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Στην Αφρική, λίγο πριν από το Β΄ Παγκόσμιο Πόλεμο, όπου καριέρες στήνονται και γκρεμίζονται, περιουσίες κερδίζονται και χάνονται, για τη δεκατετράχρονη Ματίλντα ο γάμος με τον πλούσιο μαύρο δικηγόρο σηματοδοτεί το απότομο και βίαιο τέλος τής παιδικής της ηλικίας.
Όμως η πρώτη σύζυγος και μητέρα των παιδιών του είναι αποφασισμένη να μη δεχτεί αυτή την προσβολή. Η Ματίλντα θα παλέψει για την αξιοπρέπειά της με μόνο στήριγμα το νεαρό Βρετανό αξιωματούχο και την αλκοολική γυναίκα του. Εκείνη θα της μάθει αγγλικά. Εκείνος θα την ερωτευτεί παράφορα.
Πέντε ζωές τόσο διαφορετικές, πέντε άνθρωποι από τόσο διαφορετικούς κόσμους, αγαπάνε, ερωτεύονται, πονάνε, ζούνε τη μαγεία της Αφρικής.
Όμως η πρώτη σύζυγος και μητέρα των παιδιών του είναι αποφασισμένη να μη δεχτεί αυτή την προσβολή. Η Ματίλντα θα παλέψει για την αξιοπρέπειά της με μόνο στήριγμα το νεαρό Βρετανό αξιωματούχο και την αλκοολική γυναίκα του. Εκείνη θα της μάθει αγγλικά. Εκείνος θα την ερωτευτεί παράφορα.
Πέντε ζωές τόσο διαφορετικές, πέντε άνθρωποι από τόσο διαφορετικούς κόσμους, αγαπάνε, ερωτεύονται, πονάνε, ζούνε τη μαγεία της Αφρικής.
667 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
12 people are currently reading
378 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 1, 2013
I really enjoyed reading this novel. I liked the vivid descriptions of life in Ghana during the 1930s and I understood the culture and environment that the main character, Matilda grew up in. The author did a good job with Matilda as it was interesting to watch her grow up from a young, naive child-bride to a mature and wise woman, wife and mother. That said, I didn't like the other character, Audrey. Although Audrey's marriage and social circles gave me an insight into how the British lived and worked in Africa when they were the colonial authorities.
The book was never boring, even though there was a lot of historical background to the story. Major kudos to the author for this achievement in a debut novel.
The book was never boring, even though there was a lot of historical background to the story. Major kudos to the author for this achievement in a debut novel.
April 8, 2020
“What was it that made all these strong men cry in front of her?..........Why all of a sudden did everyone think that hers were the strongest shoulders around?”
The story is told from the perspective of 2 women - a newly married British lady who’s moved to the then Gold Coast to join her husband and a local 14 year old who’s forced to become the 2nd wife of an elite-Harvard trained Ghanaian lawyer.
It’s a story about Gold Coast, differing cultures, women and womanhood.
The themes soo tie in with the #iwd2020 theme “Each for Equal”. It shows our journey as a people especially women, from the traditional roles assigned us to how with education, the world blossoms before you. The book also touches on the moral benefits of some of our cultural values.
I found myself transported into Jamestown in Gold Coast and into the bangalows on stilts. I could feel Audrey’s depression and how it was swept under the carpet; could feel Matilda’s pain at having to chose duty and responsibility over passion and love.
Favourite Quotes
1. ... He had given up on life, before life gave up on him, and spent his years living as a passive spectator, watching with a mixture of bemusement and confusion as everyone else’s life was played out before him. .... that peaceful look was not there because he was pleased.....he looks that way because he has taken his mind away from here.
2. I know that money is not everything, but in our world, it’s nearly everything.
3. We still depend on men for everything we have. I had to realise very young that in order to have a good life, a painless life, I had to accept my place. I learned to humor my husband very early, to make him think that he was always right. Then left me peace. You too have to learn to accept that, as unfair as it seems to you, you have no choice in this matter.
4. I know you have no say in the general direction in which your life is flowing, but you can decide some of the paths you will take along this mystifying journey.
5. I have never sought to remain where I am not wanted.
6. When I was younger, I wanted love. But now I see that other things are most important. Such as respect, as an example.
7. A needy woman is never needed
8. I will try not to be a woman people feel sorry for
9. What was it that made all these strong men cry in front of her?..........Why all of a sudden did everyone think that hers were the strongest shoulders around
10. We are not here to have desires! .......... We are here to have children and to uphold our family name....
11. ‘What exactly is it that you want from life that you think Lawyer Bannerman will not be able to give you?’Matilda was taken aback by the irritation in Patience’s voice. ‘ I don’t know. Love?Friendship? ‘You don’t need a husband to give you those things. I am your friend, and as for love, that will come. ...... You need a husband for money and children. Anything else is extra. ‘
The story is told from the perspective of 2 women - a newly married British lady who’s moved to the then Gold Coast to join her husband and a local 14 year old who’s forced to become the 2nd wife of an elite-Harvard trained Ghanaian lawyer.
It’s a story about Gold Coast, differing cultures, women and womanhood.
The themes soo tie in with the #iwd2020 theme “Each for Equal”. It shows our journey as a people especially women, from the traditional roles assigned us to how with education, the world blossoms before you. The book also touches on the moral benefits of some of our cultural values.
I found myself transported into Jamestown in Gold Coast and into the bangalows on stilts. I could feel Audrey’s depression and how it was swept under the carpet; could feel Matilda’s pain at having to chose duty and responsibility over passion and love.
Favourite Quotes
1. ... He had given up on life, before life gave up on him, and spent his years living as a passive spectator, watching with a mixture of bemusement and confusion as everyone else’s life was played out before him. .... that peaceful look was not there because he was pleased.....he looks that way because he has taken his mind away from here.
2. I know that money is not everything, but in our world, it’s nearly everything.
3. We still depend on men for everything we have. I had to realise very young that in order to have a good life, a painless life, I had to accept my place. I learned to humor my husband very early, to make him think that he was always right. Then left me peace. You too have to learn to accept that, as unfair as it seems to you, you have no choice in this matter.
4. I know you have no say in the general direction in which your life is flowing, but you can decide some of the paths you will take along this mystifying journey.
5. I have never sought to remain where I am not wanted.
6. When I was younger, I wanted love. But now I see that other things are most important. Such as respect, as an example.
7. A needy woman is never needed
8. I will try not to be a woman people feel sorry for
9. What was it that made all these strong men cry in front of her?..........Why all of a sudden did everyone think that hers were the strongest shoulders around
10. We are not here to have desires! .......... We are here to have children and to uphold our family name....
11. ‘What exactly is it that you want from life that you think Lawyer Bannerman will not be able to give you?’Matilda was taken aback by the irritation in Patience’s voice. ‘ I don’t know. Love?Friendship? ‘You don’t need a husband to give you those things. I am your friend, and as for love, that will come. ...... You need a husband for money and children. Anything else is extra. ‘
March 14, 2023
Some parts of this book are startling and delightful. Others are quite mundane. It's a touch over-long but the endearing, Matilda, keeps the pages turning.
The setting of this book is one of its' strengths - pre-independence Ghana.
The setting of this book is one of its' strengths - pre-independence Ghana.
May 7, 2011
The book is set in Africa in the 1930’s and tells the story of Matilda, a fourteen-year-old girl, who gets married to a much older man (Robert Bannerman) soon after he sees her in his family compound. Julie - Robert’s first wife - is affronted by her husband’s marriage to a ‘cloth girl’ and makes Matilda’s life hell. The ‘cloth girl’ reference comes from part of the traditional dress.
Life makes a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn for Matilda, whose family is eager to capitalize on her new fortunes. It was easy to identify with Matilda, a teenager thrust into adulthood, and forced to deal with an uncaring husband, and a jealous rival. She quickly adjusted to her new life and made the best of her situation. I admired her for her desire to improve herself.
I liked the view of Africa, both from the perspective of the locals and the ex-pats. The lifestyle and traditions of the town’s people, which contrasted with their Christianity. Matilda’s maturity made her admirable, along with her willingness to adapt to changes. She made the ultimate sacrifice, which branded her as a woman of character.
This debut novel was long (561 pages), and took me a while to read, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Matilda’s gradual movement from childhood to womanhood was handled with style and grace, so too the tragedy and turmoil in her life. The setting came to life, which provided a rich backdrop for this well-told story. The stopped short of un-put-downable, and the forays into Audrey’s point-of-view became a tad bit irritating, so I rated Cloth Girl a four-star read.
Life makes a one-hundred-and-eighty-degree turn for Matilda, whose family is eager to capitalize on her new fortunes. It was easy to identify with Matilda, a teenager thrust into adulthood, and forced to deal with an uncaring husband, and a jealous rival. She quickly adjusted to her new life and made the best of her situation. I admired her for her desire to improve herself.
I liked the view of Africa, both from the perspective of the locals and the ex-pats. The lifestyle and traditions of the town’s people, which contrasted with their Christianity. Matilda’s maturity made her admirable, along with her willingness to adapt to changes. She made the ultimate sacrifice, which branded her as a woman of character.
This debut novel was long (561 pages), and took me a while to read, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. Matilda’s gradual movement from childhood to womanhood was handled with style and grace, so too the tragedy and turmoil in her life. The setting came to life, which provided a rich backdrop for this well-told story. The stopped short of un-put-downable, and the forays into Audrey’s point-of-view became a tad bit irritating, so I rated Cloth Girl a four-star read.
April 21, 2021
Ενα μυθιστόρημα που διαδραματίζεται στην Χρυσή Ακτή (αποικία Αγγλική)με τα ήθη και τα έθιμά τους,τον τρόπο ζωής τους,τις δυσιδαιμονίες τους,παρ΄όλο που οι Άγγλοι και μια μικρή μερίδα προοδευτικών φιλοδοξούν να χτίσουν ένα καλύτερο μέλλον και είναι πολύ δύσκολο να απαρνηθούν τα πιστεύω τους.Καλογραμμένο με ωραία μετάφραση,αλλά λίγο κουραστικό.
January 25, 2019
Having read the book while travelling through Ghana it was an interesting tale that I could relate to having visited some of the locations mentioned. My guide explained some of the Ghanaian rituals and the book gave an accurate portrayal
I liked the contrast between the different characters, a little thought provoking
I liked the contrast between the different characters, a little thought provoking
August 27, 2020
Χάρηκα που διάβασα αυτό το βιβλίο, γιατί έμαθα νέα πράγματα για την Γκάνα και τα έθιμα των ντόπιων. Η ιστορία εξελίσσεται στη διάρκεια δέκα ετών: από το 1937 έως το 1947 περίπου. Στην Γκάνα υπάρχει η πολυγαμία για τους άντρες, έτσι ο πλούσιος και αγγλόφιλος δικηγόρος παντρεύεται σε δεύτερο γάμο την δεκατετράχρονη όμορφη του χωριού. Παράλληλα βλέπουμε ένα ζευγάρι Άγγλων που ζουν στην Γκάνα, αυτός είναι υπασπιστής του κυβερνήτη και λατρεύει την Αφρική. Η γυναίκα του πλήττει φοβερά και δεν συμμερίζεται τα ενδιαφέροντα των άλλων Αγγλιδων.
May 7, 2021
This was a long but fulfilling one.
The author painted a visual of Ghana pre-independence and infused the constant battle between colonialism and cultural mentalities.
Engages your five senses with the descriptions used in the novel.
The author painted a visual of Ghana pre-independence and infused the constant battle between colonialism and cultural mentalities.
Engages your five senses with the descriptions used in the novel.
July 26, 2017
Nice story, an interesting insight into post-colonial Ghana's history and culture. I expected more of the story between Mathilda and Alan - could be the base for a next book, Violet's lifestory. 😊
January 25, 2018
Interesting, but quite long
May 26, 2018
Holiday read Zakinthos May2018. For book group. Passable. Not sure I would have continued if I’d been at home. The heat of Africa was fitting for a summer holiday.
April 17, 2020
I did not expect to like this book as much as I did. Incisive prose, great storytelling and extremely relatable characters - even when you have nothing in common with them.
October 29, 2022
Good book. Between alcohol, gnash culture, and British colonial culture was quite well explored and very interesting some situations, including towards the end seemed realistic.
April 13, 2023
Very slow beginning but very glad I kept with it. Really enjoyed Matilda as a character.
March 1, 2024
The ending infuriated me. It was a good book but the last 150 pages were maddening
August 16, 2012
Roman over twee zeer verschillende vrouwen in Accra, Ghana, tegen het einde van de koloniale tijd (ca. 1937-1948).
Matilda is een Ghanees mooi meisje, dat op veertienjarige leeftijd uitgehuwelijkt wordt aan de veel oudere, rijke, zwarte, maar zeer Britse advocaat Robert Bannerman. Dit zeer tegen de zin van Bannermans eerste vrouw, Julie, die vervolgens er veel aan doet om Matilda's leven moeilijk te maken.
De andere hoofdpersoon, Audrey, is een magere Britse vrouw, die haar enthousiaste man achterna is gereisd naar de Goudkust, maar daar totaal niet aardt en wegkwijnt in verveling, depressies en alcoholisme.
De roman geeft een mooi beeld van het leven in Ghana en de moeilijkheden van vrouwen (zowel Brits als Ghanees) in de koloniale tijd. Naast Matilda en Audrey volgt de roman echter ook de gedachten van vele andere personages, het is raar en arbitrair verdeeld in twee periodes en veel verhaallijnen worden matig tot niet uitgewerkt, waardoor de roman nogal vrijblijvend en structuurloos wordt.
Heward Mills is goed in haar vrouwenportretten, speciaal in dat van Audrey en de roman leest lekker weg, maar meer dan dat is het ook niet.
Matilda is een Ghanees mooi meisje, dat op veertienjarige leeftijd uitgehuwelijkt wordt aan de veel oudere, rijke, zwarte, maar zeer Britse advocaat Robert Bannerman. Dit zeer tegen de zin van Bannermans eerste vrouw, Julie, die vervolgens er veel aan doet om Matilda's leven moeilijk te maken.
De andere hoofdpersoon, Audrey, is een magere Britse vrouw, die haar enthousiaste man achterna is gereisd naar de Goudkust, maar daar totaal niet aardt en wegkwijnt in verveling, depressies en alcoholisme.
De roman geeft een mooi beeld van het leven in Ghana en de moeilijkheden van vrouwen (zowel Brits als Ghanees) in de koloniale tijd. Naast Matilda en Audrey volgt de roman echter ook de gedachten van vele andere personages, het is raar en arbitrair verdeeld in twee periodes en veel verhaallijnen worden matig tot niet uitgewerkt, waardoor de roman nogal vrijblijvend en structuurloos wordt.
Heward Mills is goed in haar vrouwenportretten, speciaal in dat van Audrey en de roman leest lekker weg, maar meer dan dat is het ook niet.
December 30, 2012
This is another touching coming of age story, set in Ghana. Matilda is young, too young to have thought of marriage to the good prospect that is "Lawyer". At the same time as we watch her grow and mature, we are faced with the tale of Audrey, an English woman displaced who slowly unravels under the African setting.
