Nadifa Mohamed's Black Mamba Boy - New Novel

[MAXIMUS POWERS]

 

Aden,1935; a city vibrant, alive, and full of hidden dangers. And home to Jama, a ten year-old boy. But then his mother dies unexpectedly and he finds himself alone in the world.

 

Jama is forced home to his native Somalia, the land of his nomadic ancestors. War is on the horizon and the fascist Italian forces who control parts of east Africa are preparing for battle. Yet Jama cannot rest until he discovers whether his father, who has been absent from his life since he was a baby, is alive somewhere.

 

And so begins an epic journey which will take Jama north through Djibouti, war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, to Egypt. And from there, aboard a ship transporting Jewish refugees just released from German concentration camp, across the seas to Britain and freedom.

 

This story of one boy′s long walk to freedom is also the story of how the Second World War affected Africa and its people; a story of displacement and family.

 

 

The powerful narrative of `Black Mamba Boy' is based on tales told to author Nadifa Mohamed by her father, with events taking place mainly in north-east Africa in the period 1935-47. At the start, in what was then Aden, Jama is a 10 year-old Somali boy, and in enthralling and engrossing fashion `Black Mamba Boy' plots both his physical journey searching for his own father, together with his mental journey striving for something better than his own childhood. Jama makes his way to Britain through Eritrea, Sudan etc. where today these are little known apart from a steady drip of disjointed and incomplete media reports on wars and other atrocities underlining the seemingly impotence of the United Nations or anyone else to resolve problems. `Black Mamba Boy' confirms this has been the case for decades with insights to the Italian campaign in Abyssinia, the Second World War and the build up to a Jewish state in Palestine.

 

As well as recording a unique view of history Nadifa Mohamed captures the essence of family ties and lifestyles in parallel with personal portrayals of Jama's innocence, fears and desires. It is illuminating to compare the compassionate support he receives from his Somali kinsmen with the indifferent and ruthless ways of Europeans. Nadifa Mohamed's writing is emotional and evocative and as well as lyrical landscape descriptions or relationship revelations she does not flinch from the harrowing reality of a cruelly chaotic part of the world. My only criticisms of the book are about what is not included as it finishes frustratingly with Jama returning optimistically to his country but without indicating future detail. Also it avoids explanations on the wrongful execution of Mahmood Mattan in 1952 as introduced with the preamble. Even so `Black Mamba Boy' is a deeply moving intimate account, and Nadifa Mohamed has faithfully fulfilled her father's wish to have people know what he endured and survived. This is a 5-star book deserving similar acclaim and success to `The Kite Runner'.

 

 

 

Nadifa Mohamed on BBC World Service's The Strand

[hodman]

Seems like a great read. Thanks for sharing

[BOB]

Maxamed,

 

This is THE BEST piece (in every sense of the word) I've ever seen/read posted by you...I COMMNED YOU for that. Well Done and Keep it up and thanks for sharing I will definitely buy it Insha Allah.

 

 

PS. Stay SOMALI and forget about the rest.

 

 

Peace, Love & Unity.

[Som@li]

Great story,

[FatB]

a worthy read!

[Sophist]

Well done Nadifa, at last you have the book in the stores.

 

Good luck.

 

Sophist

[chubacka]

Sounds like a great summer read.

 

Nadifa M on writing the book.

 

http://www.convilleandwalsh.com/index.php/news-views/comments/nadifa-mohamed-on-writing-black-mamba- boy/

[Jacaylbaro]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm ,, Very interesting.

[Herer]

a wonderful read well done Nadifa.

[N.O.R.F]

Hmm, interesting.

[MAXIMUS POWERS]

Buy Black Mamba Boy on Amazon

 

I have already ordered mine. Hopefully you will too.

[N.O.R.F]

^Send it to me when you're done with it.

[Herer]

Originally posted by MAXIMUS POWERS:

Buy Black Mamba Boy on Amazon

 

I have already ordered mine. Hopefully you will too.

Dahfuurka Buugan Haddi aad iman karto waxay ku dhacay doonta badhtamah London on 15 th January fadlan la xidhiidh 0794749171 3 he will send u the address. waxan ka soo qeybgali doonaan qoryaal magac ku leh Dalaalka Ingriiska,Afriika iyo qaarkaloo badan.

[MAXIMUS POWERS]

 

Nadifa discusses the inspiration behind her debut novel and the importance of telling her father's story. Black Mamba Boy out 7th January 2010.

 

Also - -------------------------------------

 

Kayd Somali Arts and Culture is pleased to invite you to the presentation of new book; 'Black Mamba Boy' by Nadifa Mohamed. Join us to discuss this new novel with the author.

 

Nadifa was born in Hargeysa, Somaliland in 1981 and was educated in the UK, studying history and politics at St Hilda's College, Oxford. She lives in London and is working on her second novel. Please join us for this exciting discussion with a new author. For more information go to kayd.org or ayan_mahamoud@kayd.org

 

Date: Friday, 12 February 2010

Time: 18:30 - 21:00

Location: Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London E2 6GH

[Maxaatiri]

I can not wait for the presentation! There is also a facebook event titled:

 

"Book Presentation: Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed"

 

For those who wish to be reminded of the even next month.