The book is at its best when the author is in the jive talking zone--whether that be on the former President Banda, American Rock n Roll, or bush wisdom regarding safari animals...or the efficacy of urine in dental hygiene. Ultimately, there's not a lot written out there on Malawi, fiction or otherwise, count yourself lucky that you have this 'laugh out loud' gem to enrich yourself!
*One of my Reading Around the Continent books--the full list is here.
My 2016, 2015 and 2014 Reading Lists.
My notes:
p. 52 Jive on Bruce Lee and American Culture
p. 67-8 Jive on Malawi life president Hastings Kamuzu Banda
p.68-9 Jive on safari animals and bush wisdom
p. 73 Background on Tonga ethnic group
p. 74 Background on Yao Ethnic group
p. 112-16 Jive bio of Banda
p. 125 funny bit about washing teeth with urine to keep them healthy
p. 140 funny bit about language and accents
p. 144 "Holyballism is a state of mind"
p. 146 When Malawians hear classical music they think of a funeral
p. 185 Kamuzu Academy http://kamuzuacademy.com/
p. 215 crush on the daughter of Tanzanian president--named Salama
p. 218-27 Jive on the history of rock n roll
p. 221 Bo Diddley's Who Do You Love as the precursor to rap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAGoqMZRLB4
p. 246 Banda's fall begins when his human rights record is denounced by visiting Pope John Paul II
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