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Be Proud of Your Roots
Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots is a very personal collection of stories and memories for you. How hard was it to put this collection out in the world for people to read?
I enjoyed putting this book together; consequently, it wasn’t hard. However, writing all the fitting pieces in the final manuscript took many years. Patience was essential because not everything included happened during my growing up. Some of the writing is from knowledge and events as latest as this year, i.e., 2023.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
When writing this book, I was reliving and sharing our culture, our food, the diversity in our people, our natural resources and invoking meaning in the mundane. As a descendant of Tanzania, I was keen to avoid cliché and stereotypical perceptions of my motherland and its continent. Ultimately, how I chose to convey my endearment of Tanzania and Africa was deliberately subjective and important.
What do you hope readers take away from the experience of reading your collection?
I hope readers will learn to be proud of their roots and get curious to know more about who they are. Above all, learning about other cultures is important as a collective human race, and my book offers an opportunity to gain exciting and unforgettable knowledge about Tanzania and Africa.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This year is about very personal projects, and the next book is about a vulnerable subject as a woman.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Meanwhile, children skipped their favourite kamba game, and others raced on a wooden tricycle to catch a grasshopper. Our neighbour wafted soil scent as she wetted the mud floor before sweeping it. My body adorned in a pair of kanga, the breeze knew well of the nostalgia I carry.
It was not a dream. I was homesick, and only writing would remedy my longings.
Moving away from the land you were born in alters you into a migrant and a wanderer, seeking what is not fully known until experienced and missed.
This collection brings together various memories, experiences, and observations of my homeland, Tanzania. The subjects range from natural resources, love, food, and culture to self-pride. You will learn about the wealth and diversity of Tanzania’s people, culture, and natural resources. This book is an ode to Tanzania and a subtle memoir by its descendant.
EVEN FLOWERS KNOW THAT WATER IS USELESS WITHOUT ROOTS: Poetry, Essays, and Stories
Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots by Gloria D. Gonsalves is a multifaceted literary journey divided into two captivating sections. The first one immerses the reader in a collection of poignant, vibrant, and gripping poems, all of which narrate the author’s life experiences growing up in Tanzania. Gonsalves, who proudly exhibits her Tanzanian roots, vividly captures the essence of her culture, shedding light on notable individuals, personal experiences, educational environments, and distinguished landmarks.
The book’s second section transitions to an eclectic mix of short stories, encapsulating a wide range of themes. From the thrills of travel to the trials and tribulations of growing up, from unique glimpses into her professional life to the delightful inclusion of an exquisite prawn recipe, Gonsalves weaves a diverse narrative. Some of the poems are written in the author’s native language, providing an enriching cultural immersion, with English translations ensuring accessibility for all readers. This dual narrative structure offers the reader a comprehensive overview of life in Tanzania and a personal window into Gonsalves’s world.
My appreciation for African culture was invigorated as I delved into the pages of this book. The richness, uniqueness, and captivating allure of the culture, paired with the warmth and hospitality of its people, resonate throughout the text. Gonsalves’s profound love for her homeland is palpable in each detail she meticulously shares. While the narrative primarily focuses on Tanzanian culture, the universal themes and experiences relayed in the book will resonate with a broad range of readers, particularly those from other African nations.
Gonsalves’s ability to translate her emotions into evocative storytelling is genuinely commendable. Beyond the fluidity of the poetry, the short stories offer delightful interludes that paint vivid portraits of her life journey, spanning her early years, experiences of growth, and adulthood transitions.
Even Flowers Know That Water Is Useless Without Roots is an enriching read that educates about Tanzanian culture and inspires readers to engage with the beauty of poetry. I discovered new aspects of Tanzanian culture and even picked up some phrases in the local language. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone with a love for poetry and an interest in African culture. So, why wait? Let’s embark on a fascinating exploration of Tanzania through Gonsalves’s luminous writing!
Pages: 196 | ASIN : B0C9LSMRFZ
LITERARY TITAN 