Awu's Story

by Justine Mintsa, Thérèse Kuoh-Moukoury (Foreword), Cheryl Toman (Translator)

At the dawn of the twenty-first century, villages in the Fang region of northern Gabon must grapple with the clash of tradition and the evolution of customs throughout modern Africa. With this tension in the background, the passionate, deft, and creative seamstress Awu marries Obame, after he and his beloved wife, Bella, have been unable to conceive. Because all three are reluctant participants in this arrangement, theirs is an emotionally fraught existence. Through heartbreaking and disastrous events, Awu grapples with long-standing Fang customs that counter her desire to take full control of her life and home. Supplemented with a foreword and critical introduction highlighting Justine Mintsa’s importance in African literature, Awu’s Story is an essential work of African women’s writing and the only published work to meditate this deeply on some of the Fang’s most cherished legends and oral history.  

Genres: Gabon, Fiction, Africa, Adult, Literary Fiction, The World, Novella

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Angela M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once in a while I find that’s it’s good to read a translation of a book that I believe will teach me something about another country, it’s culture, it’s customs. I came across the advanced copy of this short volume and then I read such high praises for it and how it represents the literature of Gabon, the way of the Fang people so I took the opportunity to see what it was about. It turned out to be a not only a learning experience, but also a moving story of a woman with modern ideas, an education and ingenuity, yet still wrapped in the customs of her people. As in many other cultures, in Ebomane, “the blessings of a household are measured in terms of its ability to produce.” Awu, reluctantly for all involved, becomes the second wife of Obame, a revered teacher when the wife he loves, Bella is unable to bear children. This is short in length so I won’t say much about the plot. I will say that I loved the character of Awu, for her hopes and desires and wherewithal to endure what she does in the name of tradition. It is of course, her story but it is also one of a family with its own problems, and a story reflecting the Gabon culture.

The forward provides a good bit of background on the author. Mintsa is well known and respected in her country for “the impact she has made on African literature “. At some point while reading this, I thought that too much was being given away about the story itself and I wanted to experience it for myself, so I went directly to the story and I’m glad I did. When I finished I did go back and read it and it did shed light on the story in the context of its importance to the literature of Gabon and how some of the things that happened in the story are part of the customs which might be hard for an outsider to understand. A wonderful learning experience. It’s good to try something different once in a while.

I received an advanced copy of this book from U of Nebraska Press through NetGalley.

[✨ Helena ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ce roman était terrible, aussi. Il s’agit d’un homme qui n’a jamais aimé sa deuxième femme parce que son cœur appartenait à sa première épouse décédée. Il passe la majorité du roman à essayer de recevoir sa pension, mais il meurt avant de pouvoir l'obtenir. Après son enterrement, sa femme est blessée dans un rituel violent pour chasser l'esprit de son mari décédé. Après sa mort, elle n'a plus rien, mais elle l'accepte parce qu’elle veut seulement ses enfants. C’était un roman très déprimant … et c’est aussi le meilleur roman d’Afrique subsaharienne que j’ai lu ce semestre à l’université. C'est assez pathétique !



Traduit en anglais:

This novel was terrible, as well. It’s about a man who never loved his second wife because his heart belonged to his deceased, first wife. He spends the majority of the novel trying to receive his pension, but he dies before he can obtain it. After his burial, his wife is hurt in a violent ritual to chase the spirit of her dead husband. After his death, she has nothing, but she accepts it because she only wants her children. This was a very depressing novel … and it’s also the best sub-Saharan African novel that I’ve read this semester at university. That’s pretty pathetic!

[adelina gabriela · Rating 4 out of 5]

#96 Gabon

A tender, quietly emotional story that touches on some important themes — patriarchy, tradition, grief — but without ever fully digging into them.

But the book feels more like a sketch than a painting. It hints at so many powerful things but rarely follows through. The ending is abrupt, some characters feel one-note, and overall it’s more touching than impactful.

