Mema: Heinemann African Writers Series

Mema's sharp tongue and apparent barrenness makes her a target for dislike and disapproval in her village. When she finally succeeds in having four children, her husband dies in a witchdoctor's haven, followed by her daughters. Her in-laws accuse her of being a wicked witch who sacrificed her husband and children to the dark forces.
In spite of this Mema's strength and courage cause her to fight for her sons and her family's rights. In this story of a practical African society her actions owe nothing to Western feminism and the theme of struggle against colonialism is left behind in favour of a struggle between new and old values.
The author demonstrates that a story relating the impact of psychological and social forces on Africans can also focus mainly on conflicts within African society.

Mengara is a leading campaigner for radical political change in Gabon. His latest book, Gabon is Danger (2019) details the current corrupt regime in Gabon and its ruling presidential family, the Bongos, who have been in power for over 50 years.

Daniel Mengara was born in Minvoul, Gabon, in 1967. He holds a BA from Omar Bongo University in Gabon, an MA from Illinois State University, and a PhD and MA from the University of Nice, France. Mengara has published several articles in the areas of francophone, post-colonial, and African studies. Mema is his debut novel. He is also founder of the Bongo Doit Partir, a political organisation which sets itself in opposition to the Omar Bongo regime and which promotes democracy in Gabon. He currently works as Professor of World Languages and Cultures at Montclair State University and is the Executive Director of SORAC (Society of Research on African Cultures).