The first novel by an Equitorial Guinea woman writer to be translated into English, LA BASTARDA is the story of the orphaned teen Okomo who lives under the watchful eye of her grandmother and dreams of finding her father.
The book by Trifonia Melinda Obono, is a coming-of-age story, exploring the tensions between one’s natural inclinations, cultural influences, and the choices that shape one’s journey.
Obono does an excellent job of centering as she manages the dual task of educating the reader about her Equatorial Guinea and shaking up everything you might have assumed about life for the people who live there.
The author tells a deeply troubling tale, but her heroine’s resilience offers glimpses of hope.
Its haunting quality adds to the irresistibility of this slim book and its considerable impact.
The book is available on Amazon.com
