Safe Return Doubtful

translated from the French (Rwanda) by Mark Pollizzotti – Feminist Press

Set in Rwanda in the 1930s, when it was under Belgian rule, this is the story of one of many Christian missionaries. On a forbidden hillside a temple was built, with the permission of the Rwandan chief, and services celebrated which blended with the established practices of the native population.

Perhaps most surprising was that the singing and dancing which was part of the service was led by a woman, Sister Deborah, who held the rank of prophetess. The priest preached of the coming of a Black messiah, but Deborah insisted it would be a woman. From her perch on a termite mound under a tree she gained a group of devoted female disciples. Women brought their children for her to bless. She cured the sick with a tough of her iron cane.

This wonderful story takes aim at the Belgian colonial powers often in a humorous way, though at the same time exposing the tragedy of their occupation. I have read Mukasonga before, Kibogo, but this is a step up from that, beautifully written, and an absolute pleasure to read.

My GoodReads score 4 / 5