TWINS- AN AFRICAN GENDER STORY.

 

 TWINS- AN AFRICAN GENDER STORY.

When is the last time your mind got handcuffed by a comic novel? Who knew papers of research with complex theories and jargons could be clothed in more appealing attires called a comic novel? Well, I did not. Not until I got a chance to read THE TWINS.

After years of research and writing academic papers on gender related issues, Dr. Jemimah Njuki is concerned that the engagement with her work ends in the academic and researchers’ corridors. She desires that the findings and recommendations of her research work and papers gets to the younger generations. This desire births the coming together of; Celestine Wamiru famously known as Celeste as the comics artists, Wacuka Mungai as the script writer and Peter Irungu as a consultant.

This novel, The Twins, as the name suggests is a story of twins namely Adanya and Mbooi. The novel explores their everyday triumphs and struggles as they go through life as adolescents. They are in the custody of their mother who is widowed. The mother has a mountain to climb in ensuring that she gives her children the best she can. The question of gender equality and relations keeps arising throughout the novel not only in the twins’ home but in the entire community they live in.

The biggest win for this book is that it manages to make complex matters to be in an easily palatable form to the young generation. The plot, the thematic concerns and the characterisations are what moulds the ravishing piece it is. This is of course achieved by the beautifully crafted script and the comic strips. The script flows seamlessly and captivatingly. The comic strips do not flinch an inch out of the point. They manage to animate the entire storyline into the reader’s mind. While reading this novel, I smiled, giggled, laughed, frowned and nearly shed a tear. This is because I could relate with a number of things in it. I could see myself, my friends, uncles, cousins and neighbours in the characters.

My favourite character is Mbooi. What interests me about him is how he adamantly refuses to side with his grandparents against his mother and sister Adanya. In one instance found on page 44, he is asked to remain through the inheritance discussion but Adanya is ordered to go outside. He insists that if Adanya is not staying then he is also not staying. However, after spending some quality time with his grandfather, we see him beginning to soften up on page 81. This worries me.

Johnny, who is the father of Komu, Benji and Naliaka is the character I dislike most. Why? Glad you asked. This man is almost on the extreme end of gender-based violence. He abuses Saraa his wife verbally, physically, emotionally and even financially. He is a bad influence to his elder son Komu. This is seen in Komu’s behaviour.

On the flipside, this book to some minute extent suffers from irrelevancy. It may be difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is missing but as a gen z reading the novel, I could feel it misses something of our age. For example; girls wearing trousers is hardly an issue to even most grandparents in this age. We also see the doubt by fellow students and even teachers about Adanya’s main character in her play. This is because as the book suggests it seems impossible for a lady to be successful and stand in ranks as high as those of men’s. Ask among the young generations, this is hardly their thoughts or views.

Also, on page 55, the last comic displays a football match about to start or just starting. Contrary to what happens in the football sport, the opponents are already on the other half of the field before the match even begins. The correct way should be each player to be on their defensive half.

Would I recommend this novel to someone? Definitely yes. It is ideal for the young generation but not limited to them. I am confident that even adults will enjoy reading this comic novel. For a comic novel, I rate it at 7 out 10. From how it ends and the information I gathered from the book launch, there is a sequel to this novel. That is a much welcomed prospective.