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Gogo Mama : A Journey Into the Lives of Twelve African Women
Gogo Mama intimately profiles the lives of twelve very different African women. They include a genocide survivor from Rwanda; a pygmy who lives in a grass hut at the base of a volcano in the Congo; Zanzibar's most famous living diva; a former child soldier from Liberia; a grandmother fighting AIDS in South Africa; a freed slave from Ghana, who as a child was given to a priest as a sacrifice for crimes committed by an ancestor; a famous Egyptian belly dancer turned movie star; and a pioneering midwife from Timbuktu. The women speak frankly about their astonishing lives, past and present, in some of the most hostile and exotic parts of the continent.This book is a journey across Africa, in all its complexity – from the townships of Johannesburg, to the back alleys of Zanzibar; from the frontline of the war in the Sudan, to the nightclubs of Cairo. It is a vivid, illuminating and often haunting composite picture of an extraordinary continent, in the words of the people who know it best.
- GenresNonfictionAfricaMemoir
345 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 17, 2016
This was an impressive, powerful and at times challenging book which was well worth reading. The stories of the women presented in this book greatly increased my awareness of the immense challenges faced by many African women, which I hadn't reflected on previously. Some of the women have lived through almost incomprehensible suffering and yet they have remained resilient.
The writing style is clear and compelling, using the women's own voices wherever possible. There is sufficient history and background provided for context but not so much that it detracts from the women's stories. I also liked how the author integrated her own reactions, not just to the women's stories but also to the landscapes and cultures of the countries she visited to meet the 12 women.
The epilogue provides a powerful conclusion and more food for thought about the gaps between women in wealthy and poorer nations. As the author writes, 'The time has come for women in developed countries to stop, look over their shoulders and see that many women in poor countries have been left far behind. ... I wonder whether we have forgotten the real battle lines and become too caught up in our own concerns of glass ceilings, childcare and family, while women in faraway places have been all but forgotten.'
This was a thought-provoking book, hard to read at times but well worth it.
The writing style is clear and compelling, using the women's own voices wherever possible. There is sufficient history and background provided for context but not so much that it detracts from the women's stories. I also liked how the author integrated her own reactions, not just to the women's stories but also to the landscapes and cultures of the countries she visited to meet the 12 women.
The epilogue provides a powerful conclusion and more food for thought about the gaps between women in wealthy and poorer nations. As the author writes, 'The time has come for women in developed countries to stop, look over their shoulders and see that many women in poor countries have been left far behind. ... I wonder whether we have forgotten the real battle lines and become too caught up in our own concerns of glass ceilings, childcare and family, while women in faraway places have been all but forgotten.'
This was a thought-provoking book, hard to read at times but well worth it.
July 20, 2011
Gogo n. (isiZulu) Grandmother
Mama n. (isiZulu) Mother
An incredibly harrowing read. The author tells the stories of 12 African women survivors of horrific abuse and hardships that most of us simply cannot even begin to comprehend. The sheer strength of these women is mindblowing...not only have they survived such things as mutilations, beatings, genocide, war and amazing atrocities they have the power and the courage to not only keep going but to make sense of it and be of help to others in their communities. I was humbled and awed by these women...quiet heroes and saints.
Mama n. (isiZulu) Mother
An incredibly harrowing read. The author tells the stories of 12 African women survivors of horrific abuse and hardships that most of us simply cannot even begin to comprehend. The sheer strength of these women is mindblowing...not only have they survived such things as mutilations, beatings, genocide, war and amazing atrocities they have the power and the courage to not only keep going but to make sense of it and be of help to others in their communities. I was humbled and awed by these women...quiet heroes and saints.
June 28, 2009
This is one of the most heart-breaking books I have read about the horrific treatment of women especially in Africa. I suggest everyone should read this book to open their eyes to the sheltered life we live and how blessed we are to have security and love around us at all times.
March 27, 2023
Loved the stories of these amazing courageous women.
February 10, 2018
Absolutely fascinating book, a Must Read for everyone. Sally Sara did an outstanding job of researching, and interviewing her subjects, and then writing about them. The background history was of immense importance to their stories, making me so aware of the dire circumstances these people live in & with. It was so thrilling to hear that one of the ladies now has a grand daughter named
Sally Sara. A huge credit to Sally for being so interested & encouraging to these ladies.
Well done Sally.
Sally Sara. A huge credit to Sally for being so interested & encouraging to these ladies.
Well done Sally.
February 9, 2009
The story of twelve African women was written here by Sally Sara. This book is about the bravery, responsibility, religious faith,and how all of those women tried to get better life with their own way.
January 18, 2023
I am so glad to have the chance of reading this book.This non fiction is well written and doesn't overflow with pity show. The writer has a talent of observing and writing.It gives me thoughts on being a woman and reflecting on my own life. I wish she could publish more books.
October 13, 2025
This book is a great read. Every story is so unique.
It is not a book for entertainment but for informing. As I finished each story, I had to sit with the story, I needed time to process what I had read.
Some of these women's lives and what happened to them is quite confronting.
This is a book that makes you realise what a privileged life you have, what amazing resources and education are at our disposal.
