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?
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’. An intoxicating mix of Ugandan folklore and modern feminism!
Winner of the Jhalak Prize 2021
“Makumbi’s prose is irresistible and poignant, with remarkable wit, heart and charm. The First Woman rewards the reader with one of the most outstanding heroines and the incredible honour of journeying by her side.” – New York Times Book Review
“Pride and Prejudice in Uganda.” – de Volkskrant ★★★★