{"product_id":"wisdom-and-the-baobab-tree","title":"Wisdom and the Baobab Tree","description":"“The night of Adam Edwards’s arrival from the US had been a restless one in Kayemba City. As dusk enveloped the capital of the country of Kombonia in Central Africa, kerosene lanterns flickered lit. A smoky, smelly haze combining the scents of spices, waste, and charcoal wafted through the narrow streets, which were crowded with people, cars and livestock. By 9 P.M., however, an eerie calm took hold.”\n\nThus begins a compelling story lived through the eyes of Adam Edwards; a young, intelligent, and well-meaning, but somewhat naïve American. He finds himself thrust into a maelstrom of intrigue, violence, competing relationships and political crisis in the African nation of Kombonia. He arrives in-country as Kombonia lurches towards what could be the most democratic election in the country’s history, despite many complicating forces and factors at play. Or, a failed election could plunge the country into chaos and even civil war. Kombonia thus reflects the challenges faced by many societies in Africa, and around the world, struggling to cast off authoritarian rule and embrace democracy.\n\nAdam directs a project funded by the U.S. government to help promote legitimate elections in collaboration with a Kombonian civil society group. He also embarks upon a questionable relationship with a Kombonian journalist who may have more at stake in the elections than what appears initially. Events evolve and build up to a crisis in which Adam must make a life-changing decision about how to act.\n\nThis book addresses themes of failure, redemption, growth, and maturation. They are explored along two, related tracks - key character personal development, and Kombonia’s halting and tentative evolution from autocracy towards democracy. It contains a positive and optimistic conclusion - which nonetheless has a hook to it.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B0DL4RWZJB\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.B0DL4RWZJB.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:McMahon, Mr. Edward R\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43335668564029,"sku":"BVV.B0DL4RWZJB.G","price":12.83,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/B0DL4RWZJB-0.jpg?v=1783737727","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/wisdom-and-the-baobab-tree","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}