Description
Explore the profound narrative of "Woman of the Ashes," a historical novel set in Southern Mozambique during 1894. Authored by Mia Couto, this compelling tale dives deep into the legacy of colonial struggle and the human spirit amidst the turmoil of war. As Sergeant Germano de Melo navigates the complexities of overseeing the Portuguese conquest, he finds an unlikely ally in Imani, a fearless fifteen-year-old girl from the VaChopi tribe. Torn between two allegiances—one to her family and one to the empire—Imani's story intertwines with Germano’s, revealing the harsh realities of a nation in conflict. With its richly woven folkloric prose and meticulously researched historical backdrop, this book not only captivates readers but also sheds light on the implications of colonialism and identity. Perfect for history enthusiasts and lovers of literary fiction, "Woman of the Ashes" reflects the resilience and courage of women in tumultuous times. This BRAND NEW edition published by St Martins Press consists of 272 pages and carries the ISBN 9781250309297. Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781250309297
Year: 2019
Publisher: St Martins Press
Pages: 272
Description:
Southern Mozambique, 1894. Sergeant Germano de Melo is posted to the village of Nkokolani to oversee the Portuguese conquest of territory claimed by Ngungunyane, the last of the leaders of the state of Gaza, the second-largest empire led by an African. Ngungunyane has raised an army to resist colonial rule and with his warriors is slowly approaching the border village. Desperate for help, Germano enlists Imani, a fifteen-year-old girl, to act as his interpreter. She belongs to the VaChopi tribe, one of the few who dared side with the Portuguese. But while one of her brothers fights for the Crown of Portugal, the other has chosen the African emperor. Standing astride two kingdoms, Imani is drawn to Germano, just as he is drawn to her. But she knows that in a country haunted by violence, the only way out for a woman is to go unnoticed, as if made of shadows or ashes. Alternating between the voices of Imani and Germano, Mia Couto’s Woman of the Ashes combines vivid folkloric prose with extensive historical research to give a spellbinding and unsettling account of war-torn Mozambique at the end of the nineteenth century.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781250309297
Year: 2019
Publisher: St Martins Press
Pages: 272
Description:
Southern Mozambique, 1894. Sergeant Germano de Melo is posted to the village of Nkokolani to oversee the Portuguese conquest of territory claimed by Ngungunyane, the last of the leaders of the state of Gaza, the second-largest empire led by an African. Ngungunyane has raised an army to resist colonial rule and with his warriors is slowly approaching the border village. Desperate for help, Germano enlists Imani, a fifteen-year-old girl, to act as his interpreter. She belongs to the VaChopi tribe, one of the few who dared side with the Portuguese. But while one of her brothers fights for the Crown of Portugal, the other has chosen the African emperor. Standing astride two kingdoms, Imani is drawn to Germano, just as he is drawn to her. But she knows that in a country haunted by violence, the only way out for a woman is to go unnoticed, as if made of shadows or ashes. Alternating between the voices of Imani and Germano, Mia Couto’s Woman of the Ashes combines vivid folkloric prose with extensive historical research to give a spellbinding and unsettling account of war-torn Mozambique at the end of the nineteenth century.