Vuto

Vuto is only 17 when her third child dies, mere days after birth.

Malawian tradition prevents men from considering a child their own until it has survived for two weeks. Frustrated at not being able to speak to her husband, Solomon, about all three of the children she’s had to bury alone, Vuto forces him to acknowledge the dead baby. Her rejection of tradition causes Solomon and the village elders to banish Vuto from the only home she’s ever known. She seeks refuge in the hut of U.S. Peace Corps volunteer Samantha Brennan, where Solomon discovers his wife has not left as she was told.

When Solomon arrives in the night to attack Vuto, Samantha disregards her oath to remain uninvolved in village politics and interjects herself into the center of the conflict, defending Vuto and killing Solomon in the process.

The women go on the run from Vuto’s village and the Peace Corps, encountering physical, ethical and cultural struggles along the way.

*May Contain Spoilers*

A.J. Walkley describes the world of tribal Africa as only few outsiders see it in her novel, Vuto. Inspired by her time in the Peace Corps, Walkley shares, in intimate detail, what happens to a woman in Malawi who goes against tradition.

Dyna (aka Vuto) and Samantha share the status of main character, brought together by an unspeakable horror. Samantha is incredibly strong in her beliefs and doesn't hesitate to stand up for them. She's courageous, loyal, and braver than I can even explain. Readers will support Samantha throughout the novel, every step of the way, and that is where their connection will form. Dyna is an African who doesn't accept her native traditions. She is nicknamed Vuto, because it's translation means trouble or bad. Earning the nickname by standing up for herself and her deceased children against the elders of the tribe. Readers will understand and empathize with Dyna's plight forming an immediate emotional bond.

The plot of the novel follows Dyna and Samantha after Dyna is banished from her villiage and Samantha kills a village elder to save Dyna's life. They escape, heading toward the border, unsure what to do in this disaster of a situation. With help and hindrance from other Peace Corps volunteers, Dyna and Samantha struggle in the aftermath of what they've both done, finding strength only in each other. Vuto is emotionally charged and full of rich detail that readers will find gripping and unable to put down.

Rating: 4.5/5 Cups

The Disillusioned

A mother's suicide threatens to destroy a family legacy. Her sons, Sam and Daniel, are forced to leave their comfortable worlds behind and search for a woman they believe can unlock the secrets that have remained hidden. They are propelled into separate journeys from Los Angeles to the heart of the Zambezi, where they are forced to confront a man known as Die Duiwel, the Devil.

On their adventures they will find themselves in a place where death is one breath away, where thousands of children are disappearing into the darkness, and where the woman they are searching for is on the hunt for revenge. When they stand face-to-face with the forgotten slaves of Africa, they will fight to redeem what has been lost.

*May Contain Spoilers*

D.J. Williams explores family legacy, loyalty, and love with his novel The Disillusioned. Facing a newly discovered family secret may be the key to bringing two brothers back together after their mother's suicide. Daniel and Sam share the main character role as they try to move on and accept what happened to their mom though the will of their mother has other plans for the two men. 

Daniel is a man who has lost his way. He's unsure of himself, embarrassed by his lack of faith, and has lost his will. Readers will connect with Daniel's nature and his attempt to change the path he's on by obeying his mother's last wishes - to find a woman named Stella who was raised an orphan in Africa. As he flies across the world to track down this woman, he uncovers a family secret that threatens to destroy the family name.

Sam is the black sheep of the family and he's been running away since he was old enough to be called an adult. But when his brother goes missing in the heart of Africa, he has no choice but to put away his ill-willed feelings and save Daniel. Readers will bond with Sam based on his loyalty and respect him for his bravery, instincts, and sacrifice. 

The plot of the novel focuses on human trafficking in Africa and how it influences politics. Some of the places and political terminology was a bit confusing, but with some close reading I believe any reader could enjoy this book. The character connections stay strong throughout the entire novel though the names of the political leaders do seem to jumble together at times. The Disillusioned is a quick start thriller that takes readers into a realm where survival is key. Recommended for mature audiences. 

Rating: 4/5 Cups

The Disillusioned

A Lion In America

Deep in the African jungle where even the bravest are afraid to venture, lies a truth that will propel James through his improbable American journey, if he can come out alive. James a village boy in Africa receives a scholarship to go and study in America and he becomes the envy of the whole village.

His girlfriend Janny is however skeptical of what a long distance relationship can do to love. But when Janny vanishes from the village, James plunges into the belligerent forest at the risk of his life and his American dream. Love transcends all.

*May Contain Spoilers*

Robert Mwangi shares the history and culture of African people in his novel, A Lion in America (1). The story focuses on James, a young man from an African village who loves playing soccer. 

James was a wonderful character and very easy to like. As he travels from his small village to the large cities in Africa to play soccer, readers will see him grow from a boy into a man. His strongest quality is the love he has for others, as that love forces him on a journey to discover who he really is. 

Readers will connect with James based on his dreams, his loyalty, his caring nature, and his unbelievable strength of both body and mind. Mwangi does a fantastic job at bringing readers into a culture that is ever-changing. 

The plot of this novel was more intricate than I first imagined. Not only does it follow James' dream of being a world famous soccer player, but also his journey to manhood through the traditional African way. Mwangi's writing style and descriptive methods show the readers exactly what it's like to be a young man in Africa. It's a beautiful book full of hope and love.

I can only imagine how enjoyable the second installment will be when James continues his journey to be a world soccer star. 

Rating: 4/5 cups

A Lion in America 1