UNTIL I CAME HOME

A young computer programmer goes on a six-month journey through South America in this memoir about finding spiritual freedom and fulfillment in the modern world.

Earle begins his memoir six months after he quit his coding job at the South Carolina Department of Corrections in 2015 and left for a backpacking trip through South America. He regards the colorful bracelets on his wrists, and the flags attached to his backpack, and reflects on his experiences. His decision to quit his job and travel through the continent was systematic, with him carefully drafting a resignation letter and informing his family of his travel plans. Despite his family members’ trepidation, he was committed to the idea, hoping to broaden his worldview in an act that many in his community couldn’t easily do. Complications arose immediately in Caracas, Venezuela, when he was stranded by his hosts and targeted by corrupt officials. The Black American author encountered culture shock, language barriers, and rampant colorism, which persisted throughout most of his journey, he says; of his time in Peru, he writes: “being mocked because of my dark skin in a country full of people with different shades baffled me.” However, he also experienced moments of camaraderie, finding friendship among locals and fellow backpackers. Throughout this memoir, Earle presents his experiences as an emotional and spiritual process from manifestation to reflection and acceptance. His story documents what he learns about others’ attitudes toward difference, and also highlights similarities between cultures. Earle expertly juxtaposes his experiences of racism during his journey with memories of similar incidents back home. His prose is at once poetic and colloquial, describing scenery and various encounters in a painterly way, peppering in bits of contemporary slang and entertaining, humorous moments. Poems at the start of each section provide fine backdrops to the memories.

A poignant and often lyrical account of one man’s search for purpose in an age of discontent.