First learned about the shocking period of history when reading Kololo Hill by Neema Shah, which brought me to this another recent debut novel “We Are All Birds of Uganda” which describes the desperate flight from the country.
The story alternates between high flying lawyer Sameer's life in present-day London and successful businessman Hasan who is still deeply mourning the loss of his first wife though he's remarried in 1960s Uganda. Many novels have used a dual narrative to dynamically tell their stories, but this excellent debut does this in such an artful way that adds tremendous meaning to the story. At first the narratives seem quite disparate but gradually the familial connection is made clear and at one point the two protagonists physically cross over into each other's countries. There's a beautiful symmetry to how this occurs in the narrative. Also, this isn't only a geographical change but it transforms each character's understanding of the world, themselves and the gaps between generations. Something this story captures so meaningfully is generational conflict and the importance of establishing an understanding between the young and old despite having different values.
Sameer's ambition to advance in his career at a law firm means he works ridiculous hours. So he has very little time to keep up with his friends or establish romance. His experience socializing primarily through What'sApp groups is relatable for a lot of young professionals working in London today. Sameer also experiences a multitude of micro-aggressive behaviour from certain colleagues in his workplace because on his skin colour and Muslim faith. He is travelling back to Leicester where he's expected to join in the family business. Hasan's story is equally moving in the letters he writes to his deceased wife communicating his innermost thoughts and expressing his grief at her loss. His tale grows increasingly alarming as political unrest occurs in Uganda and the new regime shows a horrific intolerance towards the Ugandan Asian population. Hasan talks about his experiences living in Uganda as a successful businessman in Kampala. As a son of Indian immigrants, he talks about the Asian community, their lives, the new anti-immigrant sentiment on the rise, and the growing racial division that endangers their livelihood. There's also a compelling mystery at the centre of his story to do with why his wife died.
The book takes seriously the politically turbulent history, the complex effects of colonialism and the deadly consequences of the 1971 coup that occurred within the country. But Hafsa Zayyan's story also lovingly depicts this landscape and food whilst dramatically portraying multiple generations of a family forced to reconsider the meaning of home between their lives in Uganda and England.
These two stories combine together to say something much larger about the impact of displacement and racial intolerance. It addresses complex questions regarding the meaning of home and who has the right to establish themselves in a particular nation. Of course, there's no answers to these dilemmas as the characters come to understand that they are part of the much larger machinations of society and political change. It also movingly contemplates the meaning of Muslim faith as it's practiced today. Hasan and Sameer both were imperfect and often blind to what was going on around them. Until things hit them, they were optimistic and were surprised by the events that plagued their world. The sudden shift in their world view helps us understand the naivety of their beliefs. The Indian attitude towards our black brothers and sisters was thought provoking. This is something I hope we never have to face in the future. Sameer is too naïve in thinking about racism because he never faced them personally and when he experiences them, he finds himself struggling to acknowledge the reality. I loved how Maryam and Jeremiah provide a different point-of-view to what Sameer has known and lived by, and it helps us understand the situation better. Sameer’s quest for his identity and how hard he tries to figure it comes through his POV. I found his courage to move forward and stand up for what’s right to be admirable.
Open ending to the book is something that keep us pondering. Hafsa Zayyan have used the letters as a tool to bring forward a historical account to the forefront to the emotionally resonating and subtle narrative of Sameer’s perspective, it was exceptionally executed.What the author is trying to do to bring authentic and realistic stories that will change our world view for the better.
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