(African Fantasy) The narrator's twin died in a caisson, but he's sure the foreigner supervising the construction sacrificed him to the water spirit.
(4,208 words)
Rating: 3,
Good, ordinary, story
"The Mama Mmiri," by Walter Dinjos, appeared in the January 7, 2016 issue of Beneath Ceaseless Skies (Issue 190).
Mini-Review (click to view--possible spoilers)
Pro: The story does a good job of building up suspense. We wonder if the narrator will somehow manage to sacrifice Baba Tunde after all. He does, but at terrible cost to himself.
Con: The story is simple and linear. It's also a bit disappointing that the story seems to glorify destroying the bridge, which must be a real loss to the villagers.
Con: The story is simple and linear. It's also a bit disappointing that the story seems to glorify destroying the bridge, which must be a real loss to the villagers.
I enjoyed listening to the podcast read by the author himself.
ReplyDeleteI think the construction of the bridge was more of an outside imposition on the villagers than a potential benefit. Particularly since they were literally being sacrificed for it.
There wasn't anything I disliked about this story. It was well-written and the pacing was good. But at the same time, there wasn't anything I really loved about it either. An enjoyable read, but pretty average.
ReplyDelete3/5