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Vuto
Vuto is only 17 when her third child dies, mere days after birth.
Malawian tradition prevents men from considering a child their own until it has survived for two weeks. Frustrated at not being able to speak to her husband, Solomon, about all three of the children she’s had to bury alone, Vuto forces him to acknowledge the dead baby. Her rejection of tradition causes Solomon and the village elders to banish Vuto from the only home she’s ever known. She seeks refuge in the hut of U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Samantha Brennan, where Solomon discovers his wife has not left as she was told.
When Solomon arrives in the night to attack Vuto, Samantha disregards her oath to remain uninvolved in village politics and interjects herself into the center of the conflict, defending Vuto and killing Solomon in the process.
The women go on the run from Vuto’s village and the Peace Corps, encountering physical, ethical and cultural struggles along the way.
Malawian tradition prevents men from considering a child their own until it has survived for two weeks. Frustrated at not being able to speak to her husband, Solomon, about all three of the children she’s had to bury alone, Vuto forces him to acknowledge the dead baby. Her rejection of tradition causes Solomon and the village elders to banish Vuto from the only home she’s ever known. She seeks refuge in the hut of U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Samantha Brennan, where Solomon discovers his wife has not left as she was told.
When Solomon arrives in the night to attack Vuto, Samantha disregards her oath to remain uninvolved in village politics and interjects herself into the center of the conflict, defending Vuto and killing Solomon in the process.
The women go on the run from Vuto’s village and the Peace Corps, encountering physical, ethical and cultural struggles along the way.
317 pages, Paperback
First published July 18, 2013
871 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Walkley
4 books27 followersBorn and raised in Connecticut, 31-year-old A.J. Walkley has been writing for nearly 20 years of her life. A novelist and activist, Walkley spent time as a health volunteer in Malawi, Africa, with the U.S. Peace Corps after earning her BA in Literature in 2007.
Walkley has three novels to her name: Vuto (2013), Queer Greer (2012) and Choice (2009).
Walkley has three novels to her name: Vuto (2013), Queer Greer (2012) and Choice (2009).
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 9, 2013
As an avid reader of the science fiction/fantasy genre, I was truly captivated by Vuto. It was extremely well written! I found myself unable to put it down and consistently turning the page as Vuto and her new friend made it further and further along in their treacherous adventure through Malawi. It was fantastic as an eye opener to how other cultures view females and their role in their societies. I would highly recommend this book, not only for adults, but for high school students learning about these countries as it is a fantastically well written fiction story based on some extremely accurate research. Bravo, Walkley! Bravo!
September 16, 2013
Author A.J. Walkley spent time in the Peace Corps after graduating from college, working as a health volunteer in the country of Malawi in Africa. Her experiences during this time inspired the novel Vuto, a moving narrative that describes what happens when two cultures collide and how help from a well-intentioned outsider can be viewed as interfering and have far-reaching consequences.....
Vuto tackles tough issues in a thoughtful, realistic manner. The Malawian characters, including Vuto, are torn in their feelings towards the Peace Corps volunteers. On the one hand, they welcome the help that is so desperately needed. On the other hand, they resent and distrust them, viewing them as yet more white outsiders who have come in to change and destroy their way of life. Vuto herself questions and disobeys some of her culture's traditions, but it is even worse when a white outsider such as Samantha does the same. Samantha sorts through her own internal conflicts. Many of the things that she sees, especially the treatment of women and children, goes against her own belief system. However, she wonders who she thinks she is to come in and criticize or try to change a culture simply because its traditions don't align with her sense of right and wrong. The Peace Corps forbids volunteers from interfering in cultural traditions, which is one reason why Samantha cannot expect them to defend her. However, Samantha's-and the reader's view of the Peace Corps as a benevolent humanitarian organization is tarnished as she learns just how far it will go to maintain good public relations. Perhaps what makes this story so real and compelling, is that all of the answers are not presented neatly tied up in a nice ending. Samantha's efforts to help Vuto-although well-intentioned, lead to tragedy. In the end, although she saves Vuto's life, she cannot save her from her overwhelming grief, nor rebuild her broken spirit that has been crushed by years of cruel disregard and even abuse in the name of tradition. The reader, like Samantha, is left to wonder what-if anything can be done to bridge the gap between Western culture and the rest of the world, after so many years of oppressive brutality and colonialism on one hand, and misunderstood and sometimes abusive traditions on the other.
