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Three Swahili Women: Life Histories from Mombasa, Kenya
by Sarah Mirza (Editor: Margaret Strobel)
Product Group: Book
Publisher: Indiana University Press (1989-05)
ISBN: 0253288541
EAN: 9780253288547
Dewy Decimal #: 305.420967623
Paperback: 176 pages
SKU: S070519-3224
Condition: Very Good
Comments: Very good overall condition. No writing, very tight binding. Ships same day or next in a bubble mailer. Enjoy.
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Editorial Reviews
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Product Description
This exploration of the lives of three Mombasa women reveals the complexity of Swahili society--its ethnic diversity, the impact of slavery, and the varied reactions to colonialism and Western culture. These women, born between 1890 and 1920, come from different ethnic groups and social backgrounds. Their lives illustrate the rich interactions within the women's community, focused on family and festive or ritual occasions. Through their stories and those of their families and friends, we discover the enormous changes that have swept the Swahili Muslim community in Mombasa with the abolition of slavery, the introduction of secular education for girls and the spread of new social and cultural practices in the colonial and postcolonial periods.
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Customer Reviews
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SLOW AND CONFUSING IN PARTS, BUT OK OVERALL.
Rating  (4)
Date: 2006-06-20
3 out of 3 customers found this reveiw helpful
"Three Swahili Women" is a book I read for a class I was taking on Islam and Popular Culture in Africa. Edited and translated by Sarah Mirza and Margeret Strobel, the book is the life story as told by three women who lived along the Swahili coast of Africa. The first two life-stories are by Kaje wa Mwenye Matano and Mishi wa Abdala. Sadly, these two stories are confusing, plodding, and rather dull in parts. They seem less like stories, and more like rambling. However, the fault is neither the translators or the two women themselves. Neither women had proper education, and so they were talking in the traditional dialect of their people. Even when translated, it can be a difficult interview to read.
The third story is by Shamsha Muhamad Muhashamy, and this is the best one of the bunch. Her story is fascinating, and less confusing, as she had a proper education. Her account makes reading through the first two stories worth the wait.
Overall, the book is an OK look into the life of three Muslim women along the Swahili Coast of Africa. It may not fascinate some, and others will probably have to read it twice. But if you're interested in the people of Africa, then this may be the best place for you to start.
Grade: B-
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