Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War
Historical Memoir
Publisher: Audiobook Empire
Narrator: Claudia Dunn
Run Time: Estimated 9.5 hours to 10 hours
Step into the heart of a turbulent era with Vaccines & Bayonets, a gripping historical memoir that chronicles one woman’s extraordinary journey through Africa. In this vivid recounting, Bee Bloeser unveils the raw reality of her family’s part in the mission to eradicate smallpox, revealing the triumphs and trials faced along the way.
As a young wife, Bee Bloeser followed her husband, Carl, to Africa, driven by ideals and a sense of duty. In Nigeria the ravages of civil war and the plight of starving Biafran children captured global attention. Amidst the chaos, she witnessed the horrors of smallpox and leprosy, yet found moments of beauty in the vibrant local culture.
Their journey continued in Equatorial Guinea, a nation newly independent but plagued by the terror of a brutal dictatorship. In this land where secrecy shrouded the people, Bee Bloeser confronted a world far removed from her idealistic expectations. Forbidden from forming connections with locals and surrounded by a landscape of oppression and suspicion, she documented her experiences in hidden notes, capturing the essence of a desperate struggle.
Through her eyes, listeners experience the intense battle against a relentless virus and against tyranny. This memoir is not just a story of medical triumph but also a poignant reflection on humanity’s capacity for courage—the indomitable spirit of those who risk everything for a better future.
Interview with Bee Bloeser
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
Let me first thank you for agreeing to include my book on your website, Nancy. I see that a serious nonfiction book like mine is not your usual fare, so I appreciate your interest in this gripping true story. And thank you for the question. Publishing my book has changed my entire writing life from writing long-form content (the book) to writing short, punchy lines to market the book through social media and comments on posts related to my message.
What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?
Probably in writing little notes to my parents to make the case for why they should get me a puppy!
What one thing would you give up to become a better writer?
Haha. You know, Nancy, I’m at “a certain age” now. I’ve written an award-winning book that gets rave reviews on Amazon and GoodReads. And doggone it, I think I already give up all I’m willing to give up.
Tell us a little about yourself? Perhaps something not many people know?
I’m a real scaredy-cat when it comes to movies. I’d probably, let me re-phrase that, I’d definitely even be scared watching a movie of some of the events I’ve written about in my book.
If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do?
I would take courses in writing beyond the required English composition class. And I would read more widely.
What is the biggest surprise that you experienced after becoming a writer?
The biggest surprise was all that’s involved in the business end of writing and how hard it would be to let the world know the book even exists. Writing it was the fun and easy part.
Could you tell us a bit about your most recent book and why it is a must-read?
I’m happy to answer why it is a must-read, Nancy. Let me first say that if I hadn’t already written this book, I would feel compelled to write it now, given all that’s going on in our country today. Smallpox is the only human disease that’s ever been eradicated. My book is the true story of our lives in West Africa when USAID funded the entire smallpox eradication program in West and Central Africa. People would run out to the road and salute as we passed in the USAID truck, shouting, “Ranka didi!” (May you live long.) They knew that before USAID and CDC came, up to a third of their family and friends infected with smallpox had died. CDC managed the program, USAID funded. Everyone needs to know about the humanitarian work these vital agencies do and how their work builds diplomatic goodwill.
About the Author
Bee Bloeser has lived and worked in Africa, the Middle East and Native American nations with her husband’s global public health work and her career in speech-language pathology. An award-winning author, she is a sought-after public speaker on topics related to her historical memoir. She lives and writes in California.
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