Still — it’s delicate, it's sincere, and for what it is, it works. And it was also a surprise.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for my ‘Reading Around the World’ book club for Gabon. It was an interesting exploration of life in rural Gabon, particularly the ongoing effects of colonialism and the tension between tradition and modern ideas. Some of the writing was a little flowery for my taste but the rest was super compelling. 3.5 stars

[Baiba · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grāmata, kas mani negaidīti pārsteidza. Pēc apraksta biju pieņēmusi, ka tas būs stāsts par konfliktu starp tradīcijām un progresu, kā arī koloniālisma sekām. T.i. viena no tām grāmatām, ko ir interesanti lasīt, tiek uzzināts daudz jauna, bet kultūras vide tomēr ir tik atšķirīga, ka emocionālais līdzpārdzīvojums paliek nedaudz ierobežots. Savukārt šajā grāmatā autore bija panākusi, ka Gabona un fangu tautas tradīcijas, kā arī dzimtes lomu atainojums ir konteksts, nevis pašmērķis. Lai gan tas bija nozīmīgs fons, tomēr stāsts par tēliem nešaubīgi bija galvenais, necenšoties radīt vēsturisku tautas ciešanu eposu.
Rezultātā lasīju labu, reālistisku stāstu, kas neradīja sajūtu, ka autore mani apzināti cenšas šokēt. Es patiesi skumu un reizēm dusmojos par privātajām un strukturālajām netaisnībām, ar ko saskārās varoņi, jutu līdzi viņu lielākiem un mazākiem pārdzīvojumiem, priecājoties labajos brīžos. Arī beigas bija ļoti atbilstošas - ne ļoti labas un arī ne ļoti traģiskas, bet kaut kas pa vidu, kā tas dzīvē visbiežāk mēdz būt. Iespējams, grāmata būtu ieguvusi, ja tā būtu nedaudz garāka, bet, iespējams, tieši kompaktais formāts ir iemesls, kāpēc tā bija tik vienkārša un reālistiska, bet izteikti pozitīvais galveno varoņu atspoguļojums - nepārspīlēts.

[Carolien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was beautiful, a haven of peace in our current abnormal world. Awu is the second wife of Obame Afane. His first wife could not conceive a child and he married Awu in order to have children. His first wife died on the day Awu's twins were born. Obame Afane is the local school principal and Awu his wife who follow local traditions while being a thoroughly modern business woman, sewing beautifully. The story revolves around Obame Afane's retirement and Awu's love for her family. Well-written and translated, I enjoyed learning more about Gabon and the customs of the Fang people. The characters are well-developed in the relatively short story. Highly recommend this book for anybody who wants to understand West Africa and its people better.

I found the introduction by Therese Kuoh-Moukoury extremely useful. It not only gave an overview of the author's life as well as her other works, but explained the customs (especially the widow's ceremony) and other symbolism very well. It definitely added to my enjoyment of the book.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read the introduction until after the novel as it contains multiple spoilers, but do read the introduction as it has useful information. (The foreword is ok to read up front.)

Mintsa's exploration of traditional patriarchal values took a somewhat different approach to the other African authors I've read so far this year, as the main character's partner was a good man who did not abuse or betray her, though their relationship was troubled by past attachments and social judgements.

There are, however, some shocking portrayals of abuse in the guise of cultural rituals, which Mintsa shows in their brutality without explicit criticism, showing-not-telling through the responses of her characters the dehumanising and oppressive effects of certain traditions.

"Modern" values are not presented as a universal panacea, though, and the picture of city life is a warts-and-all one which illuminates the positive aspects of traditional culture which urbanisation has lost in its race to embrace Western "development". That abuse in all its forms is not solely a rural issue is clearly illustrated.

