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the premise: a group of 20-something girls decide it would be fun to mail their favorite books to each other in an attempt to be well-read...it's like being pen-pals, only passing on a letter that was written by somebody else...
6 comments:
I wrote my Senior Paper on this book and how the new Kenyan president (elected in 2003) represented the rebirth of Uhuru, and how Uhuru is symbolized by the birth of Gikonyo and Mumbi's baby. I bet if I read it today, I wouldn't have any idea what I was talking about! HA!
It was funny reaing your margin notes beause I kept thinking, "What is she talking about." Until the end when it kind of all came together for me. Like I said , I feel th need to go to Kenya or research recent history or something because I feel like I missed a lot f symbolism. It was difficult for me at first because the story sort of just appears in the middle. But by the end I really liked that about it. What do you think they did to Mugo? I think Mumbi is so much wiser than all the foolish "leaders" of the area. She wants the pain and suffering to end, but they are under the impression that it won;t end unless someone suffers for it. Seems awfully cyclical. I keep hoping Gikonyo will get it through his thick skull that its his fault for losing Mumbi at this poisnt and at the very least he should talk to her about it. He's got a real communication issue!! I love how it ends with the promise of a hopeful future. You feel like maybe they, being Kenya, will be able to work it out.
Didn;t Mugo remind you so much of Miersault from THE STRANGER? AT least he was a little less frustrating! :)
I think Gikonyo at the end really represents the hardness of the African male--the pride, the post-war confusion, and a victim complex. He really believes that Mumbi betrayed him, and he can't see the situation for what it is. Blaaah.
Blahhhh is right!
reading a grain of
wheat is not as hard as it
is to say ngugi
a haiku:
Uhuru is born
Gikonyo and Mumbi live
But, where is Mugo?
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