In seriously rural parts of the Unites States they still use kerosene lamps too.
I used nothing but for 7 years.
Aladdin lamps put out about 4 times more light but they are a pain in the butt, and the light itself is harsh and "greasy" somehow.
Propane lamps are bright too, but they hiss like a snake and I don't much care for the light they produce either.
So if you live without a steady source of electricity, kerosene light is not too bright, but its soft, warm and cozy and something you can live with year in and year out.
Oil wicks of any kind develop a blackened crust on top over time that need to be trimmed off. The charcoal crust impedes the flow of oil and it won't burn well. So about every 2 weeks you have to trim it off.
Its not a lot of trimming and the crust is not large but shears like this are just tiny bit of extra elegance I would have appreciated if I had known about them.
Here are a few antique lamps from the golden era. I like all antique glass lamps, but have a special fondness for the little ones. Night lights.
Nighty night
yours Scott