45 pages 1 hour read

Colin M. Turnbull

The Forest People

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1961

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Important Quotes

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“But these are the feelings of outsiders, of those who do not belong to the forest. If you are of the forest it is a very different place.” 


(Chapter 1 , Page 12)

The quote highlights the separation between the BaMbuti, who are of the forest, and the villagers, who are not.

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“The world of the forest is a closed, possessive world, hostile to all those who do not understand it.” 


(Chapter 1 , Page 13)

The forest is viewed as both hostile and accepting. It accepts those who rightfully respect it and understand it, and rejects those who do not.

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“The BaMbuti roam the forest at will … they have no fear, because for them there is no danger.” 


(Chapter 1 , Page 14)

Many people think the forest is evil and filled with danger. The quote highlights that danger and evil are mostly mindsets.