Black Mamba Boy - Nadifa Mohamed

[Jacaylbaro]

By Zahra Jibril

 

 

The black mamba boy by Nadifa Mohamed is a book I strongly identify with for several reasons, but aside from my personal identification, I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in history, Africa and/or travel.

 

Central to Jama’s tale are scenes of brutality, loneliness and the struggle to survive in unbearable conditions. Jama is a young boy, but with an adult comprehension, he grasp opportunities with determination and childlike stubbornness to continue against all odds in search for his father. He pours all his energy, hopes and focus in this search, indifferently passing through and surviving all the obstacles in his path.

 

Reality is often harsh, and there is certainly no Hollywood ending, however if you want to experience the extreme nature of life in Africa during the colonial period, the depth of struggle and survival, and the journey that brought pre 1980s Somalis into the UK, then this book is for you.

 

In its simplicity, the book is a documentation of Nadifa’s father’s journey, through and across Africa, Yemen and Europe, a personal tribute to document his part in history “I am telling you this story so that I can turn my father’s blood and bones, and whatever magic his mother sewed under his skin, into history...” In its wider context it captures a time in history, a path so many had taken, a tale often told by many but never documented.

 

 

In reading Nadifa’s book, I saw my own family history, and although they have passed away now, I recognised in her words the same path, the suffering and struggles they told me of as a child. With this in mind I am grateful that their story has finally been told, and that Nadifa had been fortunate enough to document her father’s and by extension the Somali fathers journey from Hargeisa.

 

I wish more of us took the time to write our parents journey and story, but for the time being, Nadifa’s book stands as tribute and a celebration to all those who made the journey. Thank you Nadifa.

[NASSIR]

And thanks Zahra.

[nuune]

JB, wali ma Nadiifaa nagu socota, xataa Ramadaankaa, waxaan moodayey inaad kol hore kala tuurtey meeshii

 

 

Thank you Nadiifa

[Jacaylbaro]

.... Nadiifaaa ,,, aar Nafiidaaaaa

[Juxa]

thank you ZAHRA JIBRIL

[Jacaylbaro]

^

[Juxa]

^^ iga aamus, you never buunbuunis my book is it because waxan ahay rer konfur :mad:

[nuune]

JB, Nadiifa dhawaan waxey imanaysaa London, ee intaa ka hor hadaadan kala tuurin waad ogtahay in la liqi doono markey soo caga dhigato, digniin,,,,

[Jacaylbaro]

Wixii liqi karayaaba ha iska liqaan

 

 

Juxa .. you don't have books and don't write about them ,,, .... and i know i don't read Dutch

[Juxa]

yaa kugu dhahay i dont have book

war ninyoow ha caytamin bil ixsanak i am a published artist/writer

[Jacaylbaro]

I've written "Juxa" in the Google Books and THIS IS what i got ,,,,

[nuune]

[Juxa]

waxaaga waa QUURI-WAA :rolleyes:

[Jacaylbaro]

Well, you may do the same my dear ,,,

[Ibtisam]

Looool @ Writing JUXA on google!!

 

Warya JB, Zahra Jibril ma adiga miis review-ku source bu leeyahey?

 

I shall be meeting Nadifa in Somali week inshallah- fariin maan ka gaadisya?

 

Juxa, send me your book, aniga aya ku review garane and buunbuis for you for reer-konfur sister. You will have your own Zahra Jibril oo better aha!