Mavala Shikongo - The structure - Chapters 1 thru 19

[LindaJ^]

Before we get into discussing the story, plot, and characters, I thought we should spend some time on the structure and style of the writing and the setting, as all are a bit untypical for a novel.

First, the place - Namibia - does not seem to be a common setting for novels by Western authors. I had this book on my shelf because it was the only fiction book on a list of recommended reads before visiting the country. I did visit the country but did not read the book in advance. I think having been there, it was easier to appreciate how well Orner does in describing the location. If I know how to insert pictures, I would show some, but in lieu of that, the picture at the end of this review - https://petchary.wordpress.com/book-r... - is a good one. Also, school uniforms are the norm and each school has different colors.

Second, the structure and style -- very short paragraphs and short sentences. Orner is probably better known for his short stories than for his novels. To me this book is more like a series of vignettes than a traditional novel, although the effect, for me, is a larger story that is greater than the sum of the vignettes. And I do love short, punchy sentence!

What do you all think?

[Jenna]

Totally agree Linda, I found it a very visual experience reading this book, and I definitely felt like I had a sense of the place even though I've never been to any African country but Morocco. It felt a lot more like memoire than novel to me as well, which accounts for the sense of snap-shots of different people and places and relationships rather than an overall narrative arch; after all life isn't really a story. I loved how a focus on one detail, one moment, could be used to give us such a visceral sense of the whole.

[Karsten]

I agree! Each chapter could be it's own stand alone, short , short, short story but they all fit together to make a very visual experience. I have never been to Namibia either, but I can almost see the school buildings, the dusty soccer field, the dry river beds, and the graveyard! I love the way this book pulls the pieces together into one big story.

[Stacia]

So far, I'm loving it.

I don't find the style that unusual, but I tend to seek out unusual books often, so maybe that's why the structure/style don't seem out of the norm for me.

The style reminds me of an impressionistic painting. Many small brushstrokes, each individual, yet all related. When you step back from all the small pieces, a larger whole emerges.

I'm a fan of both Hemingway & Vonnegut; I think Orner fits with their style in that he has a way with creating a clear picture with very few words. I think it takes true talent to convey so much in so few words.

I find myself looking up maps of Namibia, reading about its history (I didn't know it had been settled by Germans for a large part, nor did I realize just how recently they gained their independence), looking up pictures of the veld.... (All I know about Namibia prior to reading this book is that Angelina Jolie went there to have one of her children. I'm cringing to admit that, lol!)

And the humor! Just a few short words here & there have made me lol.

[LindaJ^]

I did mean to say short chapters not short paragraphs!

Stacia, I think your analogy to impressionistic painting is spot on. And there are some quite humorous situations, starting with the young teacher's arrival and renaming.

Ahh yes Karsten, the graveyard - I also got a real sense of place about the graveyard. I've spent a fair amount of time in the time of Covid, walking in grave yards because they are not crowded with live humans I have to keep six feet away from. They have a lot of character but putting that character in words isn't easy.

And Jenna, I agree, the chapters are snap shots and enough of those snap shots do create a story.

Namibia's story is not one that often talked about. There is a wonderful museum in Windhoek that tells the story of Namibia's independence using a lot of photographs. It is indeed a young country and one that is working hard to establish itself.

[Kathleen]

Just finished this section, and I am loving it too. Each chapter reads almost like a prose poem. I especially liked Chapter 15, Goas Morning. Some gorgeous stuff!

And I agree with Stacia about the humor--a wonderful touch!

[LindaJ^]

It seems I forgot to post the comment I made last night before closing the page. My favorite chapter was Chapter 9 about Antoinette. I especially like the use of the questions. The paragraph that stood out for me was this one:

She bows her head to pray, but she will never kneel. Not in church, not anywhere. Since she was a child, she's known this. To ask something of God is not a humble act. It's a demand. Why try to disguise it by doing it on your knees?