There were many flaws to this book. The writing style was the most glaring problem. It was written as if someone was telling a story rather than describing or living it. Every detail, no matter how inconsequential, was included and repeated throughout the entire book. It was extremely boring to read the same things over and over again. Many of these nonessential details could have been cut to increase the pace of the story, such as describing the characters when they rode bikes around town or were washing up after eating. Subsequently, I couldn't find one quote worthy to save. Another major flaw to the story was the overall scope. The story encompassed a generation of people that by the end of the novel turns out to be related, albeit a bit distantly. Until that point, the reader is confused as to who the characters are and why the story jumps around, both location and time period. I forgot who people were, especially when there were at least ten or more chapters between character highlights and focuses. Including a family tree at the beginning of the book could have solved many of these problems. A map of Tanzania and an index of Tanzania words would have also helped with the understanding of the location and language of the characters. Relating and feeling anything for the characters and the horrors they went through was nonexistent because the writing was so detached. It was also strange and confusing that practically all the men in the novel were evil. They always wanted the women for sex and were abusive and violent to them. It didn't matter whether a character was living in a rural tribe or in a larger city. About 90% of the men in this novel were macho bastards that ruled the women with an iron fist. There was no balance between the good and evil. There were a couple of male characters that had consciousnesses and souls, but it was never explained how or why they ended up with modern ideas about gender equality. I actually balked at re-picking the book up on numerous occasions. There was no way I could handle the boring descriptions, confusing characters, and seemingly improbable, or at least overly demonic, situations and characters. The scope of the book was too large for what the final product was.
There were some blatant themes and motifs expressed in the book. First, women were controlled by chauvinistic and macho men who ruled with superstitions, fears, and traditions that were dangerous for the women. Women are not only pitted against men but each other. There are very few who work together to make a difference until the end of the book, spurred by the modern thinking Pili, Esta, and Elizabeth. Western modernization was also highlighted as a saving grace for the women. In order to survive, the women needed to embrace Western education and capitalism while leaving their traditions in the bush with other uncouth animals. That is the only way to survive. When some of the women band together at the end of the novel, changes are slowly implemented. The author is at least realistic in her approach at showing that a nation will take many years to change its way of life so drastically. So, she shows the seeds being sown but with no conclusive evidence if any of them took root and grew. Overall, the themes were pretty basic and predictable considering how the elements of traditional Tanzania was approached. I would have enjoyed a less dichotomous perspective because tradition and modernity don't necessarily need to be exclusive of each other.
Overall, the layout of the actual book was appropriate. It had engaging cover art which highlights an important event in the story. The cover font, although not an attractive style, was legible. The title was also appropriate for the themes and issues explored in the book, implying that men are the real "witches" because they are the ones with the power to spell and enslave the women, as made apparent by Rose who constantly fights for the love and attention of a man that plays the field. The font inside the book was also appealing to the reader's eyes.
A novel written by Daniel Keyes in 1966
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Let me know what you think of your newest reads too! I enjoy Dick's writings. They translate well to film too. :)