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The First Woman

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The First Woman

By: Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Narrated by: Pauline Babula
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About this listen

The stunning second novel from the award-winning author of Kintu is a soulful, fiercely original novel rooted in Ugandan mythology.

Smart, headstrong Kirabo is raised by her grandparents in rural Uganda. But as she enters her teens, she starts to feel overshadowed by the absence of the mother she has never known.

At once epic and deeply personal, The First Woman is the bold and piercing story of one young girl’s discovery of what it means to be a woman in a family, a community and a country that seem determined to silence her. Steeped in the rich folklore of Uganda but with an eye firmly on the future, Jennifer Makumbi has written a sweeping, effervescent tale of longing, femininity and courage.

©2021 Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (P)2021 Audible, Ltd Coming of Age Family Life Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Magic Heartfelt Africa
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I really enjoyed this book, I was moved by its familiarity even though it’s so different to my own up bringing. I took warmth and comfort from the the communication between the women, the generations, the stories. Even in the saddest moments or the unjust parts of the story I still came away like I’d been given some strength and knowledge. Highly recommend.

Moving and powerful story telling

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Both the story itself and the way it is read are fantastic. In this case the reader brought it more to life than it would have been reading the actual book. Highly recommend this audio version!

Very engaging!

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Brilliant story, I learned , enjoyed and was finally enchanted by it. Give me more from both author and narrator.

As good as it gets

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A wonderful window into Ugandan culture and history from the perspective of a young girl growing up, beautifully read. The frankness of descriptions of sexual expectations and norms, the changing roles of women in society and clashes between Christian and traditional cultural values are all fascinating and beautifully woven into the plot. Superb!

Wonderful!

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I loved this book. it gives a peek into a totally different type of upbringing. children are not rejected but made the centre of the whole family.

inspiring

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