Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi: book review

Kintu (2014) is the generational epic tale of the Kintu family in Uganda over 250 years from 1754 to 2004.

The prologue begins in 2004 with the death of Kamu Kintu. The origins of the tragedy begin in 1754 with Kintu Kidda, his two wives (twins Babirye and Nnakato), their four sets of twins, and their two sons Kalema and Baale. With the birth of their youngest child Baale, ‘’that is when the trouble started.’’ Baale was his father’s favourite son.

An angry incident results in Baale’s death and a curse bestowed upon the family that plagues them throughout the generations. Kamu is a direct descendant of Baale. At his funeral are family members, such as Suubi Nnakintu and Kanani Kintu from the lineage of the four sets of twins, to the youngest of the Kintu family, Paulo.

Paulo receives a letter about an elders’ council meeting, which he gives to his 74-year-old grandfather Kanani. Kanani has been invited to arrange a family reunion of Kintu Kidda’s descendants, spanning four generations of his grandfathers. He was suspicious … ‘’he was not keen on a head-on collision with the family curse.’’

The last section, Book VI, is the homecoming.

Against the political background of Uganda, its independence and Idi Amin’s rule, the transition from traditional customs to modern ways affects both the nation and its families. Challenges are faced, not only by the men of the Kintu family, but the women too as they seek their own independence and freedom.

This is a fascinating, funny, poignant, tragic saga about blood ties and blood spilled over family favourites and favours, envy and jealousy, separation and reunification.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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