Black Mzungu

Mzungu [m'zungu]. - an East African term normally used to refer to people of European descent. When Alexandria "Nur" Osborne applied for a short fellowship in Tanzania, she never imagined that 6 months would turn into a lifetime; and that the bush of East Africa would teach her about love, identity, and courage. The Black Mzungu is the vivid, candid account of how Nur, an African American Muslim expat, and Saidi, her Tanzanian husband whom she met during the fellowship, breathe life into a beautiful 92 acre homestead vacated four decades earlier by Saidi's family. Living there on the coastal southern region of Lindi, Tanzania, Nur's perceptions of how things "ought" to be are often challenged. From the dangerous natural wildlife to locals who view them as outsiders, she and Saidi must learn to navigate both natural and man-made obstacles. Still, through personal triumphs, they forge a way to give back to the land they now call home. "Fresh voice, engaging subject, arresting realities" - Mary Ann Mitchell (Michigan, USA) "Charming, funny, heart-warming and interesting. This book is a very enjoyable read!"- Karen Wentland (Ohio, USA) "A reminder of the luxuries of first world living through an open and honest telling of leaving home,and the familiar, to start a new life halfway across the world, definitely worth reading." - Leanna Abdelmaged (Abu Dhabi, UAE) "Enjoyable! It was very interesting to see this part of Africa through the eyes of an American expat. There is rich detail about the people, animals and surroundings which is fascinating. Osborne is not shy in sharing her experiences: good, bad, ugly and beautiful." - Barb VanEseltine (Kalamazoo, USA) The Reading Guide is available at www.TheBlackMzungu.com