Queen of Katwe - Part Two and Conclusion

[Zeljka]

This is the second part and conclusion of the reading of The Queen of Katwe. Here you may post your notes and thoughts you had during the reading of the second and the third part of the book, and of course, your final impressions and conclusions you made after the reading.

Spoilers are probably inevitable, just use spoiler tags whenever it might be appropriate. Freely use in the discussion any other sources you may have found about the subject besides this book.

The movie though should be discussed in the other thread. We know movies tend to dramatize and drastically change the real events for the sake of pleasing the audience, which I hope this book didn't. I haven't read the book yet. Will it be true to the real-life events or not? Let's find that out in the discussion, shall we?

[Zeljka]

The links to the first part of the book and the movie are here:

Queen of Katwe - Part one

Queen of Katwe - The movie and comparisons

[Alana]

This book is so hopeful and so heart-wrenching at the same time. I think it did a good job showing not only the hope that is possible, but also the grim realities of having expectations in a society and culture that can't always sustain them. It seems like Uganda is making progress, but there are still so very many limitations.

[Blueberry]

Alana wrote: "This book is so hopeful and so heart-wrenching at the same time. I think it did a good job showing not only the hope that is possible, but also the grim realities of having expectations in a societ..."

Agreed.

[Zeljka]

I finished the book a few days ago. I agree, it is so uplifting to read how Phiona inspired and still continues to inspire the children. I am sad though because not a single child (and people in general) should live in such conditions as these children in the slums do. I was shocked to read that more affluent schoolchildren in Uganda shunned them. They refused to go to Sudan just because their teammate (Phiona in this case) would be a slum kid! How abhorrent! Instead of doing everything possible to make a difference, because they are all Ugandan and together in the same mess, they perpetuate class gaps.
I am also sad because it shouldn't be for a sport or a non-profit organization only that they thrive. There are so many talents (scientific, artistic, etc) in which children can succeed, and education shouldn't be given only to those who have money to pay for the lessons. With so many children who are the future of a country, they should educate as many of them so they can together build a better nation. I know, stupid dreams. The world doesn't function that way.
Now to the movie - it may give me a clearer / better picture of what I've read.

[Alana]

I know, that's how the world SHOULD be... how it IS though.... sigh. Think how much could be accomplished in the world if everyone, with their unique gifts and abilities, were given the same level of opportunities!