Kibogo by Scholastique Mukasonga - Book Review

Kibogo by Scholastique Mukasonga and Mark Polizzotti (Translator)

Publication Date: 13th Sep 2022

Genre: Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction 

4.5 Stars 

One Liner: Powerful and impactful 

*****

Kibogo is a recounting of the constant clash between pagan beliefs and missionaries determined to evangelize Rwanda. It is divided into four parts and deals with Kibogo’s story, its distortion over the years, and the lives of people forever stuck between two opposite faiths. 

The book was first published in French and is now translated into English. The story comes from an unseen narrator who talks to the readers in between. The writing is to the point and does what it should.  

Reading this wasn’t easy. I couldn’t stop comparing the situations in Rwanda and India. In fact, the man-made Bengal Famine in India occurred at the same time there was a natural famine in Rwanda. The difference is that India was ruled by the Britishers and its Belgian missionaries in Rwanda. (Reading reference- Bengal Famine: An Unpunished Genocide) 

There are too many parallels to draw, and TBH, I have no idea where to start. I’ll do my best to list them below. 

The disdain for pagan culture is the prominent theme. Calling pagans as devil worshippers, witches, barbarians, uncultured, et al., and the neverending determination to convert them. 

Using fear and punishment as tools for conversion. Yezu and Maria sure wouldn’t punish people for following their cultural beliefs! But the missionaries won’t tell you that. 

Xavier’s over-enthusiasm to break and destroy Pagan idols. Ironic that they want to install Maria’s statue when idol-worshipping is bad. Should I mention that this is still rampant in India and Bangladesh even today? Sadly, the murtis are attacked by radicals from both Abhramic faiths.  

The distortion of native tales by people from the same tribe. This happens because the older generations want to keep their heritage alive while the next generation wants nothing to do with it. Still, the cultural aspects are shared as stories and end up as a mess. 

The inferiority complex that haunts multiple generations and their determination to gain approval from the superior White men. 

People like the Professors who want to ‘revive’ pagan cultures as long as it suits their requirements. Wanting to ‘expose’ the missionaries by converting pagan centers into tourist locations. The yearning of natives to make their lives better and the trust they have in White men to help them achieve it. Breaks your heart. 

Akayezu is such an intriguing character. I loved his arc, the questions he had, his struggles, his dreams, the unconventional methods, etc.  

Mukamwezi is an enthralling character. Her power, presence, and timelessness represent how the pagan culture is rooted in the land and will stay alive no matter what. There will always be someone who refuses to let go of their cultural heritage, and they give the rest of us hope. The book ends with this hope, and that’s what gives me peace.  

To summarize, Kibogo is a book you should read to see things from the African side. The book might make some uncomfortable and trigger generational trauma in others, but it is relatively safe to read. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Archipelago Books, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #Kibogo