Title: African Quilt: Stories of the Asian Indian Experience in Kenya
Authors: Harshi Syal Gill and Parvin D. Syal
Publisher: Gold Touch Press
ISBN: 978-1-954673-30-4
Pages: 234
Genre: Fiction / Short Stories / Culture
Reviewed by: CC Thomas
Hollywood Book Reviews
In African Quilt: Stories of the Asian Indian Experience in Kenya, authors Harshi Syal Gill and Parvin D. Syal have created a literary tapestry that artfully blends diverse cultural situations, much like an African quilt woven with the beauty of language and experience. In the introduction to the work, the authors suggest that “literature celebrates an endless diversity” of our humanity, capturing what connects each of us to one another, regardless of our backgrounds. In this collection of stories, the authors have woven together important events in East Africa and its movement towards colonial freedom. The preface prepares the readers for the experience with glowing words by world-renowned author Ngugi wa Thiongo, who expounds on the role of Indian entrepreneurs playing an integral component of every nuance of East African culture, from the everyday experiences of food and technology to the academic and professional avenues of the medical and legal occupations. Each tale within the book strengthens this viewpoint. As wa Thiongo explains, the stories “evoke the beauty and variety of the landscape” of Kenya, with the authors filling each page with twists and turns that will surprise, delight, and, often, somber readers.
The book, though, is not an historical tome of political movements; rather, it is a story of common people going about their business of living. This business of living, though, is the ripple that creates change for future generations, as the stories so creatively showcase. Each captures the characters’ lives and experiences highlighting the tremendous impact of the changing times and illustrating how people influence the culture as much as culture influences the people in a community. The Indian immigrant experience in Kenya is not one that would come to most minds when considering the cultural wealth of the nation of Kenya. Yet, it is obvious from these stories that Kenyan culture would not be as deep or broad or rich without the people who made homes in their adopted country, sacrificing much of their identities to fit in while simultaneously enriching their communities with their unique perspectives.
African Quilt consists of ten short stories, alternately told by a brother-sister author duo. Each has a central theme that concerns the Indian impact on the culture of East Africa, specifically that of the Indian-Kenyan connection. When introducing the stories, the authors explain the reasons why such a large Indian population migrated to Kenya and settled in the area, creating a unique and diverse tapestry of rich cultural experiences and giving an important background for readers. The stories are focused on Asians in colonial Kenya during the 20th century but have a broader appeal. The stories, however, aren’t solely focused on the obvious cultural differences of Africa and India. They cover a wide range of cultural distinctions that make this such an enriching and rewarding read. Each has many layers to unravel, from the development of realistic characters to details in language and setting. For example, “The Goldsmith’s Daughter and the Inlay Artist” is a Romeo-Juliet story where two lovers are separated by class and wealth, as well as a substantial age difference. Other stories, such as “The Frame Up” and “The Kite Duels” are more clearly targeted to showing political viewpoints and innovations that directly affect the culture and surroundings of the communities portrayed. Still others, like “Mr. Patel Buys a Radio”, are delightful, but more subtle with details of Indians living under colonial rule. Not all stories, though, are simple daily gleanings. In “The Queen of Jam,” the author shows how one individual struggles to survive against threats of war. And, “The Return” will pluck at readers’ heartstrings with the character’s poignant recollections of opportunities lost and never recovered. Each tale is a surprise, leaving readers with a rich and layered vision revealing and illuminating that which makes us human, celebrating the endless diversity the authors promised from the beginning.
Harshi Syal Gill’s and Parvin D. Syal’s African Quilt is beautifully and artfully crafted, keeping true to the traditions and lifestyles of Asian Indians living in Kenya during a growing and turbulent time. The authors seamlessly weave together a mixture of literary materials, such as humor and innocence and justice, to create immense delight in reading pleasure for any audience, regardless of age, culture, or gender.