Strong 4⭐

[Djenny Ogandaga · Rating 3 out of 5]

En terminant ce roman trois sentiments prédominaient. La tristesse, la frustration et une profonde admiration pour l’écriture de Justine Mintsa.
L’histoire est émouvante et la fin m’a laissé un sentiment d’inachevé. La plume de cette écrivaine est magnifique, elle maîtrise la métaphore comme personne. C’est un roman très intéressant qui décrit très bien la dure réalité des agents publics au moment de leur retraite, si il ne propose pas de fin heureuse et facile c’est peut être pour mieux refléter la realité des combats comme celui de Obame Afane qui sont souvent long, usant et très peu conclusif.
C’est une lecture très enrichissante portée par une autrice au talent incontestable

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this novel, Justine Mintsa has gifted readers with a mesmerising piece of Gabonese literature, which is rich in character development and cultural elements that depict epic symbolism.

[Octavia Cade · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not entirely sure that the blurb I read on this book gave an accurate depiction of the contents. Yes, it's about a woman, Awu, who struggles with the traditions of her rural village and how they conspire to remove all agency from her life (the ceremony she undergoes as a new widow is absolutely horrific, and the stripping of all her resources so that they can be given to male family members is almost as disturbing to read). And that's done very well: the book, from what I gather from the very interesting introduction, is an invitation to critique the place of traditions (some beneficial, some not) in modern life - particularly those traditions that impact most heavily on women. As a feminist text, it's certainly effective... although I say that as someone who comes from a very different culture than Awu and Mintsa, so I can't answer for the impact it's had in Mintsa's own communities.

Back to the blurb, though: Awu is taken as a second wife, as Bella, the beloved first wife of their shared husband Obame, cannot conceive. I rather got the impression that the book would be focused on the relationship between the three people involved in this marriage, but Bella dies before three pages are up, ostensibly of a broken heart. The focus of the book, then, is less on the marriage than it is on Awu and her navigation of matrimony and widowhood. A second storyline, following Awu's twelve year old niece Ada, sexually abused by her schoolteachers and subsequently pregnant, echoes the theme of female exploitation in rural Gabon; this can be quite a grim read in places. As I said, though, it strikes me as a particularly effective one.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Get a hold of yourself. It’s never too late to do better. Life can still be good to you if you choose the right path."

Awu's Story is set in a small rural village that must grapple with its traditions in a modern Africa. We follow the independent and creative Awu, as she marries Obame after his beloved first wife dies of heartbreak as she couldn't conceive.

I really liked this short story! It absolutely blew my mind how much atmosphere and information Mintsa was able to pack into such a short amount of pages. I really felt like I learned a lot about the rural life of Gabon with its traditions and beliefs. Despite knowing very little about the country, Mintsa really made me feel like I was a part of the community.

At its heart, it is a very simple story of Awu wanting to be loved, having a husband who is still in love with his dead ex-wife. I loved following Awu as the matriarch of her family with all of the trials and tribulations - as well as joys - that follows. It is a very feminist text in its look on the role of traditions in modern life. However, I really liked that we are left to decide how to bring together modern and traditional life together in harmony - it is very nuanced in that both has its good and bad.

[Uche Ezeudu · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first entrance into Gabonese fiction and the good thing is that I went in without any expectations, save for the fact that I wanted to experience another culture.
This is a very simplistic book written in a manner bordering prose and poetry and set in Ebomane, a small communal village where everybody knows everybody.
We see Obame Afane who was named Sikolo in commemoration with the school that was commissioned in his village, the same day he was born. The themes of fertility, the image of a proper African woman, sexual abuse, unwanted pregnancy, government red-tapism, colonial influence, Gabonese cultures and traditions as well as widowhood are discussed in this book.
This is a small book that requires patience in reading. It does have its climax and shows perspective in the narration of events. Everything that happens is for a reason and quite symbolic as well.

[Tutankhamun18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic novel about a woman wanting to be loved, having a husband who loves his dead wife, finding a way to connect with him and be loved how she wants and finally becoming widowed and enduring his surviving family, only to prove victorious in the end. This woman has desires that she owns, an education and a modern view, but is caught in a society of rituals and traditions. Therefore her struggle is personal as well as universal.

