A review by pearloz
The Barefoot Woman by Scholastique Mukasonga

4.0

Less than the description suggests "moving, unforgettable tribute to a Tutsi woman who did everything to protect her children from the Rwandan genocide" or "story of the author's mother, a fierce, loving woman who for years protected her family from the violence encroaching upon them in pre-genocide Rwanda." It felt more like a first-hand sociological breakdown of a forming society within a refugee camp. Everything is described--from matchmaking to pooping, rituals, rites, curses, cures, are all explored with an almost detached eye. And maybe, I'll concede, that detached eye is allowed to be observant and detached because of the safety suggested by the books description. To me, it felt like the book was about continuing traditions in the face of adversity, in a new home, new space, about trying to retain your customs and traditions in the face of a coming tragedy.