Ndoki

by Charles, H. Harvey

Gain a whole new perspective on an alternative interpretation of life shared by millions in Africa south of the Sahara. Set in Angola and the Congo, this biographical novel is based on a true story. The reader becomes immersed in the practical day-to-day implications of a world-view which includes a nearly inescapable web of witchcraft. Titi the heroine of the story, will have you smiling and shedding some tears as you look at life through her youthful eyes. Appreciate pivotal African values from an insider's point of view by following the development of her thinking from childhood to young adulthood. The devastating effects of anarchy and civil war become vivid as you see the challenge of survival through young eyes. Mutual distrust distorts relationships in a world where kinfolk are always suspected of causing tragedy by using their hidden occult powers. Expect your mind to be changed. Charles Harvey has worked in Africa for most of his working years between 1959 and 1997. Charles grew up in Eastern Canada where he began his university studies then went to the Boston area where he completed both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. He was dedicated to grass roots leadership training in both Angola and the Congo. Fluent in French, Portuguese and Kikongo, he was obsessed with the understanding of local culture. Engagement in counseling with teams of African colleagues enabled him to gain a deep understanding of the people he learned to love and respect. He has published a number of works in the Kikongo and French languages addressing issues local people considered urgent. He was sometimes called a "black white man" because of his rapport and respect for local people. Charles and Frances Harvey have four children and are retired in Fredericton New Brunswick Canada.

364 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2007

Reviews

[Roni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I would recommend this book to someone who wants to understand life in Angola. However, there is a typo on almost every page, often more than one. I can look past that because it was a self-published book and translated from another language. However, the writing is not skillful. Long, stilted monologues are used to get information across to the reader. The characters are a bit flat. The writer does not know how to take the reader on that roller coaster from lows to highs and back again. Instead, everything is just told as it happened. And the book could probably be about half as long without losing any of the meaning. He really needed a good editor.

SPOILER
The part I really struggled with is the end. The belief in witchcraft was definitely tearing individuals and communities apart, however, I don't personally believe that Christianity is the answer. The author set himself as the hero at the end, saving the protagonist from herself by quoting Bible verses and giving her copies of his books. When I realized I read that whole book to be given a crash course on Christianity that went on far too long, I felt duped. Of course, I admire him because he really understood what TIti was going through and treated her with compassion and understanding, but in my view, she now needs to be saved from Christianity, which is just one set of beliefs that replaced another. She's definitely better off, though, so I see the value in how he helped her. Personal side note: I was raised in an open-minded, Protestant family, but I have been an atheist for many years. I do see the value of religion and I don't judge people for their beliefs, but personally, I think we would all be better off without any of it.