Some of them received international awards for their incredible advocacy work and yet, still find themselves in difficult living conditions.
These kinds of stories make me appreciate the clean water that flows form my tap and the toilet that flushes.
It is not a book for entertainment but for informing. As I finished each story, I had to sit with the story, I needed time to process what I had read.
Some of these women's lives and what happened to them is quite confronting.
This is a book that makes you realise what a privileged life you have, what amazing resources and education are at our disposal.
Some of them received international awards for their incredible advocacy work and yet, still find themselves in difficult living conditions.
These kinds of stories make me appreciate the clean water that flows form my tap and the toilet that flushes.
December 24, 2025
The author wrote well about her experiences travelling to various countries in Africa, interviewing 12 different women and their life circumstances, of the horrors and hardships throughout their lives. They persevered and survived despite the odds. Poverty, slavery, ignorance, politics and war have been the tyrants. It is an important book, especially for those who take things for granted and are unaware how their counterparts on the other side of the world exist.
April 16, 2019
A thoughtful and inspiring read - of 12 women in Africa from various countries, walks of life, situations - all who have risen up from the lot placed before them to make a difference in their families and communities
Extremely well and thoughtfully written
Extremely well and thoughtfully written
October 19, 2019
This book was a really good way of providing a humanised history of twelve different African nations and the struggles that women in these countries have faced or still face now. Some stories interested me more than others but Sally’s writing style kept me reading all the others easily too.
February 4, 2020
Really loved reading about so many strong women and what they had overcome. It's a book that really makes you think about the world and puts your own problems in perspective.
November 8, 2020
This was incredible - eye opening, raw, honest, heart breaking, heart warming, perspective shifting. An insight into a world I cannot comprehend. Amazing.
January 1, 2021
An interesting series of interviews with women from various parts of Africa
October 24, 2021
Amazing book , I loved this so much
November 21, 2025
Loved reading about these incredible women. Glad I stumbled across this book!
February 14, 2013
An amazing book that reminds us about the importance of education and the strength of women in different African nations!
Amazingly, it was great to read about the fathers and husbands who empowered the women in their lives; their daughters, wives, sisters and friends - encouraging them to study, loving their daughters and honouring their lives. Too often we read about the horrors of men treating women badly and yes, although some women have suffered under men, women have also played a role in this suffering.
Not only does Gogo Mama tell of the strength of women, bringing tears to the eyes of readers, it provides a wide perspective giving respect to men as well. I love reading about dads who encouraged their daughters to study. I love the reminders about the importance of education and the need to change some mentalities built around women (by other women). That sometimes, we aren't supportive enough of our own gender and that there is a need for change.
Aside from inspirational and sometimes hard to stomach stories, Gogo Mama will bring those who have travelled Africa on a journey, taking those who love Africa and have lived it back, reminding them of why they love it. From the Banku in Ghana to unchanged Dogon Country in Mali - it is a great reminder of great nations that are dipped in culture and tradition! (And I am pretty sure Baby is still in Dogon country and I am pretty sure I met him 2 years ago and also giggled like a school girl saying his name).
Gogo Mama is a great read, because Sara is a great writer who not just retells the stories of 12 women but helps us understand them, because those women are inspirational and are empowering, because it shows the beauty of Africa and its people and their strength to survive and carry on through some of the toughest tragedies in history.
Amazingly, it was great to read about the fathers and husbands who empowered the women in their lives; their daughters, wives, sisters and friends - encouraging them to study, loving their daughters and honouring their lives. Too often we read about the horrors of men treating women badly and yes, although some women have suffered under men, women have also played a role in this suffering.
Not only does Gogo Mama tell of the strength of women, bringing tears to the eyes of readers, it provides a wide perspective giving respect to men as well. I love reading about dads who encouraged their daughters to study. I love the reminders about the importance of education and the need to change some mentalities built around women (by other women). That sometimes, we aren't supportive enough of our own gender and that there is a need for change.
Aside from inspirational and sometimes hard to stomach stories, Gogo Mama will bring those who have travelled Africa on a journey, taking those who love Africa and have lived it back, reminding them of why they love it. From the Banku in Ghana to unchanged Dogon Country in Mali - it is a great reminder of great nations that are dipped in culture and tradition! (And I am pretty sure Baby is still in Dogon country and I am pretty sure I met him 2 years ago and also giggled like a school girl saying his name).
Gogo Mama is a great read, because Sara is a great writer who not just retells the stories of 12 women but helps us understand them, because those women are inspirational and are empowering, because it shows the beauty of Africa and its people and their strength to survive and carry on through some of the toughest tragedies in history.
August 23, 2017
This story left me feeling… humbled. Just humbled. These twelve women will touch you in a way that you can’t imagine, and their lives set amidst the beauty of Africa are guaranteed to linger in your mind’s eye for years after you close the cover. It is just an incredibly powerful, moving and honest set of stories. The truth is met unflinchingly and without hesitation. Yet, in all of Sara’s interviews, there is no anger and bitterness, rather, a simple acceptance for what has been suffered and an optimism for what they may face in the future.
