Prickle in a Dream

A Tale of an African Orphan

Non-Fiction - Biography
124 Pages
Reviewed on 12/25/2012
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gayani Hathurusingha for Readers' Favorite

What are the dreams of a man who was once an orphan, deprived of all the good things of life? "Prickle in a Dream" by Paul Masembe adds vibrant colors to this highly emotional theme: the plight of an orphan in a very hostile social context. Set in a rural African setting, the book unfolds the dogmas, deeply etched in the conscience of the narrator's fellow men, leading to intense suffering concerning the narrator, from his childhood to adulthood. Written in the first person point of view, the plot adopts the tone of a confession: the adult narrator, reconsidering his childhood memories. The book is in the form of a bildungsroman, as it unfolds the subtle realities of the protagonist's struggle through diversified absurdities of life. A progressive but helpless mother and a stereotypically adverse father continuously impose their impact on Masembe (Mase) since the earliest memory he has about his own life.

The novel takes the reader to a world which is fit to be called primitive, because mere existence itself was a struggle there. While existence was a struggle, people had to declare war against all absurdities, to meet their basic needs. The novel explores the emotionally disturbing plight of a child, drawn into the whirlpool of life, even before he was strong enough for the battle. The biography is motivational in its approach to the situations that the writer identifies as common in certain social contexts, even in the present days. Apparently, Paul Masembe intends to educate and strengthen the next generations of Africa, against what the society has in store for them.

Karen Mc Dermott

I have read this wonderfully inspiring story and it touched me and gave me insight into the challenges an African orphan may face. I also recommend that readers visit Shalom for Africa on facebook. Paul Masembe does everything he possibly can to ensure that as many orphans of Africa have hope.

DELPHINE CLARK

BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND AWE INSPIRING.

Mum Beth Mirembe

AgWhen I started reading the book, I knew it was going to be a page turner! I told everyone, leave me alone till I finish this book. The author was able to take me to Africa and see the environment of the village, the culture and into his heart. It made me want to go to Africa and I did! Africa is a totally different world, especially a small country like Uganda. I love its people, the land and culture. Family is stronger there! I met Mase and his family. They stole my heart!