Exiled: Memoirs of a Camel by Kathleen Karr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wish I had the hardbound book. I am glad that I was able to get the Kindle Unlimited version.
This is a fun little story based on true events between the gold rush and civil war. Camels were brought to America to aid in travel in the western deserts. This is from a fictional camel’s point of view. Being from the land of the pyramids, Ali prays to Allah as is the custom from where he comes from.
Author, Kathleen Karr, wrote lovable characters. At times, there is a stretch of unbelievability, such as how the camels can understand both the language of their birth and then the English here in America. But if one takes a moment to think of how our pets seem to understand us and seem to know, regardless of language, what we want from them. Whether they mind us or not shows they have free-will like we humans do. So when the camels decide not to do what they are told it is because they don’t want to. I found that humorous.
This is a great book to use as teachable moments. From our own history, and the real camel importing, Comanches, geography from Egypt across the sea to Texas and on to California. Comparative religions and the similarities between peoples. And, of course, spend time learning about CAMELS. I have read a few books about camels lately and I am falling in love with them!
This is a great book for children of any age, even 65-year-olds! 😉
Darswords 