Never in Anger

Summary:

Never in Anger is an ethnography in which Jean Briggs goes to live with an Eskimo family. She originally wanted to observe their religious practices, but couldn't, since they had already been converted to Christianity by missionaries. She then took a different approach by studying their social interactions. She eventually got shunned by the group, although they didn't kick her out, since that would have meant her death, and they were a kind-hearted group. Eventually they started talking to her again, and they had even formed an emotional attatchment to her.

My Thoughts:

It was ok. I'm not sure if this counts as a "real" ethnography since she did have an effect on their lifestyle. I realize that, due to her situation, she didn't have much of a choice, but when reading this book, people should keep their mind open that some of their actions may have only been due to her being there. Had they not noticed her being there, some of the results could be entirely different. Once again, this seems like a book that could get the same point across with a lot less words. It's good that there are a lot of details recorded, but in most cases, people don't care about the details. It's like the Lord of the Rings books. It's great that they have so many details for those that want it, or for turning it into a movie, but I'm lazy and easily distracted, so I want books that get the point across without boring me.