Years ago, I asked Winnie to suggest some novels which would help me understand Africa. I’d read some novels from Nigerian authors, but was disappointed and felt like it would help to ask an African for her advice. Her first suggestion was Abyssinian Chronicles by Moses Isegawa.
I kept notes on her suggestions and I finally found and bought the book at a local used bookstore. I love buying books used.
So I read it and can’t really say too much positive for it. I learned something about Uganda history and culture — although that’s mostly in passing. You won’t get a clear sense of things from this book, which lives through 30 years of history, but doesn’t explain much of the politics.
I learned a bit about the role of religion in Ugandan society as an identifier and hierarchy. That seems to feature pretty prominently.
But that’s most of what I can say positive about the novel, which feels autobiographical. Otherwise, it’s not really written well and I never get much of a feel for most of the leading characters — including the narrator who grows up in the course of the novel observing on his family, especially his parents and close relations. He is treated roughly by his family and then in seminary. He gets a job in post-war reconstruction for the government and makes a small fortune through corruption. And he finds his way to the Netherlands to assist with a charity, but abandons the project immediately to live without a proper visa.
The narrator’s motives, aspirations, morals are never very clear.
The writing is energetic, but quite odd. With unusual — maybe weird — word usage and stylistic choices which don’t really add much to the description for my taste.
So — I can’t recommend it except for folks who have a particular interest in Uganda in this time period, roughly 1960–1990.
ENDS//
