The Second Coming of Mavala Shikongo

The Second Coming of Mavala ShikongoSet in Namibia just after independence in the early 1990s, Peter Orner's first novel is a chronicle of the long days, short loves, and cold nights at Goas, an all boys Catholic primary school so deep in the veld that "even the baboons feel sorry for us." Though physically isolated in semi desert beneath a relentless sun, the people of Goas create an alternate, more fertile universe through the stories they tell each other. The book's central character

Set in Namibia just after independence in the early 1990s, Peter Orner's first novel is a chronicle of the long days, short loves, and cold nights at Goas, an all-boys Catholic primary school so deep in the veld that "even the baboons feel sorry for us."

Though physically isolated in semi-desert beneath a relentless sun, the people of Goas create an alternate, more fertile universe through the stories they tell each other. The book's central character is Mavala Shikongo, a combat veteran who fought in Namibia's long war for independence against South Africa.

She has recently returned to the school -- with a child, but no husband. Mavala is modern, restless, and driven, in sharp contrast to conservative Goas. All the male teachers (including a bumbling but observant volunteer from Cincinnati) try not to fall in love with her. Everyone fails -- immediately and miserably. This extraordinary first novel explores the history of a place through the stories of its people. But above all it's about the fleetingness of love and the endurance of fellowship.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Back Bay Books
Published: 05/16/2007
ISBN: 9780316066334
Pages: 311
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.50w x 0.90d
Award: Flaherty-Dunnan First Novel Prize - Finalist
Award: Bard Fiction Prize - Winner

Review Citations: New York Times 07/01/2007 pg. 20