Awu's Story: A Novel | 
pick14th book for #ReadingAfrica2022 #Gabon 🇬🇦
Don't read the introduction until after the novel, but do read the introduction as it has useful information.
Mintsa's exploration of traditional patriarchal values took a somewhat different approach to the others I've read for this challenge, as the MC's partner was a good man who did not abuse or betray her, though their relationship was troubled by past attachments and social judgements. 👇
Bookwomble There are, however, some shocking portrayals of abuse in the guise of cultural rituals, which Mintsa shows in their brutality without explicit criticism. "Modern" values are not presented as a universal panacea, though, and the picture of city life is a warts-and-all one which illuminates the positive aspects of traditional culture which urbanisation has lost in its race to embrace Western "development". Strong 4⭐ @BarbaraBB @Librarybelle 2y
Librarybelle Good to know to read the intro after reading the book! 2y
Bookwomble @Librarybelle Definitely! Multiple spoilers in the intro, but useful to read afterwards. I should have made clearer in my review that while Mintsa doesn't necessarily say "This is bad", the reactions of her characters makes it obvious that she is critical of certain accepted practices. 2y
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