The Dreamer

"Imali Abala's The Dreamer is a book-length poem; a poetic novella, an unrelenting meditation upon the abuse of women that centres upon the unfortunate path of the dreamer. En route, the links between madness and dreams are explored, a mythical explanation for inheritable insanities, the devastating impacts of culture change and social fragmentation, and the breathlessness of having a tight fist of possibilities and a palette of advisors who all turn the dreamer away, or inward, with no path found for her self-expressive flourishing in the world. Touching upon historic and contemporary challenges, this work calls upon all who are in contact with girls and women, in any capacity, to open the world and make room, to clear a space for upcoming generations, on a path strewn with good guidance and marked by the freedom to explore, to walk along a path made solid with life-affirmations." - Joanne Arnott, Canada, author of A Night for the Lady, Mother Time, Wiles of Girlhood, and Breasting the Waves: On Writing & Healing.

"Imali Abala's The Dreamer is a must read for those seeking to understand female condition in post-colonial Africa. ... What stands out in this story is that women have choices in redefining and repackaging their image in a male dominated world." - Iddah Aoko Otieno, Editor of East African Anthology of Short Stories.