One Day I Will Write about This Place. Binyavanga Wainaina | 
pickA fascinating look at Kenya through one man's memoir. Language was a beautiful recurring theme in this - English is the official language of Kenya, but also the language of the outside world. Kiswahili is the proud language of the independent nation - but a nation painted over individual tribes. The individual tribal languages draw and divide people in different ways - across country lines into neighboring nations. (continue...)
Tea_and_Starstuff Also! I learned the author is a gay man who was closeted as he wrote this, and I'm glad I knew it before reading. It's so interesting how he talks about growing up while talking around the issue of attraction, and who he desires. He wrote an article, available free online, called, “I am a homosexual, mum“ that serves as a beautiful, heartbreaking epilogue talking about his identity as a gay man. (continue...) (edited) 10mo
Tea_and_Starstuff This story wasn't an easy read - the rhythm of language was different from what I was used to. But it was a rewarding one - I learned a lot about a place I knew almost nothing about. I'm looking forward to reading books by Ugandan and Rwandan authors - the region is so bound together and this book made me think about how national lines were imposed on Africa from the outside. I'm glad I spent the time with the book. 10mo
BookmarkTavern Oh this is a gorgeous cover. ❤️ 10mo
Tea_and_Starstuff @ozma.of.oz - yes! It's such a good art piece. 10mo
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