Kintu

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi’s debut novel, Kintu, is the story of Kintu Kidda, his descendants and the ill-fated generational curse that plagues their family. The novel spans over 200 years, and follows the Kintu clan as they grapple with the sinister impact the curse has on their lives. The messy realities of family relationships and legacy are highlighted as the novel shifts from one character to another. Makumbi also brilliantly merges fictional imagination and Ugandan history to delve into the complicated subjects of religion, patriarchy, masculinity and the legacy of colonialism in an innovative and African-centred way. Through masterful storytelling, the world of Uganda and the stories of the Kintu clan are transformed from mere words on a page to a vivid reality that is quite unforgettable.