Reviews
HERSTORY is a powerful testimony of a woman's struggle for Identity, success in the rat race world, and a closer relationship with God. Ingrid pulls you into her history in a manner that is engaging and audacious. It is consistently insightful and compelling to read. **** BOOKSURGE EDITORIAL REVIEW:
Abe Omakaru
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In a singular manner and with singular voice, Ingrid Walter Campbell offers a semi-autobiographical account of disturbing events in the not so faraway land of Barova. The author takes us along a personal yet highly discerning narrative of political intrigue, bureaucratic folly, official corruption and unpredictable interventions both mortal and divine.
There is an almost surreal sense of place (I am reminded of Kafka's "Amerika") and yet time and place become hauntingly familiar through a succession of characters sometimes frightening, sometimes comical but always all-too-human.
This is a story of courage, faith and the pains of a growing soul. It is also a thinly disguised series of dramatic events occurring in a male dominated society from the almost underground perspective of the author, the woman at the center of the storm. Hence the play on words: from History to HerStory.
Ms. Campbell has given us a well written and fascinating first work that touches the reader's instincts and holds his rapt attention until the very last page. We can only anticipate her next with great eagerness. *****
- M. Santamaria
HerStory, a new book by Ingrid Walter Campbell, is the fictional story of a woman in search of a lamp, who eventually finds a light that will last her a lifetime.
Set in the fictional third world country of Barova, HerStory portrays life in a simpler time. However, this story is not one with an easy ending. The book’s heroine must face her fears and is forced to make difficult choices. After a chance encounter, she discovers a light that is even more important to her than the lamp she so earnestly sought.
Inspired by the author’s own life, HerStory is a personal testimony to all of Barova’s children around the world. By writing this book, the author found peace by acknowledging her true feelings about her past. She was able to see humor in situations she once considered bad, and it is her hope that the book will encourage others to explore their own hearts and minds. About the Author
A scholar and self-proclaimed child at heart, Ingrid Walter Campbell holds a master’s degree in forensic science and an MBA from
Product Description
A woman in search of a lamp eventually finds light to last a lifetime. HerStory (her story) is set in a "third world" country where science collides with politics and "security". HerStory has a bit of romance for the lovers at heart, as well as mystery and mystique for a good afternoon's read. However, there's no fairy tale ending.
This lightly humorous book is dedicated to children at heart and children everywhere.
While I flipped through the pages of this book, I felt that there was nothing to it that warrants a review. "Well, she had done what she started out to do," I agreed, "get her story out, write it so that she will be known (even if cryptically). Like many aspiring writers she has accomplished a dream — maybe she is still dreaming!
Once I began reading I finished it in one sitting (which is something I just don't do these days.) The fact is I didn't want to stop until I could find out "what happens next". I switched off the light around 5:00 a.m., satisfied, and was sound asleep in minutes, if not seconds. My ambivalence was dissipated.
I enjoyed HerStory not because it is a masterpiece. It is far from that — it is a first book and a first attempt at writing a book. Maybe I was gripped to it because it is semiautobiographical and, as a fellow Guyanese, the story resonates with some common experiences. As you get further into it, you cannot help but drift sentimentally, even romantically - in statu quo - unconsciously imitating some central characters as though you were in their presence — live — and experiencing their virtual realities.
The theme centers around the mysterious death of several individuals, which had been causing much distress in government quarters, and the government anaysts' role in finding the cause of the deaths, quickly, so as not to cause panic.
HerStory is written by one of the analysts, a Guyanese professional (pen name Ingrid Walter Campbell, now residing in the United States), reflecting on the time when she was living and working in Georgetown Guyana during the PNC years. The author disguises the names of places and personalities for reason(s) which do/es not add or distract from the book... It still baffles me... as anyone of age can easily figure out the fictitious names of places and personalities.
If you are Guyanese you soon recognize the nuanced description of people, places and things, which is quite refreshing, especially if you have been living outside for a while. Her descriptions of places and things, of personalities and attitudes, decorum and behavior are vivid and lucid, some times evocative, with subtle bland humor.
HerStory offers a keyhole glimpse into the political maneuvering and arbitrariness in many decision-making processes during the PNC era.
Like many self-published books that do not get editorial oversight, this book is flawed with errors that would not pass an editor's eye. These however do not distract from a wonderful sensitive journey. There is a sense of genuineness, urgency, soul-searching and fulfillment — catharsis if you will.
Ingrid's travail took her to the United States and, like many other immigrants, she faced the difficult times of family breakup and dislocation - separation, strained marital relationship, painful tough discourses with the innocent children who were/are never part of decision. Her marriage ended.
Towards the end it does appear that love's lament drew Ingrid back to many instances when it could have happened with Brassie. Was it love? Or was it infatuation with a larger than life power personality - a man who also attended one of the elite schools that "produced[d] the best leaders."? Was it an attempt to fill a void — a Freudian compensation? No one will ever know the perplexing and searing distress (if indeed it was so) as Ingrid astutely 'bobs and weaves' (that's boxing talk) to evade the issues. In the end she seemed not wanting to let go... of an unfilfilled past. Did she find reconciliation and closure to this harrowing period of her life? Maybe. Maybe not. It seems that Tennyson's consolatory words are apt: "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." Inevitably one develops a warming empathy.
Gary Girdhari
Guyana Journal
