Worms in the Lounge is dramatic story of the dilemma that bothers the African child. Eugene and Asha are children brought up in different cultural settings but face similar challenges. They include corporal punishment, paternalism, greed, parental negligence, and prejudice. The two children become victims of those institutions that ought to nurture and protect them. Asha specifically experiences the dark side of religious fanaticism. She is denied the freedom of association, choice and movement. She is astounded by her father's intolerance for members of other communities. Worms in the Lounge is a novel under Bhabha's school of hybridity. Get a pdf copy at www.andrewnyongesa.com.
Excerpt
Perhaps to the majority it was a goldmine; Asha Derrow found it erroneous. Not a few souls would confess that the girl had invented in ideas above her age. An institution that imposed upon her a philosophy disgusting to her soul was unwelcome. Whereas a child desired to excel in in an array of things like play, dance, travel; be permitted to explore and perfect their best profession, her parents saw religion as the ultimate. Consequently, Asha Derrow was a waste of space.
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Reviews for "Worms in the Lounge"
Reviewed by CHRISTOPHER OUMA OUMA
1/28/2015
wow!I "fell in love" with this captivating novel when i read it for the first time.The content clearly depicts retrogressive cultural practices that curtail children from achieving their academic ambitions in life and that should be avoided at all cost. Asha Derrow,is a good example of a few dedicated and self-driven girls from such restrictive backgrounds who strive to overcome social anthills that bar and cut them off from making independent decision.Her attitude, persuit, ideas,and tolerance are virtues to be emulated by all readers of this book. Kudos! Great literal work by the author in demistifying this cultual jargon!
Reviewed by Abraham Machani
1/8/2015
The novel 'worm in the loungue' by Andrew Nyongesa is a must read book.It depicts how the Somali culture is oppressive and restrictive for it doesn't give the girl child to choose what suits her life but instead it has predetermined destiny for the girl-child.
Let me take this opportunity to personally commend you for your work in "worms in the lounge". Thumbs up for your study of my culture. You perfected it! The Somali folklore you employed in your novel is worth appreciation." wrote Mr. Hassan Riayadar of Kenyatta University. Get a taste of the clash of Eastern and Western cultures and how characters adapt via fixity and hybridity. Asha Derrow and Eugene Simiyu are perfect hybrids who negotiate their identitities in a cosmopolitan environment. The identity of a migrant is shaped by the Other.
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