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Speak Swahili, Dammit ! (2010)

by James Penhaligon(Favorite Author)

4.06 of 5 Votes: 5

ISBN

1449023738 (ISBN13: 9781449023737)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Authorhouse

review 1: A boisterous book, full of raw humour, delivered in a blend of Swahili and broken English, which traces the young life of a British boy brought up - or rather let loose - in the wilds of Tanganyika. What fun.But behind the banter, a very real world unfolds for an Africanised boy during the latter half of the Twentieth Century. With smatterings of World War history, and the natural thoughts and emotions of any youth anywhere.Life, and death (when Jimu tries to shoot God for letting his father die), pranks and guilt. And some glimpses of the grand surrounds: "the sun is cut off and the sky darkens with great pregnant black storm clouds. Rolling thunder echoes between the hills, ear-piercing lightning bazookas between ground and sky, and the rain comes."This book has it all -... more a rip-roaring, rib-tickling read against the uninhibited backdrop of raw Africa.Great entertainment. But I do get a little weary of the continuous German-speak, with all those 'v's. Especially when the very British Lopey is talking.But Jimu is growing up. I almost wish his bid for freedom resulted differently.That's what Africa does to you. If you're not African, leaving is what has to happen, eventually. Does it?I'm looking forward to the sequel.
review 2: I'm really enjoying this book. (Haven't finished yet, so I can't comment on the ending ... but several reviews mentioned it left off somewhat abruptly. I already hope that means a second book!)I'm a sucker for any memoir - especially of those who grew up in different countries/cultures. And "Jimu" definitely did just that. His descriptions of Geita in the 50's-60's are spellbinding. He does an excellent job of bringing his childhood to life. I cried when his father died. I laugh when he uses inappropriate words in Swahili, and I can feel his affection for Umali and Amina. I didn't grow up in a country in Africa (nor have I ever been to the continent) but I still love this book! But if you do have any personal experience in Africa, it will probably be even more meaningful. less

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