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For November, we journey to Uganda through a coming-of-age story filled with folklore, resilience, and self-discovery.November's Book Pick: The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Genre: Literary Fiction/Coming-of-Age
From: Uganda
About the book:
Set in Uganda during the 1970s and 1980s, The First Woman follows Kirabo, a spirited young girl determined to understand who she is and where she comes from.
Raised by her grandparents, Kirabo begins searching for the mother she never knew while navigating friendship, family expectations, gender roles, and the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Along the way, she encounters powerful stories, myths, and women whose lives challenge the limits placed upon them.
Blending history, folklore, and unforgettable characters, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi creates a rich portrait of Ugandan life and the many ways women shape their own destinies.
Why we chose it:
At FMV, we are committed to exploring stories from communities and countries that are often underrepresented in mainstream literary spaces.
The First Woman introduces us to Uganda through the eyes of a young girl coming of age in a society where tradition, family, and gender expectations shape everyday life. At the same time, it is a deeply universal story about identity, belonging, friendship, and finding your own voice.
Unlike many narratives that focus primarily on conflict and suffering, this novel celebrates the complexity of women's lives - their humour, strength, dreams, contradictions, and relationships. It reminds us that stories about minority women are not only stories of survival, but also stories of growth, joy, curiosity, and possibility.
Haven't read the book? Come anyway!
Our discussions are always open - whether you've finished the book, skimmed it, or simply want to learn. We'll explore the themes, history, and cultural context together.
Bring a friend.
📌 Join our community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/382802586790525
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