A literary cocktail of love, loss and a dash of terror
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Loading... - Pascal Chepkemoi
- 13 Feb 2023
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Indian poet and writer Avijeet Das once said, “Something magical happens when two soulful people meet…” and nothing best epitomises the maxim than Woman Beneath Her Feet and Other Stories.
The book is an anthology of captivating short stories by 13 different Kenyan authors who have flexed their creative ingenuity to put together a fascinating read.
The fictional narratives explore a cocktail of interesting storylines ranging from love to loss and grief, family life, and sex, among other thought-provoking subplots.
The book opens with ‘Flightless Birds’ by Nyakoni Ida Kemunto, which revolves around love and family life, setting the tone for the entire anthology.
Well-written and meticulously woven, the storyline centres on Cleopatra and Caleb as the author manages to present an engrossing narration full of nostalgia.
Employing vivid descriptions and flashbacks as well as infusing Kiswahili language into the narration, the writer is able to paint a picture to the reader in a manner that makes them live through the story.
The two main characters reminisce about their past love life on what could have been in an emotional spell during the burial of Cleo’s father.
Erstwhile lovers
The erstwhile lovers had been apart for nine years after life sent them on different paths in pursuit of their futures.
Other than love, the story also delves into realities of single parenthood, loss and grief in an engrossing manner that leaves one awe-struck till the end.
The love theme spills over to the second story of the anthology in the form of ‘Shape of a Storm’ by Noah Roy. Read More…
