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.
EXCERPT
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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