The Fire of Origins: A Novel [Paperback]

Emmanuel Dongala (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2003

The whole of African history unfolds in this brilliant novel from one of the continent's major writers. The story is unified by the actions of one man, Mankunku, a 'destroyer', who is born in mysterious circumstances in a banana plantation and whose identity is as variable as that of his land. This novel traces his development along with that of his unnamed country, from the pre-colonial era, through the horrors of European subjugation, to independence and the complexities of the postcolonial nation. Along the way, charlatans and saints, workers and bureaucrats, warriors and peacemakers are introduced in a moving melange of laughter and terror. First published in France in 1987, 'The Fire of Origins' received the 1988 Prix de la Fondation de France and the Grand Prix Litteraire d'Afrique Noire, and has been translated into Spanish, Danish, Norwegian, and Japanese. Mythical, lyrical, powerful, and surreal, it is one of the most ambitious works of fiction to come out of sub-Saharan Africa.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School-This unabashedly political novel is reminiscent of Ayi Kwei Armah's Two Thousand Seasons (East African, 1973; o.p.). Mandala Mankunku is a larger-than-life figure. Fellow villagers argue whether he was actually born. He has unusual green eyes, close friendships with the sun and moon, and the ability to converse with animals and rivers. He questions tradition and seeks truth, knowledge, and wisdom through direct observation. Mankunku was born during the peaceful years before the European invasion, and as a youth he easily mastered the crafts of the blacksmith, the hunter, the sculptor, and the healer, but all of these activities ultimately bored him. Soon, the European colonizers arrive with their guns. With the help of selfish chiefs who accept bribes from them, they pillage and conquer numerous African villages. The oppressive and violent foreigners impose taxes on the people and force them to harvest rubber and ivory. Eventually, they put young men to work on the railroads. Mankunku labors at this job until he is forced to flee to the city, where he has a difficult struggle before finding a suitable job. Later, he is sent to fight in World War II against his will. The Fire of Origins parallels the tragic history of Africa from its precolonial days to the end of the 20th century. It would be an excellent choice for advanced students to read while they're studying African history or European expansion and colonialism.

Joyce Fay Fletcher, Rippon Middle School, Prince William County, VA

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Library Journal

An epic tale of West Africa told from the perspective of one man, this book was acclaimed in France when it was originally published there in 1987. Mankunku, a man of many talents, is dissatisfied with the rules of his village and constantly seeks new ways to understand the universe. When the Europeans arrive in the Congo with their machines, corruption, and guns, Mankunku tries to discover the source of their power while at the same time witnessing the destruction they cause. Dongala's novel is an almost mythical fable of 20th-century Africa and the tragedies that come when people refuse to understand each other. The characters, especially Mankunku, are larger-than-life symbols, able to move readers with their power even if they lack depth. Recommended for large public libraries and those with African literature collections. Ellen Flexman, Indianapolis-Marion Cty. P.L.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Lawrence Hill Books (April 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556524927
• ISBN-13: 978-1556524929
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #878,979 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rewarding, engaging, highly recommended reading, July 4, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fire of Origins (Hardcover)

Emmanuel Dongala is an African novelist of outstanding ability. In The Fire Of Origins, we are introduced to Mankunku, born of mysterious circumstances on a banana plantation, we follow his personal saga in an unnamed African country from its pre-colonial era through the horrors of European subjugation, to independence and all the complexities and contradictions, ideals and disillusionments of post-colonial self-rule. The Fire Of Origins is peppered with memorable characters ranging from charlatans and saints, to workers and bureaucrats, to warriors and peacemakers. The Fire Of Origins is rewarding, engaging, highly recommended reading by a truly gifted author which will leave the reader eagerly looking forward to more of his work in the future.