To read my entire review, check out my book review blog, Book Talk with Alana : http://booktalkwithalana.blogspot.com...
Vuto tackles tough issues in a thoughtful, realistic manner. The Malawian characters, including Vuto, are torn in their feelings towards the Peace Corps volunteers. On the one hand, they welcome the help that is so desperately needed. On the other hand, they resent and distrust them, viewing them as yet more white outsiders who have come in to change and destroy their way of life. Vuto herself questions and disobeys some of her culture's traditions, but it is even worse when a white outsider such as Samantha does the same. Samantha sorts through her own internal conflicts. Many of the things that she sees, especially the treatment of women and children, goes against her own belief system. However, she wonders who she thinks she is to come in and criticize or try to change a culture simply because its traditions don't align with her sense of right and wrong. The Peace Corps forbids volunteers from interfering in cultural traditions, which is one reason why Samantha cannot expect them to defend her. However, Samantha's-and the reader's view of the Peace Corps as a benevolent humanitarian organization is tarnished as she learns just how far it will go to maintain good public relations. Perhaps what makes this story so real and compelling, is that all of the answers are not presented neatly tied up in a nice ending. Samantha's efforts to help Vuto-although well-intentioned, lead to tragedy. In the end, although she saves Vuto's life, she cannot save her from her overwhelming grief, nor rebuild her broken spirit that has been crushed by years of cruel disregard and even abuse in the name of tradition. The reader, like Samantha, is left to wonder what-if anything can be done to bridge the gap between Western culture and the rest of the world, after so many years of oppressive brutality and colonialism on one hand, and misunderstood and sometimes abusive traditions on the other.
To read my entire review, check out my book review blog, Book Talk with Alana : http://booktalkwithalana.blogspot.com...
August 5, 2013
Via a Kickstarter campaign I purchased Vuto by A.J. Walkley. It is a novel inspired by her time in the Peace Corps in Malawi.
It is the story of the cultural differences among the Malawi, a native woman, and a first world volunteer. Further, it treads on some cultural aspects of the Peace Corps. The story is driven by Vuto's need for acceptance and recognition of her three infant children which all died close to their births. This is something that is taboo within their culture. This drive creates an explosive situation that results in a multi-country escape via foot.
Along the way they find that friends have their own agendas and that the path forward is neither evident nor without repercussions. In the end, their friendship and needs are what remain. Neither will be the same after their experience.
For me this was a quick and enjoyable read. It took an afternoon. After finishing the book I went to check how many pages (since I read a Kindle edition) thinking and must have been about 150. To my surprise I found that it was over 300 pages. I recommend this book to any one seeking good writing, a compelling story, and concepts and ideas that will linger in your thinking.
It is the story of the cultural differences among the Malawi, a native woman, and a first world volunteer. Further, it treads on some cultural aspects of the Peace Corps. The story is driven by Vuto's need for acceptance and recognition of her three infant children which all died close to their births. This is something that is taboo within their culture. This drive creates an explosive situation that results in a multi-country escape via foot.
Along the way they find that friends have their own agendas and that the path forward is neither evident nor without repercussions. In the end, their friendship and needs are what remain. Neither will be the same after their experience.
For me this was a quick and enjoyable read. It took an afternoon. After finishing the book I went to check how many pages (since I read a Kindle edition) thinking and must have been about 150. To my surprise I found that it was over 300 pages. I recommend this book to any one seeking good writing, a compelling story, and concepts and ideas that will linger in your thinking.
August 17, 2013
Vuto gives a vivid account of a First World person's perspective on a Third World country's culture. While Samantha understands the traditions and customs of Malawi and vowed to remain neutral through the Peace Corps, she is unable to put aside her beliefs and expectations of how women should be treated based on American values. I felt myself still appreciating what the Peace Corps does and is about while at the same time wishing they would do more and protect their volunteers better. Vuto also made me want to try and usher in an era of change in Malawi and Africa and push for the basic civil rights all women deserve as Samantha tried to do and fought for for Vuto.
