Wang’s memoir sounds like a touching testament to the resilience and the transformative power of giving. Her journey from personal loss to embracing adventure in Africa beautifully illustrates how helping others can lead to profound self-discovery and healing. A truly inspiring read for anyone seeking purpose.

Abdullahi Abubakar 3 · Post by **Abdullahi Abubakar 3** » 20 Dec 2024, 10:22

The book as a non-fictive prose was quite captivating and I salute your effort for this mindblowing review.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 22 Dec 2024, 22:32

Your review paints a picture of a memoir that is definitely worth reading. It has piqued my interest in Julie Dreyer Wang's work with AIDS orphans in Uganda and her later work in the Peace Corps. I am also interested in her take on what Africa has to offer as a life experience. Great review!

Post by **Magdalyne chebet** » 23 Dec 2024, 05:39

Based on this insightful review, "Africa Opened My Heart" by Julie Dreyer Wang sounds like a deeply inspiring and transformative memoir. I’d love to give it a shot at reading and experiencing her incredible journey firsthand. Thank you @Seetha E

Post by **Omneya Shakeep** » 23 Dec 2024, 06:08

I'm not very fan of memoirs but this one might be my first. You analysed the book in a way that made me curious about the author's journey in Africa, and the summary captured the essence of the book perfectly. I enjoyed reading the review very much. Thanks for the recommendation, Seetha.

Joe Alex 2 · Post by **Joe Alex 2** » 08 Jan 2025, 07:58

“Africa Opened My Heart” by Julie Dreyer Wang sounds like a deeply transformative memoir. The author’s journey through grief, volunteering, and self-discovery in Africa is intriguing, particularly her experiences in Uganda and Benin. The vivid descriptions of the people, culture, and landscapes seem to offer an immersive view of life in Africa. Julie’s openness about her growth and her reflections on issues like racism, modernization, and environmentalism adds depth to the story. While a few editing issues detract slightly from the experience, the memoir’s core message of resilience and personal evolution stands out. Based on the review, I’d likely enjoy reading it, especially for the insights on Africa and the personal growth angle.

Post by **Julie Marie Basil** » 25 Feb 2025, 14:42

This sounds like a wonderful and heartwarming memoir. After reading your review, I am definitely interested in reading this story.

Post by **Neha Panikar** » 08 Mar 2025, 05:55

This seems to be such an interesting book with so much potential. You have a knack to capture the essence of the plot and highlight the good points. You describe it really well. I hope the author heeds your suggestions, they seem to be very on-point. Thanks for sharing this review as always!