Reading the World discussion

Mema by Daniel M. Mengara is a 2003 novel about a strong-willed Gabonese woman who defies her village's patriarchal traditions, told from her son's perspective. The story follows Mema as she navigates conflict with her in-laws after her husband's death, fighting to keep her children and prove her innocence against accusations of witchcraft, exploring themes of female resilience, cultural transition, and the clash between traditional and modern values in a rural African setting.

The novel explores the power of women, the conflict between old and new values, and the social and psychological forces within African society. Told through the eyes of her son, the story blends prose with traditional oral storytelling, making it a powerful and moving elegy.

The author is a Gabonese professor and political activist, and Mema is his debut novel.

The oral tradition of storytelling comes across loud and clear with rhythms and repetitions. I found the start of the novel to be a bit difficult as I got to know the nature of the storytelling and the nature of the narrator’s overbearing mother. However, about half way through I found the flow and really enjoyed it after that. The themes of loyalty to one’s mother and her story, her traditions, her way of viewing the world pitted against all that the white man teaches (and everything he teaches makes one forget what mattered before) is well presented in a personal growing up story. I particularly liked the “elder front/elder behind” folktale and how it related to the whole novel. Plus I also liked that when the narrator’s mother got really mad a machete would magically appear in her hand…

Gail wrote: "The oral tradition of storytelling comes across loud and clear with rhythms and repetitions. I found the start of the novel to be a bit difficult as I got to know the nature of the storytelling and..."

Sounds great - and I can't wait to read about the machete!

Yes, Gail, to everything you said above. I think the segment that hit me the most was her husband's family taking the oldest son for five years and then psychologically and physically abusing him. Five years gone is hard enough on the child - to a mother it is intolerable. (Again the machete!)

Yes, the machete def makes this one memorable!----- Also, the statement re: "white folks' ways are about things/materialism and it pushes out the respect for the natives' elders and their wisdom, life experience".(and ours,too, imo). Pretty impactful lil book.