From a survivor of the Rwandan genocide to a world-famous belly dancer, each of these twelve stories is different and unique. They are insights into another country, another world. One which I can’t even fathom. The range of stories, from the downright depressing, to the uplifting are a fantastic window through which to view such a varied continent. There is no feeling of repetition or even judgement throughout the stories. Sara manages to shine the light on every single experience, use the nuances and feelings from every single interview to weave a textured tale that you will never forget.
Yet, it isn’t just the tales of Sara’s journey and the women whom she had the pleasure of encountering that makes Gogo Mama such an enthralling novel. It is the vivid descriptions of the African countryside, the daily activities that are undertaken in some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Picturesque, yet war-torn. The vividness and beauty of the countries plays a haunting note to the tales which are spun by women who, against all odds, have triumphed in their own lives and found a way to carve out their own reality.
From a survivor of the Rwandan genocide to a world-famous belly dancer, each of these twelve stories is different and unique. They are insights into another country, another world. One which I can’t even fathom. The range of stories, from the downright depressing, to the uplifting are a fantastic window through which to view such a varied continent. There is no feeling of repetition or even judgement throughout the stories. Sara manages to shine the light on every single experience, use the nuances and feelings from every single interview to weave a textured tale that you will never forget.
Yet, it isn’t just the tales of Sara’s journey and the women whom she had the pleasure of encountering that makes Gogo Mama such an enthralling novel. It is the vivid descriptions of the African countryside, the daily activities that are undertaken in some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. Picturesque, yet war-torn. The vividness and beauty of the countries plays a haunting note to the tales which are spun by women who, against all odds, have triumphed in their own lives and found a way to carve out their own reality.
December 4, 2010
An interesting look at a selection of 12 African women.
Unfortunately the selection of women reflect a troubled continent - a former slave, genocide survivor, female genital mutilation advocate, child soldier... The heavy going is leavened by a singer and a belly dancer but overwhelmingly the subjects are not happy.
The writing was interesting - not simply providing the stories of the women Sally incorporates herself, her journey, into the stories. At times it forms an almost travelogue of some interesting areas of the continent.
Loved Sally's work through Africa as an ABC foreign correspondent, and currently enjoying her work in South Asia. Could I hope for a similar work through Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh?
Unfortunately the selection of women reflect a troubled continent - a former slave, genocide survivor, female genital mutilation advocate, child soldier... The heavy going is leavened by a singer and a belly dancer but overwhelmingly the subjects are not happy.
The writing was interesting - not simply providing the stories of the women Sally incorporates herself, her journey, into the stories. At times it forms an almost travelogue of some interesting areas of the continent.
Loved Sally's work through Africa as an ABC foreign correspondent, and currently enjoying her work in South Asia. Could I hope for a similar work through Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh?
December 23, 2012
I loved this book. Harrowing yes, but written so beautifully, without pity or sentimentality and with such respect for each woman and the story they need to tell. It has been a few years since I have read this book, however, the profound feelings inspired by it have never left me.
Some of the women who experienced extreme suffering show a compassion for others I can only wonder at, other's are understandably bitter and not so forgiving. It makes me wonder how I would be in the same circumstances, not confidant I would emulate the women I admired most and, in my opinion, that makes this a great book.
Some of the women who experienced extreme suffering show a compassion for others I can only wonder at, other's are understandably bitter and not so forgiving. It makes me wonder how I would be in the same circumstances, not confidant I would emulate the women I admired most and, in my opinion, that makes this a great book.
November 26, 2013
Journalist Sally Sara documents her extraordinary journey across Africa to meet twelve inspiring women with unique stories, including a former child soldier, an escaped slave, a survivor of a rebel attack, and a famous belly dancer. The women have survived hardships to become educators and inspirations in areas such as female genital mutilation, AIDS, and slavery. Sara paints a vivid picture of the landscapes she covers and the settings within which these women live. The individual tales of the women interviewed represent courage and resilience, and their honesty will open your eyes to fascinating and chilling lives.
October 7, 2012
A fantastic concept. Sally's experience and knowledge of Africa makes this an even more enjoyable read. Each of the 12 stories are so unique and heart breaking but I would have preferred to read 12 novels instead of 50 pages on each incredible women.
January 10, 2014
Great book of short essays on the lives of various women in Africa. Sally Sara gives a unique perspective. I read it wondering how she made sense of all of their pain but her perspective of going deep and helping one cause or one person at a time really resonated.
January 17, 2021
As horrible as each of these women's experiences of violence, injustice and trauma is, there is something uplifting about each of these stories. The book teaches perseverance and hope when enduring suffering.
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December 3, 2007this book tells the tales of survival of 12 African women. While it remains journalistsic in style, i found teh author told their stories in a very compelling way. highly recommended.
May 26, 2013
This book was excellent. Really interesting. Followed the lives of some very different women. Some of the stories are really harrowing but these are such strong women and a real inspiration
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August 5, 2011Humbling and inspirational read, highly recommend.
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August 6, 2012Short interviews with amazing women of Africa. I have taken some time to read but well worth hearing about these heroes.
August 15, 2012
Amazing and often heartbreaking stories from abc foreign correspondent Sally sara
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews