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clarereadstheworld's review
3.75
I'll be honest, I really struggled with the first 50 pages of this book, I concidered giving up, but then last night suddenly it got really interesting, and I finished it pretty quickly. So maybe its was more about me and my mood than the book, but anyway, if you find it a slow beginning, it's worth sticking it out.
The book follows Dr Idi Wa Mazamba, a Comoran doctor, who discovers on the first page of the book that he has a tumor in his back and will die within 6 months. My first thought was 'god if that happened to me I wouldn't have time to finish my World Reading Challenge' - maybe I need to reassess my life priorities 😂
Anyway, where the book got interesting for me was when the Dr Idi began talking about his patients, particularly one young boy with AIDS. In most Western countries the AIDS epidemic is mainly under control, and with treatment, while still a life long condition, it is no longer a life limiting condition (social stigma aside) however in many African countries the AIDS epidemic is still a major problem. Lack of education, access to health care and western apathy are major issues which allow this awful virus to circulate freely. Toihiri explores these issues openly.
Dr Idi also takes a very upsetting trip to South Africa with his white European mistress. Although the apartheid has ended, much racial segregation is still in force. It was really upsetting and frustrating to read about these two characters experience in South Africa.
The novel ends on a much more political note examining the role and influence of foreign ambassadors in the Comoran government after their independence.
There sure are a lot of themes packed into this book, I haven't even mentioned all of then because I don't want to spoil the story. The writing style was definitely a little challenging at first, but I'm glad I stuck at it. A really interesting book, and a good global introduction to the situation in Comoros, which is not unique, but has points in common with many other African countries. Not an easy read, but recommended all the same.
The book follows Dr Idi Wa Mazamba, a Comoran doctor, who discovers on the first page of the book that he has a tumor in his back and will die within 6 months. My first thought was 'god if that happened to me I wouldn't have time to finish my World Reading Challenge' - maybe I need to reassess my life priorities 😂
Anyway, where the book got interesting for me was when the Dr Idi began talking about his patients, particularly one young boy with AIDS. In most Western countries the AIDS epidemic is mainly under control, and with treatment, while still a life long condition, it is no longer a life limiting condition (social stigma aside) however in many African countries the AIDS epidemic is still a major problem. Lack of education, access to health care and western apathy are major issues which allow this awful virus to circulate freely. Toihiri explores these issues openly.
Dr Idi also takes a very upsetting trip to South Africa with his white European mistress. Although the apartheid has ended, much racial segregation is still in force. It was really upsetting and frustrating to read about these two characters experience in South Africa.
The novel ends on a much more political note examining the role and influence of foreign ambassadors in the Comoran government after their independence.
There sure are a lot of themes packed into this book, I haven't even mentioned all of then because I don't want to spoil the story. The writing style was definitely a little challenging at first, but I'm glad I stuck at it. A really interesting book, and a good global introduction to the situation in Comoros, which is not unique, but has points in common with many other African countries. Not an easy read, but recommended all the same.
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