October 11, 2014
Being a long-time fan of A.J's books, I knew this one would be no different in capturing me. A.J. managed to write, once again, a book from different perspectives of different characters without overloading. In just 317 pages I could both identify with the characters and feel for them, and learn so much about a world I have only known little of until now.
By the end of the book I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends. That, for me, is the best indication that the book has acheived its goal. I couldn't put it down for a break once I got into it.
I'm looking forward to read more from A.J. in the future, for I am certain she has much more in store.
By the end of the book I felt like I was saying goodbye to friends. That, for me, is the best indication that the book has acheived its goal. I couldn't put it down for a break once I got into it.
I'm looking forward to read more from A.J. in the future, for I am certain she has much more in store.
October 24, 2013
Vuto is the perfect getaway novel, I couldn't stop turning the pages, I finished in 3 days! From the beginning it presents characters to love, others to despise and still others that tear at your heartstrings. Walkley has made one of the most colorful reads on a clash between cultures and the bond that connects women all over the world.
July 30, 2013
I love a novel that gives me the history and traditions of other countries along with a compelling storyline! A.J. Walkley took me through the traditions, struggles, and sisterhood of Vuto and Samantha. It was inspiring, heart breaking, and an eye-opening read.
July 12, 2013
Great read! Found myself caught up in setting.
August 10, 2013
Review coming soon!
June 7, 2015
Samantha is a member of the Peace Corps, spending her stint in Malawia.
Vuto is a 17-year-old native who has just buried her third child. Malwaian tradition prevents women from naming their children before they've lived for two weeks. Men won't even the existence of the child before either.
But Vuto breaks tradition. All of her children are named and she shows her husband his dead daughter. This causes her to be banished, leading Samantha to help the teenager. Vuto's husband goes after her and Samantha kills him in defense.
The chapters are very short and switch between the two women and, later, two men Peace Corps members. This drives the story forward in little snippets that made me want to keep reading.
The two females are then chased through Malwaia and other parts of Africa for running from the crime.
While this isn't a rue story, it's based on the author's experiences. The United States has done a lot to help other countries, but we can't force all of their traditions away, no matter how we feel. Female genitalia mutilation occurs and there are "rites of adulthood" where pre-teen children of both genders are raped, even as young as 8-years-old, and by the same person at the same time. I had no idea the latter happened; it's so sad and depressing. We can only hope that AIDS awareness has spread a little more and such rituals have ended.
And then there is mention that at least one volunteer in every Peace Corps group is raped before their two-year stint is up. Yet the Peace Corps sweeps it under the carpet to save their reputation. If that's true, and they only help their people on the surface (so to speak) that that is angering.
I learned a lot about different customs and the people. It was a good book (with some not-so-good events)
Vuto is a 17-year-old native who has just buried her third child. Malwaian tradition prevents women from naming their children before they've lived for two weeks. Men won't even the existence of the child before either.
But Vuto breaks tradition. All of her children are named and she shows her husband his dead daughter. This causes her to be banished, leading Samantha to help the teenager. Vuto's husband goes after her and Samantha kills him in defense.
The chapters are very short and switch between the two women and, later, two men Peace Corps members. This drives the story forward in little snippets that made me want to keep reading.
The two females are then chased through Malwaia and other parts of Africa for running from the crime.
While this isn't a rue story, it's based on the author's experiences. The United States has done a lot to help other countries, but we can't force all of their traditions away, no matter how we feel. Female genitalia mutilation occurs and there are "rites of adulthood" where pre-teen children of both genders are raped, even as young as 8-years-old, and by the same person at the same time. I had no idea the latter happened; it's so sad and depressing. We can only hope that AIDS awareness has spread a little more and such rituals have ended.
And then there is mention that at least one volunteer in every Peace Corps group is raped before their two-year stint is up. Yet the Peace Corps sweeps it under the carpet to save their reputation. If that's true, and they only help their people on the surface (so to speak) that that is angering.
