Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Kintu

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

A sprawling, multi-generational epic full of richly drawn characters that provides an unflinching profile of family and country. With a teasing sense of myth and mystery, we compassionately investigate the nation’s changing identity. The setting is vividly conjured as a rippling backdrop to this character-led drama. A stirring, lyrical, breathless narrative.

Extract
‘You see these feet,’ then he pointed at his feet. ‘I am going to look for my child. If he’s alive, I’ll bring him home and apologise. But if I don’t find him – to you, to your house and to those that will be born out of it – to live will be to suffer. You will endure so much that you’ll wish that you were never born.’ Ntwire’s voice shook as he added, ‘And for you Kintu, even death will not bring relief.’
But as he turned away, Ntwire still hoped that Kintu was only shocked at his audacity, that he would shout, How dare you talk to me like that? And call him ungrateful because Kalema was fine and alive in the capital.
No word came after him.
Parallels
  • Beneath the Lion's Gaze by Maaza Mengiste
  • Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
  • Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo