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The First Woman

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The First Woman

By: Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Narrated by: Pauline Babula
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About this listen

The stunning second novel from the award-winning author of Kintu is a soulful, fiercely original novel rooted in Ugandan mythology.

Smart, headstrong Kirabo is raised by her grandparents in rural Uganda. But as she enters her teens, she starts to feel overshadowed by the absence of the mother she has never known.

At once epic and deeply personal, The First Woman is the bold and piercing story of one young girl’s discovery of what it means to be a woman in a family, a community and a country that seem determined to silence her. Steeped in the rich folklore of Uganda but with an eye firmly on the future, Jennifer Makumbi has written a sweeping, effervescent tale of longing, femininity and courage.

©2021 Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi (P)2021 Audible, Ltd Coming of Age Family Life Fantasy Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction World Literature Magic Heartfelt Africa

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All stars
Most relevant  
Both the story itself and the way it is read are fantastic. In this case the reader brought it more to life than it would have been reading the actual book. Highly recommend this audio version!

Very engaging!

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I really enjoyed this book, I was moved by its familiarity even though it’s so different to my own up bringing. I took warmth and comfort from the the communication between the women, the generations, the stories. Even in the saddest moments or the unjust parts of the story I still came away like I’d been given some strength and knowledge. Highly recommend.

Moving and powerful story telling

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Jennifer Makumbi is an extraordinary writer. her narrative style keeps you captivated. A coming of age story of a young Ugandan girl in the 70s. She is not short of role models. but the women all give her contrasting advice on femininity. She must find her own path. In finding that path one of the lessons learnt is that nothing is new under the sun. she must face the same challenges her grandmothers faced. But is she is equipped to respond differently.

Narrative style. Angle of discussing femininity.

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Great story told well. Great insight in culture and powerful message. Absolutely loved it and enjoyed this book.

Great story

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Strong and captivating story, it carried me away each time I listened could not stop listening.

Captivating story

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Enjoyed the different perspectives of the sections of the book and the compassion it evoked. Wonderful to see the growth and evolution of the different characters. Took me longer than I expected to pull me in but once I was caught I couldn’t stop listening. A cracking main character kirabo.

Beautiful. Well rounded characters.

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loved the story , such a good windiw into Ugandan culture and history. the narrator was really great and made the story "alive".

great story , loved it.

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A story vividly delivered via audio. Thoroughly enjoyed the narrative of sisterly love and the coming of age. Just the right amount of Ugandan history to make you inquisitive. Well worth reading or listening to as in my experience.

Lovely read

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amazing. absolutely amazing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
10/10

Beautiful writing.
Beautiful story.
Beautiful story telling.
Beautiful Ugandan history, culture & folklore.
I loved it.

Magnificent

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A wonderful window into Ugandan culture and history from the perspective of a young girl growing up, beautifully read. The frankness of descriptions of sexual expectations and norms, the changing roles of women in society and clashes between Christian and traditional cultural values are all fascinating and beautifully woven into the plot. Superb!

Wonderful!

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