Mayombe (African Writers Series) [Paperback]

Pepetela (Author)

Book Description

Series: African Writers Series | Publication Date: April 1, 1996

A frank portrayal of racism, tribalism and sexual jealousies. Ondine, a teacher at a base set up by the guerrilla movement in Angola, is engaged to Fearless, the commander of the unit. When she becomes attracted to Andre, who is in charge of the rearguard action, tensions flare.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Portugese (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 215 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann (April 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435905953
• ISBN-13: 978-0435905958
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,811,990 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST CLASSIC, December 27, 2005

By 

A. MANUEL "cenario" (ottawa, ontario Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Mayombe (African Writers Series) (Paperback)

This book must be at a top five off all books I ever opened. This book is a Tragedy, romance, fiction and historic. The story takes place in MAYOMBE one the largest forest in Africa, and it explains how a group of soldiers from different tribes with different problems unite themselves to fight for the independence of ANGOLA the NATION-STATE. Every reader will get their own conclusion by reading this book, because it was so well writen and it focus in so many different aspects. THIS classic book would make a great movie. I strongly recomend this book for every one that is interested in acquiring knowledge.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars the African promethius, November 12, 2002

By 

panashe muwunganirwa (jacksonville, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Mayombe (ZPH writers series) (Paperback)

Mayombe is not a novel about politics and dogma or revolution but it is about the effect of these elements on the caracters not too far from ourselves or certain parts of us as people and role-playes in our societal contexts. It is about the metamorphisis of the commisar from a state of inadequacy as a man (which is why his woman cheats on him) to a, for lack of a better adjective, completeness. Detailed in scope, rich in text, Mayombe once again demonstrates the superiority of African writers in expression of multiple strattified levels of imagery. Is this a struggle with Mayombe (the forest) itself? That can only be interpretated by the individual. As humanity we battle everyday against the ovewhelming forces of nature as is indicated by the statement "that everything we do is geared towards our suvival as a species." Things such as racism, rhtnicism, classism, sexism, nepotism, corruption, and infidelity are all part of the human condition and touched on in this work of art. I recomend Mayombe for serious readers with open minds, hearts, and EYES!