The Leper Compound by Paula Nangle
The Leper Compound is Paula Nangle’s debut novel. From the cover:
For Colleen, motherless at seven, isolated from her schizophrenic younger sister, illness unleashes the uncanny and essential of human identity. Growing into womanhood in Rhodesia’s final conflict ridden years, she transgresses social, racial, and political boundaries in her search for connection. This masterly novel is a searing evocation of late 2oth-century African life.
The Leper Compound is the type of book that one must read very slowly and with much attention. One should not try to fly through it like I tried to. The book is very beautifully written but I have to admit that half the time I had no idea what was going on. Our main character Colleen is a child when we first meet her and the book ends when she’s about forty-ish, but I was never sure how old she was throughout the story. One minute I thought she was a child and then it would talk about a lover. I couldn’t keep characters straight and how they were related. And I really felt clueless about the political climate although it played a huge part in this story. I think that I just wasn’t taking the time to read this book like I should have. Although I never particularly felt attached to any of the characters, I did really like the storyline between Colleen and her schizophrenic sister.
The Leper Compound is a coming of age story of a white women trying to live among the African culture and it’s well worth taking the time to read if you are interested in that premise. It’s sure this author will have great works for us in the future, but while reading The Leper Compound just make sure that you take some time to digest and understand what you’re reading because I felt lost half of the time. And I hate it when I’m confused.
Would you like to win a copy of The Leper Compound by Paula Nangle? Literary Ventures Fund has graciously donated two copies to be given away in conjunction with my Darfur awareness campaign. Click here for details on how to get involved and entered to win. It’s really easy! Check back (you are subscribed to this blog, aren’t you?!) at the end of the month to put your name in the hat for this one. Prizes will build up throughout the month.
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Category: Adult, Book Reviews, Fiction
Tags: Africa, I-L Title, M-P Author, published 2008, review copy
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Sounds really interesting. The white women trying to live in Africa angle reminds me a little of The Poisonwood Bible. I’m sure you’ve read it, but if you haven’t–Natasha shame on you!–you must. About the Congo mostly in the 60s (I think it is the 60s anyway). I’ll definitely put this one on the list. I’m reading Half of a Yellow Sun right now and Rhodesia keeps being mentioned but I haven’t read anything from/about that particular country. By the way–haven’t been subscribing to follow up comments lately. Should I?? If you’re responding I certainly don’t want to miss out but sometimes my inbox can’t handle all the influx…so I’m responding now…
I drive you crazy, huh!?
on September 16th, 2008 at 6:06 amNo need to enter me, as I already have this book, Natasha.
I agree that this was a beautifully written book and one that needs to be read slowly and savored, analyzed, thought about.
Another book about the African experience is The Darling. The main character actually moves to Liberia, but as an adult not a child. It is nuanced and subtle, too, but again, gorgeous writing.
Trish, Half of a Yellow Sun sounds fantastic.
on September 16th, 2008 at 7:44 amWow, sounds like an interesting book.
on September 16th, 2008 at 8:45 amThis book sounds very intriguing, but I have a hard time with books that require me to take time to digest (I tend to be a bit of a speed reader). I’m sure I’ll check back to enter to win it, however. Thanks for the review!
on September 16th, 2008 at 8:50 amIf you have to read this with such intense attention, then I don’t think this one is for me. Sometimes going into a non-fiction book requires that much attention, but that feels appropriate and acceptable. For me, it just doesn’t seem to fit a novel.
on September 16th, 2008 at 10:49 amThe book looks interesting, but I am not a slow and methodical reader. Probably will pass on this one.
on September 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pmto the list with you!!!! =]
on September 16th, 2008 at 6:49 pmTrish – No shame on me! I read and loved The Poisonwood Bible. It was before blog though. I am responding to about 90% of the comments but sometimes it takes me a while. And no, you don’t drive me crazy! I get super excited whenever I see you’ve been by to visit. Maybe too excited.
Shana – I’ll look into The Darling. I’ve done tons of African reading this year. I agree on Half of a Yellow Sun. You can see my review here: http://blog.mawbooks.com/2008/07/19/half-of-a-yellow-sun-by-chimamanda-ngozi-adichie/
Heather – Sometimes we do need to slow down a bit. I’m a speed reader too, but I wish I could read even faster.
Joy – True, true.
Traci – No harm in passing!
on September 17th, 2008 at 9:13 pmI’ve added so many books that take place in Africa or are about Africa to my TBR list and I think all the titles came from your blog. Not saying that is a bad thing. You are expanding my reading.
on September 19th, 2008 at 11:07 amthe book sure does sound interesting..and what caught my eye was the schizophrenia bit.. i am interested in mental illness and hope to do a phd in that field someday.. but i do wish it was written differently (at least from what i understand after reading your review!)
on September 19th, 2008 at 1:39 pm[...] Ventures Fund has graciously donated The First Hurt, Stories by Rachel Sherman, The Leper Compound by Paula Nangle, Feather Man by Rhyll McMaste, The Spirit of the Place by Samuel Shem, Monique and the Mango Rains [...]
on September 27th, 2008 at 11:16 pm