Congo

by Mayi Ngwala, Allain Ngwala

On the smooth, cool rock Layila watches as her elders beat the dust from their bright clothes, singing sweet songs of gods and demons; dreamlike stories of fire and water, forest and sky. She has never seen the evil spirits from her mother's songs, those that dwell in the deepest jungle, but Layila knows she must always keep watch for them, for they bring certain death and destruction to all. So when Layila sees the strange pale beings, with their unnatural gait, their sharp, unfamiliar smells, approaching her people at the waterside, she knows she must run. Vanishing herself into the enfolding gloom of the jungle she watches as Kimbindi, spirit of darkness—white men—shackle and ravage her mother, her sisters, her friends, before leading them away from the safety of the forest path and into unknown territories. The preadolescent is lost in this tangled expanse of untamed and merciless wilderness in the company of her friends. Both watch as the land of Congo is ravaged by cold-hearted aggressors, who infect it with a darkness that spreads down the rivers and paths, like poison in the blood vessels, through the very heart of Africa. The Dark Continent. A wild and savage land whose tribal drums pulse across the sky like lifeblood through the heart of Africa. Susan Bailey Dawson, a retired journalist and lifelong abolitionist, is read her memoir, whilst on her death bed, telling the tale of a journey to the heart of darkness and of her love interest, Captain Bison Van Lanterman—a henchman for slave traders and a devotee of the King of the Belgians. Congo natives tell the story of their nation's history in a captivating title that evokes the cultural richness of their now adulterated homeland—preserving Congo's original beauty for future generations.

Genres: Africa, Historical Fiction, Fiction

346 pages, Paperback

First published October 29, 2012

About the author

Award nominated fiction writer. Film producer. Screenwriter. Content creator.

Reviews

[Shelly Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really wasn’t sure what to expect from this book when I picked it up and decided it was time to read it. I haven’t read much historical fiction lately after a run of some that were less than interesting so I was a bit hesitant to get back into that particular type of book but this one really sounded good so it was read, and I am so very glad that it was.

The authors are, in a word, brilliant. I found myself hanging on every word at times. My own lack of knowledge of the Congo and, well, the vast majority of other areas mentioned really pulled me in even more (and has since directed sent me on a personal journey to search out the bits of history that exist that I have overlooked up to this point. It’s a great book that makes the mind seek out more knowledge!). The book is beautifully written and I found myself in tears at times (many times!), chuckling, and just plain so absorbed that the really real world seemed to disappear for a time while the pages of the book and the characters within seemed to be all that existed.

I really don’t like giving anything away about the books after I read them because it’s a bit of a cheat, go read them, especially this one. You won’t be disappointed if you like historical fiction and really great storytelling and writing style. I will, however, say that my favorite thing about this book is that it’s got two very distinctive parts. Part one is told in one way and part two another totally different way. One is about the Congo natives encountering the white man for the first time and part two takes a totally different writing style and storytelling technique to take a look at a different journey that is scary, heartbreaking, and amazing all at once.

I was so very impressed with this book that I cannot wait to see what else is out there and/or is to come because I am, without a doubt, a new fan. Give this book a chance and see for yourself what I am going on about. It is worth your time!

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In full disclosure, I received a copy of this book from GoodReads Give Aways.

I was it sure what to think when I picked this novel up. I was a little bit nervous that my lack of knowledge of the Congo would show though and possibly that I would miss something huge by it. Very rarely have I found my self asking, internally, if I am prepared for a new novel. I did with this one.

I am so glad that I read on. As much as I am going to try to stay away from distinct spoilers, what I will say is that I found a very layered novel. Filled with rich voices, layer, upon layer of stories, that encourage you read behind the lines and dig deep within yourself.

[Theresa El-Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!!!

This is a story that will tansport you back into history. This story will have you turning pages, you can't help but care and cry for these characters. You are able to FEEL the pain that the characters endure, this story gives you a sense of empathy for what is like to have gone through the hardships that were faced in this novel. Although, I did enjoy part one more than part two, I am hoping part 3 (which I can't wait to get a hold of) is just as amazing. This is a true piece of art!

I also enjoyed the authentic african names and the research and realism that went into this book. The characters, landscapes and language are a reflection of African culture at its best.

Part 1 ~ Starts of deep in the Congo. A tribe of african people, mostly women and children are down by the river doing their chores, while the men are off on a hunt. The women hear a starnge noise and then a running african man from another tribe is seen running and gets caught in the river and dies. They are confused and unsure of what is going on, but they can sense that something bad is happening. They hear a gun shot and see the birds fly away, never having heard a gun shot or the knowledge of what a gun is the are puzzled. A preganent women goes into labor(talk about bad timing) and the other women stay to help their friend. They tell the children to run to the next village to escape. The story goes on to tell the tale of the children venturing through the jungle to escape slavery. Along the way they are encountered by acentral spirits, some of the children die, some get seperated and lost and others get traped.

Part 2 ~ Is about the voyage from the Kingdom of the Dutch to the Congo. It takes place on a ship and tells the tale of a mighty sea voyage. This voyage is about the illness that claimed the lives of many, pirates and a fight for survival to see land (Congo).

Like I said I can't wait to see what the next book has in store.

[Mayi Ngwala · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing tale that unfolds in the Kingdom of Kongo, Belgium and at sea in the era of European exploration and conquest. The first half is an imagination of what it must have been like for Congo natives to encounter white men for the first time. The second half goes into a long and treacherous voyage at sea from the port of Antwerp to the coastline of the Heart of Darkness all in the name of the King of the Belgians. It’s a fast read and will keep you riveted. Enjoy!

[Ciara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full Disclosure: I won this book on a Goodreads Giveaway.

An engaging story about slaves and slave-traders set in Belgium and the Congo. Exciting and surprising at times, the writers do a great job depicting the fear and thoughts of the Congolese slaves and the motivations of the Belgium slave traders. Its a quick, exciting read.

[Aristotle]

The dark continent is one of the best settings for fiction, as was exemplified by Barbara Kingsolver in 'The Poisonwood Bible'. This book too seems an interesting read.

[Sheila Maubec · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book - very evocative

[Aysha Bisimwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautifully written, the characters are vivid and so easily come to life as you read. The story engages you from the first sentences, and its very difficult to put down! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in historical fiction.

also- its heartbreaking, which is one reason it took me so long to finish.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste of time. Childish writing, no clear plot or goal, underdeveloped characters. Had to skim the last third to see if there would be any redemption. There wasn't. Apparently this is the first in a series, but the last for me.

[Consuelo Murgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book about the difficult encounter between European invaders and African natives during the colonial time.

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!