15th Book: Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed

Written By Sophia Senyo

For fans of Half of a Yellow Sun, a stunning novel set in 1930s Somalia spanning a decade of war and upheaval, all seen through the eyes of a small boy alone in the world.

Aden, Yemen, 1935; a city vibrant, alive, and full of hidden dangers. And home to Jama, a ten year-old boy. But then his mother dies unexpectedly and he finds himself alone in the world.

Jama is forced home to his native Somalia, the land of his nomadic ancestors. War is on the horizon and the fascist Italian forces who control parts of East Africa are preparing for battle. Yet Jama cannot rest until he discovers whether his father, who has been absent from his life since he was a baby, is alive somewhere.

And so begins an epic journey which will take Jama north through Djibouti, war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, to Egypt. And from there, aboard a ship transporting Jewish refugees just released from German concentration camps, across the seas to Britain and freedom.

This story of one boy's long walk to freedom is also the story of how the Second World War affected Africa and its people; a story of displacement and family.

[Abstract]

As we explored this book, we also watched and discussed the following videos:

Highlights from our gatherings discussing the book:

  • Some members noted that this book is very informative about the circumstances many had to live through and some still do, not just for Somalians. And many members noted that in their home countries, they have noticed young children that have to be fully independent at such a young age. One member noted that there are real kids that live this way and continue to live this way and its just sad how rough life is for some people from the start of their lives.

  • Many noted that the writer’s writing style is very vivid and you can easily imagine everything that is happening.

  • Many noted that the writer’s writing style is strong and immediately draws you in and you quickly become invested in the characters.

  • Some members noted that the scene where Jama’s mother is sick and he begs his aunt to take her to the doctor was so sad. He must feel so helpless in these circumstances.

  • Many members noted that they really like his relative, Jinnow, and how she tells him stories of his father and mother at the best times in their lives.

  • Many members noted that immediately you can see how strong Jama’s spirit is and his will to persevere.

  • Many members noted that the flow of the writing is very smooth. Some members noted that perhaps it came easily to the writer because a lot of the facets of the book are true and based on her father’s experiences.

  • Some members noted that they really enjoy her style of writing and the flow of the book. She does a good job of going into detail without slowing down the momentum of the book. And, although Jama is the main character, she does a great job of providing a full picture of the other characters and their history without taking away from the main character’s story and journey.

  • When asked what the members thought keeps Jama going?

    • Some members noted that since he was young he has had this internal desire to see and be with his father and this has driven him; as though he had this natural longing in his heart to know and see his father that nothing could fulfill it.

    • Some members also added that they think it is just his nature and his mom’s strength also influenced him. And added that there is something in him saying that this is not life and life can be better and he will keep moving until he finds it.

  • Many members noted that they were really touched by the aunt who took him in after his mother passed away. Particularly, how kind and loving and protective she was of him even though he and his mother had been away from the family for so long. And also the character of Idea and his wife and their kindness and the light hearted relationship.

  • One member noted that it was not one character, rather it is how the author is able to make every character interesting or important that comes along Jama’s path in such a smooth way that it does not take away from his journey but rather it helps to illuminate Jama’s character, personality, values, adolescence and maturity.

  • Many members noted Jama’s determination and courage is an example for all. Even though the father passed away before he could meet him, he did everything he could and stayed on that mission to achieve his goal.

  • Some members noted his focus and being present in the moment is an admiring and exemplary trait. He did not let the challenges he continued to encounter stop him from his goals, he also did not seem to acquire bitterness and resentment towards those who did not treat him good or keep looking backwards. He just looked forwards and stayed focused.

  • Each week, the group admired more and more Jama’s fortitude and that his character is one that we can all learn perseverance and faith from:

    • Many members noted Jama’s determination and his strong faith and spirituality are inspiring because it seems like he moves on faith for the major decisions in his life even when the idea/action seems crazy or hard or difficult or impossible.

    • “I can do anything, Idea, I can do anything at all. I walked across the desert by myself, didn’t I?” PAGE 73 or 74

  • One member noted that the writer does a great job of writing about the balance between unpleasant and pleasant experiences because that is how life can be. You go through a tough time and then blessings come along the way like his aunt after his mother died and then Amin and Idea the loving and warmhearted couple that took him in. I love their relationship and Idea’s personality and perspective on life.

  • Some members noted that Jama sticking to his plan did not end how he wanted and sometimes in life when people should be open to changing their plans like what if the character of Jama had stayed with Idea and his wife and waited to go see his father. Sometimes when we try to force things, it does not work out how we want. Some members added that perhaps he would have been mad with himself if the father still ended up passing away. Or what if the random incident didn’t happen with the Italians and the father wasn’t murdered. But he wouldn’t know that and no one can predict that in real life.

  • Many members noted how striking and deeply saddening was the scene of when Jama’s friend was tortured and brutalized by the Italians and then the emotional toll and trauma of the uncle/the other little boy and Jama too. Many noted that this brought to the surface the brutality experienced by so many colonizers and how this scene kind of left a cloud/shadow on the rest of the story as they continued their reading.

  • When asked that if they could interview Jama, what questions would they ask him?

    • Some members said they would ask him: How were you able to handle or let go of all the awful things you had witnessed and that you experienced?

    • Some members said they would want to know: How was he able to move forward after the death of his mother and then the father?

    • Some members said they would ask him: when the Italian soldier asked him to hold the bird for him to shoot, what was going through his mind?

  • Many members noted that the book had the perfect ending and they know that he reunited with the wife and eventually immigrated abroad to explore new opportunities and had more children. Many members noted that Jama is destined to do great things in his life and make a difference in his community.

FINAL THOUGHTS

  • It was a universal YES from the group of whether to recommend this book. Many members noted that this being her first book is amazing because it is such a strong and powerful book.

  • Very well written. The reader immediately gets drawn into the story and invested in Jama and his journey. We get to grow alongside Jama and feel for him during his trials and celebrate him when things go right for him and worry for him. This is definitely a book that should be on reading lists and best seller lists.

Sophia Senyo
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