Review: Our Kind of People by Uzodinma Iweala
Title: Our Kind of People: A Continent’s Challenge, A Country’s Hope
Author: Iweala, Uzodinma
Length: 256 pages
Genre: Non-Fiction, Health
Publisher / Year: Harper / 2012
Source: From the publisher for review.
Rating: 4.5/5
Why I Read It: I read and enjoyed Iweala’s debut novel, Beasts of No Nation, a few years ago, wanted to give his non-fiction a try.
Date Read: 16/06/12
In the minds of many, African brings up images of war, violence, poverty, lack of development… and AIDS. In this book Iweala tackles those stereotypes head on. He discusses HIV/AIDS as it affects Nigeria, those living with it, the campaigns against its spread, and those working to improve conditions for all who have or who are at risk of catching HIV.
AIDS, in many ways, is working to keep up or reinforce the original stereotypes that many have about the continent as a whole as dangerous, disease-ridden, and lacking any hope or option. Instead of allowing people to relate to very real humans around the world, people instead get these images with which they cannot relate, of a completely different place. The idea of HIV/AIDS as something that is acquired through ‘immoral acts’ was an idea that also existed in the US, the ‘immoral’ has just moved from gay men to Africans.
One thing that Iweala discusses often is how HIV/AIDS is different for everyone who gets it. The lives people lead before and during changes their perception of the disease and their options after getting it. The amount of people stepping up into the public to advocate for others with the disease is improving conditions and decreasing stigma, but issues are still there – just as issues exist for those with the disease around the world.
Another point that the author brings up is that unlike in North America and Europe, those in Africa, and in Nigeria in particular, didn’t used to and still have more trouble with accessing the basic medicines to keep HIV at bay. The lack of access to medicines means that the disease remains fatal where it doesn’t have to be. This keeps the shame and stigma higher. As the drugs become more available, it can start being just a regular disease that people manage and live with – as it is here.
A really interesting book that looks at life for a group of people who we so rarely hear speaking for themselves. Through interviews, Iweala gives them voice and allows them to talk about their struggles and lives. He confronts stereotypes and discusses their roots, giving further background and information we can all benefit from. Highly recommended.
The Amy Reads review of Uzodinma Iweala’s OUR KIND OF PEOPLE widened public awareness of the AIDS situation in Africa beyond those who will read the book. Although I probably won’t read this Iweala book, I am curious to look into BEASTS OF NO NATION.
Thanks Louse, I hope you get a chance to read it.
I am always saddened by the plight of those stricken with AIDS in Africa, mainly because there is so little medicine available, and the information that the population needs is not given to them in time. I like how this book shares how the people of Africa are being empowered against this disease, and the honest look into why and how the situation could be better managed. Great review today, Amy. I need to look into this one. I think it would make for some very interesting reading for me.
Thanks zibilee, it’s a great one for combating stereotypes for sure!
The lack of medicine in Africa for so many diseases is shameful.
It is indeed Trish.
It’s not just Africa that there are stereotypes of health and other lifestyles. This would be an eye opener read for me.
Definitely a really interesting book Heather.
I have special interest in this book because of the HIV/AID’s issues it discusses. A big shame the continent with lots of this diseases does not have adequate medical care. Will look out for this book.
I hope you enjoy it Geosi! Definitely an interesting read.
At least in Ghana, there are interventions to mitigate the burden and trauma of the AIDS patients. But how timely and adequate are these?
One wonders, but then, how adequate are they here too? People tend to care more about those elsewhere than those in their own country it sometimes seems readinpleasure!
Great review, Amy. My younger brother has done a lot of HIV work in the US and in India, and so I think I may bring this book to his attention. I think he’d find it valuable to read.
Oh how interesting Aarti! He may indeed find it an interesting read.
I had never heard of this author. I’ve been doing some searches on him because he is doing a signing for this book in my area this evening. This review has piqued my interest so I will be sure to attend.
Very neat Shannon, I have to admit I’m a bit jealous as he’s not scheduled to ever come to my area!! His books are so different from each other, but both interesting. I, as a nonfiction reader, of course prefer this one though over this first