Two things are certain - death and taxes and both are sturggled with in this short novel.

The author wrote the story as a way to focus on a family friend who died suddenly in a car accident. The introduction included in this edition of the novel is fantastic.

[Avril Lyons · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was part of my reading across Africa challenge for Gabon. This was a deeply sad book, highlighting some pretty intense gender disparity. Awu is an incredibly strong woman. As I read, I couldn’t help wondering what she would have made of herself had she been born in a different place or a different time. Her strength amid the story was heartening but didn’t overcome the deep crushing anger and sadness I felt while reading it.

It is a difficult read but I couldn’t tell how much of that was the translation. The descriptions were a little over detailed for me. Overall, a story that probably needs to be told but not one that I enjoyed reading.

[Ivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

FIRST LINE REVIEW: "Interlocking rings took shape, obediently lining up one after the other." This opening line, describing the needlework executed by the title character, is also a poetic description of the story that unfolds in this short but rich accounting of life in a Gabon village today. A rather harsh life full of ancient traditions that continue to demean the woman of this country, but with the message that it is time for the women to stop allowing the traditional abuses to continue. A tale for today!

[Dolf van der Haven · Rating 3 out of 5]

Around-the-world #160: Gabon 🇬🇦.
A novella that is written quite well, but lacks direction and depth. Kudos for having a strong female protagonist set in a traditional society in Gabon, though. I have been wondering what the theme of this book was until the last chapter. There are so many possibilities that deserve further development, but they hardly get a chance. This is a case where the book should have been much longer to do justice to what the author had in her mind.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was really depressing to read, but trying to understand a culture that is incredibly different from my own was worth the difficult topics. It is definitely important to read the introduction after you read the book to understand some of the aspects of the book that are specific to the Fang culture. It contains numerous spoils so save it for after.

[Elephant Abroad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shockingly powerful and beautifully written. The beauty and horror of traditions and how they control our lives and means of self expression and the burden on women is brought home by this story. The introduction contains important info for a fuller understanding, but best to read it after because it has spoilers.

[Katjuscha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justine Mintsa narrates a wonderful and touching story of the destiny and hardships of women in Gabon, including all the cruel facets, but never fails to show the beauty and strengh of these women like Awu, Ada or Natsame. A very important book.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely, sad, and uplifting all at the same time. I’m going to go snuggle into some tissues and emotionally recover now.

[Bogdan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great novel with the right amount of detail (crisp and concise), interesting characters, a nice story and a lot of background on Gabon's society. What else would you need from a novel?

[Anetq · Rating 4 out of 5]

A twisting tale of love and family - the good and the bad kind, of society's expectations and secrets shared.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Leah Rachel von Essen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awu’s Story by Justine Mintsa, translated by Cheryl Toman, is a poetic novel, rich and poignant. The driven, loving seamstress Awu marries local school teacher Obame Afane after his first wife is unable to grant him children. But their marriage isn’t as perfect as she’d hoped.

Mintsa digs into the toxic, hypocritical patriarchal values and sexism that permeate Awu’s world and society, that try to influence her. A complex and fascinating cast of mothers, daughters, and friends surround her in their Fang community in northern Gabon. With this story, Mintsa refuses the binary that pits progress against tradition, instead showing how both tradition and modernity can be poisonous, isolating, can impose heartbreak on her community. Awu’s Story is a beautiful book, just 111 pages and yet epic in scope; the introduction by Thérèse Kouh-Moukoury will allow readers to dig deeper into the classic novel.

Content warnings for infertility, sex shaming, torture, sexual assault and coercion, colorism.

[Christian · Rating 2 out of 5]

An honest and well-written book, telling a story of resilience and love. The problem for me was the overly dramatic and fatalistic ending.

Um livro honesto e bem escrito, contando uma história de resiliência e amor. O problema para mim foi o final demasiado dramático e fatalista.

[J Thayre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review: https://aroundtheworldonefemalenoveli...