I learned a lot about different customs and the people. It was a good book (with some not-so-good events)
August 25, 2013
2.5 stars. "Vuto" is a story about mostly focused on a Peace Corps Volunteer, Samantha, and a Malawi native, Vuto, who get in way over their heads when a crime is committed in the name of self-defense. Told from four points of views (Samantha's, Vuto's, Samantha's boyfriend, and another PCV), this book explores another culture and differences between different cultures.
There were a couple places where the book fell flat for me. First off, the narration. I think that having the narration come from various people can be risky. You really have to make sure that each voice was unique and different. I really had a hard time with the narration and had to keep flipping back and forth to figure out who was talking. Vuto's point of view was a little more different than the other three but Samantha's, Hunter's, and Ali's "voices" seemed very much the same.
Also, I really had a hard time understanding why Samantha made the decisions that she makes in the book after the crime takes place. She could have saved herself so much heartache if she would have just stopped and thought. I wanted to understand the motivation behind why she did what she did.
I was interested in this story because I have a deep interest in international affairs and news. I also love armchair traveling and I don't believe I've ever read a book about Malawi. I loved the descriptions of the country of Malawi. You can really see what the country looks like and what Vuto's village looks like. The book shines in the armchair traveling aspect!
Overall, Walkley is a promising author and I am excited for what the future brings!
There were a couple places where the book fell flat for me. First off, the narration. I think that having the narration come from various people can be risky. You really have to make sure that each voice was unique and different. I really had a hard time with the narration and had to keep flipping back and forth to figure out who was talking. Vuto's point of view was a little more different than the other three but Samantha's, Hunter's, and Ali's "voices" seemed very much the same.
Also, I really had a hard time understanding why Samantha made the decisions that she makes in the book after the crime takes place. She could have saved herself so much heartache if she would have just stopped and thought. I wanted to understand the motivation behind why she did what she did.
I was interested in this story because I have a deep interest in international affairs and news. I also love armchair traveling and I don't believe I've ever read a book about Malawi. I loved the descriptions of the country of Malawi. You can really see what the country looks like and what Vuto's village looks like. The book shines in the armchair traveling aspect!
Overall, Walkley is a promising author and I am excited for what the future brings!
August 5, 2013
I had personal reasons for wanting to read this book. I have a degree in Sociology, so obviously I am drawn to learning about different cultures. More than that, my favorite professor in college was actually from Malawi! His daughter was my age and we became quite good friends. After hearing so many stories about his homeland and the ways that he continues to contribute, I have always had a special place in my heart for the country. When I met his daughter, she was 18, so picturing Vuto came easily to me! With that said, although the book itself was telling a powerful story, it was lacking key elements. It was told in 4 POVs, which was quite confusing. I had a hard time differentiating who was speaking when because the voices were so similar. I also didn’t feel the characters or relationships were developed to the extent needed to create the emotional connection necessary for this type of story. The dialogue was very surface level and as a result I found myself losing interest. With that said, I am happy that I read this book. It touched upon some serious issues and showed how rewarding it can be to take risks and stand up for what you believe, but in the end, I needed more than that.
for full review: http://bookrockbetty.com/2013/08/05/v...
for full review: http://bookrockbetty.com/2013/08/05/v...
January 7, 2016
A page-turner! It's set in Malawi, written by a Peace Corps volunteer to Malawi. The story involves a woman from Malawi who has had three children die before reaching two-weeks old. Tradition has it that the children cannot be named or shown to their father before two weeks. It's a story of a woman bucking tradition and patriarchy. I liked how the author has the African woman give advice to the American woman- saving her in effect. Can't seem to think it was inspired by the Amanda Knox story in Italy! It also mentions rape in the Peace Corps and the cover up of it; this resonates with the military.
April 27, 2017
**I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.**
I was actually surprised by how much I got into this book! Though I don't believe that I'm brave enough to spend 2 years of my life in a foreign country, I like to think that I might be courageous enough to stick up for someone going through the horrible things the title character had to contend with.
This book is an incredibly fast read. And the story is gripping. You won't want to put the book down. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it.
I was actually surprised by how much I got into this book! Though I don't believe that I'm brave enough to spend 2 years of my life in a foreign country, I like to think that I might be courageous enough to stick up for someone going through the horrible things the title character had to contend with.
This book is an incredibly fast read. And the story is gripping. You won't want to put the book down. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews