Black Moses in ManBookering

Mar 25, 2017 Kathe Coleman rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
The narrator was named by a Zaire priest (Papa Moupelo) Tokumisa Nzambe po Mose yamoyindo abotami namboka ya Bakoko which meant “Thanks be to God, the black Moses is born of our earth ancestors” but was understandably called Moses. Moses was dropped off at an Loango orphanage just a few days after his birth never knowing who his biological parents were or why they abandoned him. The story begins at the orphanage where a governmental bootlick, Dieudonne Ngoulmoumako, Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
The narrator was named by a Zaire priest (Papa Moupelo) Tokumisa Nzambe po Mose yamoyindo abotami namboka ya Bakoko which meant “Thanks be to God, the black Moses is born of our earth ancestors” but was understandably called Moses. Moses was dropped off at an Loango orphanage just a few days after his birth never knowing who his biological parents were or why they abandoned him. The story begins at the orphanage where a governmental bootlick, Dieudonne Ngoulmoumako, was an avaricious nepotistic warden who forced all the orphans to be builders and protectors of the Scientific Socialist Revolution and serve in the Congolese Worker’s Party. Moses, along with the twins, known for their cruelty, escape to Pointe-Noir where he finds a home with a gang called Congolese Merry Men and with Maman Fiat 500, madam of a brothel along with her Zaire prostitutes. A new law passed by the mayor called for the elimination, more like witch hunts, of prostitutes and deplorable. Now without his gang and his brothel family, Moses became homeless and is in fear of losing his mind. What is uplifting about the narrative is that at every turn when Moses has lost hope and the will to live there is someone who helps him. At the orphanage there is was Papa Moupelo who became his surrogate father; Bonadventure his best friend who knew who his parents were but still did not understand their abandonment; Sabine Niangui became his adoptive mother trying to protect Moses from th harsh punishments given by the wardens; and Kolo Loupangou, at Pointe Noir who was a neighbor and helped him find psychological help. Black Moses chronicles the life of Moses from adolescence to an impaired man of forty suffering from irreparable brain damage. Although a dark satire there are moments of laughter salted through the account skillfully rendered by the author. Historical/Historical fictions is one of my favorite genres as I enjoy learning about different histories and cultures. There are interesting passages addressing African folklore coupled with a Judeo-Christian that bring alive the heartbreaks experienced by the Congolese people. Not easy to read with all the African names and because it is a non-linear read I needed to pay close attention. Worth the effort. 4.0
...more

Like · see review

Mar 25, 2017 Kathe Coleman rated it really liked it

Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
The narrator was named by a Zaire priest (Papa Moupelo) Tokumisa Nzambe po Mose yamoyindo abotami namboka ya Bakoko which meant “Thanks be to God, the black Moses is born of our earth ancestors” but was understandably called Moses. Moses was dropped off at an Loango orphanage just a few days after his birth never knowing who his biological parents were or why they abandoned him. The story begins at the orphanage where a governmental bootlick, Dieudonne Ngoulmoumako, Black Moses by Alain Mabanckou
The narrator was named by a Zaire priest (Papa Moupelo) Tokumisa Nzambe po Mose yamoyindo abotami namboka ya Bakoko which meant “Thanks be to God, the black Moses is born of our earth ancestors” but was understandably called Moses. Moses was dropped off at an Loango orphanage just a few days after his birth never knowing who his biological parents were or why they abandoned him. The story begins at the orphanage where a governmental bootlick, Dieudonne Ngoulmoumako, was an avaricious nepotistic warden who forced all the orphans to be builders and protectors of the Scientific Socialist Revolution and serve in the Congolese Worker’s Party. Moses, along with the twins, known for their cruelty, escape to Pointe-Noir where he finds a home with a gang called Congolese Merry Men and with Maman Fiat 500, madam of a brothel along with her Zaire prostitutes. A new law passed by the mayor called for the elimination, more like witch hunts, of prostitutes and deplorable. Now without his gang and his brothel family, Moses became homeless and is in fear of losing his mind. What is uplifting about the narrative is that at every turn when Moses has lost hope and the will to live there is someone who helps him. At the orphanage there is was Papa Moupelo who became his surrogate father; Bonadventure his best friend who knew who his parents were but still did not understand their abandonment; Sabine Niangui became his adoptive mother trying to protect Moses from th harsh punishments given by the wardens; and Kolo Loupangou, at Pointe Noir who was a neighbor and helped him find psychological help. Black Moses chronicles the life of Moses from adolescence to an impaired man of forty suffering from irreparable brain damage. Although a dark satire there are moments of laughter salted through the account skillfully rendered by the author. Historical/Historical fictions is one of my favorite genres as I enjoy learning about different histories and cultures. There are interesting passages addressing African folklore coupled with a Judeo-Christian that bring alive the heartbreaks experienced by the Congolese people. Not easy to read with all the African names and because it is a non-linear read I needed to pay close attention. Worth the effort. 4.0 ...more

Like · see review