What I loved about this novel is its mostly measured, unhurried pace. The author gives us the opportunity to get to know all of the characters, how they interact and the consequences thereof. We get an insight into the two worlds that these changing times held - the conflict between Christianity and Traditionalism, Racism vs social standing, freedom to act and the expectations of others. In many respects this is a powerful novel on the human condition, the fact that it needs tending in order for life to be bearable.
Certainly this novel focuses more on the women than it does on the men, but when it does switch perspective we see a new (and believable) aspect to their behaviour that lends weight to the novel overall.
What I loved about this novel is its mostly measured, unhurried pace. The author gives us the opportunity to get to know all of the characters, how they interact and the consequences thereof. We get an insight into the two worlds that these changing times held - the conflict between Christianity and Traditionalism, Racism vs social standing, freedom to act and the expectations of others. In many respects this is a powerful novel on the human condition, the fact that it needs tending in order for life to be bearable.
Certainly this novel focuses more on the women than it does on the men, but when it does switch perspective we see a new (and believable) aspect to their behaviour that lends weight to the novel overall.
April 17, 2013
A sight from Ghana a little before its indepentence, watching the life of a young girl in her indepentence. A fresh view where everything is given in a natural way and you live beside the heat, the cooking, the colours in clothes, the compined religion, the family world and the difference between the Africans and the British. Even in its darker pages the book never becomes depressing. I wish it could have more pages with Matilda and the kids, hers or not. Maybe the end ishn't the happy end we would expect but, it could give rise to an interest sequel. There are so little books for Africa, for the Africa behind the wars and the starving children. I really liked Matilda and I would like to see her again in new adventures...
July 2, 2009
A decent first book but unfortunately nothing that blew me out of the water. It was a very very quick read (especially for nearly 600 pages!) and did captivate my attention but there was something lacking. It annoyed me how we only got a little bit of insight into Robert's character towards the end and Audrey's character was lacking in depth. The best thing about Cloth Girl was really the insight into Ghanian culture during the colonial period surrounding WWII. Summed up: good but not epic.
February 6, 2008
1930's Gold coast, 14 year old Matilda is taken as second wife to esteemed lawyer, Robert. A coming of age for Matilda and for a colony on the brink of independence from England. A beautifully written and very atmospheric debut from MHM.
July 24, 2012
Marilyn Heward Mills' Cloth Girl takes place in the immediate years after independence and traces the life of an unfortunate girl who moves through poverty into riches.
the link below leads to my review on my blog.
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
thanks
the link below leads to my review on my blog.
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
thanks
April 1, 2013
This story is set in Ghana shortly after independence. It describes the situation of Matilda who, aged 14, has to become the second wife of a rich lawyer. It is an engaging story and describes a time and a place which was deeply divided along racial, gender and financial lines. Marilyn Heward Mills gives the women voices, raising wider issues about female oppression
September 3, 2011
an ok story of the culture of the Ghanians before independence. also a look at the colonizer, racism and observations of each group of the other. predicatble, contrived, but interesting never the less.
the cloth girl is the number two wife, poor, uneducated but wiley!
the cloth girl is the number two wife, poor, uneducated but wiley!
April 29, 2013
I enjoyed getting to know the various characters. The two main ones are Matilda, a young Ghanian woman, and Audrey, the wife of a British Colonial Officer. The setting is the late 1930s - the late 1940s.
July 27, 2011
gewoon mooi, al is het verhaal dat niet steeds... maar hoe kan het ook anders?
Read
July 29, 2011For the first while I was thinking *no way can I read this load of rubbish* BUT then found it stirred anger toward how woman can be treated. I ended up really enjoying it.
March 15, 2015
One-dimensional. Could have used a good editor to chop off about 250 pages of pointless writing.
October 11, 2015
Wonderful book to read.
March 27, 2012
Interesting insiight into post colonial ghana. Worth a skim thru
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews