It took me quite a few pages of reading Heremakhonon to get the rhythm of Maryse Conde's writing style. She weaves in and out from the main character Veronica's inner voice to her outer voice or dialogue with other characters in the text. What does this say about Veronica's identity as a child of Africa?
The text is also punctuated with the names of historical figures like Cesaire and Kwame Nkrumah. I found myself stopping every few pages to look up the different names she refers to in the novel. What do you think Conde's intent was in "name-dropping" throughout the text?
Veronica is supposed to be searching for herself in Africa. Why does she find it difficult to empathize with Saliou and the students at the Institute? Is her search for identity stonewalled by her relationship with Ibrahim? Do you think her cynicism about revolution has anything to do with her access to white culture?
Also, does anyone know the meaning behind spitting during Ramadan?
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Just started the reading and have to say it was a little confusing at first with the missing quotations around her thoughts/speech. I'm getting the hang of her communication through her stream of consciousness and constantly questionsing herself. Also, being dropped media res isn't so bad as she reverts to memories of her childhood often so we are given little bits of her identity. I'm liking where the story is going because in her search for identity she makes some rash decisions that I want to see how she gets out of or deals with. Also, her non-existent relationship with her parents is definitely a red flag that should alert her to her conflicts. Her daddy issue is clearly tied to her male relationships.
ReplyDeleteI think the spitting is because during Ramadan, you have to completely fast all liquids and food, and saliva is considered liquid.
I don't think Veronica's search for identity is hindered by her relationship because even when she is with him, she questions her motives for being with him. She may be falling in love with him but I don't think that she is to the point where she is blinded. She even says that Ibrahim cannot help her find herself a few times.
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