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The First Woman Paperback – July 10, 2021

by Makumbi Jennifer Na (Author)
4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 628 ratings
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'In Jennifer Makumbi, we have a giant of literature living among us.' Peter Kalu, Jhalak Prize Judge

'Jennifer Makumbi is a genius storyteller.' Reni Eddo-Lodge

A SUNDAY TIMES, OBSERVER, DAILY MAIL, BBC CULTURE & IRISH INDEPENDENT BOOK OF THE YEAR

At once epic and deeply personal, the second novel from prize-winning author Jennifer Makumbi is an intoxicating mix of Ugandan folklore and modern feminism that will linger in the memory long after the final page. 

As Kirabo enters her teens, questions begin to gnaw at her – questions which the adults in her life will do anything to ignore. Where is the mother she has never known? And why would she choose to leave her daughter behind? Inquisitive, headstrong, and unwilling to take no for an answer, Kirabo sets out to find the truth for herself. 

Her search will take her away from the safety of her prosperous Ugandan family, plunging her into a very different world of magic, tradition, and the haunting legend of 'The First Woman'.

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  1. Language
    English
  2. Publisher
    FABER ET FABER
  3. Publication date
    July 10, 2021
  4. Dimensions
    5.08 x 1.28 x 7.8 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1786078589
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1786078582
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ FABER ET FABER (July 10, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786078589
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786078582
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.08 x 1.28 x 7.8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 628 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

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Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
4.4 out of 5
628 global ratings
Wonderfully written
5 Stars
Wonderfully written
I loved this read.. a page turnerHer insight on friendship, women empowerement, is refreshing..
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Top reviews from the United States

Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books I’ve ever read!
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
Verified Purchase
This is officially a Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi Stan account. What an exceptional writer AND storyteller!

Kirabo’s journey into her own personhood was so lovely to read and follow. I absolutely loved her relationship with Nsuuta and her grandmother❤️. Will definitely re-read this a couple of times
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Lenka B.
4.0 out of 5 stars Weak ending
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2020
Verified Purchase
Great story about womanhood and social structures in Uganda but the ending was a bit weak and disappointing. I did not feel that the main character used her potential but rather slipped into a standard path of a girl in her privileged position. I really enjoyed the storytelling but maybe shared Nsuuta’s disappointment at the end as Kirabo did not really contribute to women’s empowerment - she only reaped the privileges set by women before her.
One person found this helpful
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Akumu Ayieko
5.0 out of 5 stars Loving it!!
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2023
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Enjoying the buildup of the story… it’s slow but definitely worth it
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Lillie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2021
Verified Purchase
I loved this read.. a page turner
Her insight on friendship, women empowerement, is refreshing..
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Lillie
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written
Reviewed in the United States on October 6, 2021
I loved this read.. a page turner
Her insight on friendship, women empowerement, is refreshing..
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi does it again
Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2020
Verified Purchase
She has scored a hat trick folks, a triple double. The way she shifts between time oh my. I highly recommend.
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Top reviews from other countries

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J.L. Baurdoux
5.0 out of 5 stars Livre fascinant
Reviewed in France on August 23, 2021
Verified Purchase
Le livre commence lentement mais devient de plus en plus fascinant.
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SG
3.0 out of 5 stars It was a good one.
Reviewed in India on March 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
A few things-
1. Story didn’t excite me too much
2. Part between the two grandmothers was good.
3. Sio thing was underwhelming
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TT
5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely fantastic read
Reviewed in Australia on November 22, 2022
Verified Purchase
So much to love about this book.
The writing, the story, learning about another world with absolute ease. You’ll be sorry when you reach the last page.
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happyperson
4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful - stick with the early bits it's a rewarding book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
Loved this book. A tale of growing up in Uganda, but it's so much more than that. We follow Kirabo as she grows up and finds out what it is to be a woman in her culture. There is enough forward direction in the story to make what is considerable information about the Ugandan clan system and the history of Uganda, just part of the story. It was a bit slow to begin with and there are names to get familiar with, but later you realise that the introduction is the foundation of the book in a very true sense. Beautifully written eg the line about the storm overdoing it in exactly the same way as a returning wayward husband. The characters are extremely well drawn and I felt Kirabo in particular was so engaging as a person. Highly recommended.
4 people found this helpful
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1.0 out of 5 stars Extremely boring
Reviewed in India on August 30, 2021
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It's an extremely boring book
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