Three Swahili Women: Life Histories from Mombasa, Kenya

"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-