A Novella by Sandra A. Mushi

Sandie Mushi's first novella is an engaging tale of a young child coming of age in a village in the shadow of Kilimanjaro. Simply written, just like the village people live, Manka's story evolves into the complex interaction between the women of the village and their domination by the men. Each character in the story is different, although they all fall under the onus of moving from a carefree childhood in a simple rural community to the uneasy and dangerous life of a woman in rural East Africa. The contrast between Western culture in the European-style cities and the tribal tradition of the ancient villages, shaped by colonialism, creates a mix that is both bewildering for the innocent child and the shining light that seems achievable in adulthood.

While flawed by word use and spelling which can be easily corrected by good editing, Sandie's writing shows an understanding of human interaction that would thrill any young reader. In spite of the frank, accurate depiction of tribal practices and the stark reality of blights like AIDS and female circumcision, I would encourage parents to allow their children to read about Manka. To read about life in a faraway country in a community so different, yet so like, our own would greatly enhance human understanding. As for the parents of Tanzanian children, books like Manka, the Woman-Child should be available in school libraries. The ending of the novella leaves Manka lost and bewildered. Ms. Mushi has left us with intriguing thoughts about what happens to Manka and the other characters in her story. I hope she fills those stories in for us, too.

Ronald W. Hull, author of The Kaleidoscope Effect, Alone?, and War's End

Note: Please remove the first half of the first sentence of the second paragraph after editing. Please use this review to help promote your book, Sandie. This is a great start to your writing career.