The White Masai (novel)

The White Masai is a 1998 autobiographical novel by Swiss author Corinne Hofmann. The book recounts Hofmann's experiences in Kenya, where she abandoned her comfortable life in Switzerland to live with and eventually marry a Samburu warrior named Lketinga.

The novel details Hofmann's initial romantic infatuation with Lketinga and her subsequent decision to leave Switzerland and settle in his village. It explores the challenges she faced adapting to a vastly different culture, including language barriers, traditional customs, and a lack of modern conveniences. The White Masai chronicles Hofmann's struggles with disease, poverty, and the patriarchal nature of Samburu society.

The book also depicts the gradual deterioration of her relationship with Lketinga due to cultural differences, jealousy, and possessiveness. Eventually, after several years in Kenya, Hofmann leaves Lketinga and returns to Switzerland with their daughter.

The White Masai was a commercial success and has been translated into numerous languages. It has been both praised for its depiction of cross-cultural encounters and criticized for its potential romanticization and exoticization of African culture. A film adaptation of the novel was released in 2005.