Mean and Lowly Things:Snakes, Science and Survival in the Congo - Kate Jackson - 4 Stars

[Booknblues]

I am going to be completely honest and admit to a deep seated fear of snakes, so much so that I was afraid that reading, Dr. Kate Jackson book,Mean and Lowly Things: Snakes, Science, and Survival in the Congo about the snakes in the Congo would give me nightmares. I was intrigued enough with the idea that I had to read the book.

In many ways it is a true gem. The book details not just her search for snakes and reptiles in the Congo, but the environment, village life and interpersonal relationships at the "snake" camp.

Kate Jackson is a scientist, a herpetologist and focused on her goal. She is on occasion socially awkward and having to navigate a society unfamiliar to her is sometimes an entertaining read and sometimes and uncomfortable read. But she is honest about her feelings and her failures.

She also describes camp life in the flooded rain forest in the Congo in details, that includes constantly wet clothes, ants, flies, termites, wasps, dirt, checking fishing nets which may have snakes tangled in them which may or may not be alive and venomous. I really can't imagine a more unpleasant way to spend time.

For all that, I just loved this book and hopefully I will sleep well tonight without dreams of cobras and black mambas.