REVIEW of "Songs of the Third Life"

Songs of the Third Life is a highly inspiring book, in its vivid examination of the corruption plague. The first story, Hollow Victory questions the accepted practices of harsh punishments in schools, where the pupils are pushed into dangerous situations, with little or no chance to thrive intellectually. The main character, Mr. Rwaata, cuts a picture of the most disciplined educationist, yet turns into a lying villain for his own selfish ends. He not only cons an illiterate parent of his money, but ends up spoiling a young girl’s chances of education through inappropriate sexual involvement. In a related story, Notorious Agendas exposes the mushrooming con artistry activities you will encounter on an ordinary day in Kampala city. Nyinabyo and Dream Child feature the extent to which the evil of corruption has infiltrated society, featuring the abuse of the Women’s Movement itself. In these astounding stories, archetypal figures take to the deadly vice without reservations. Haven of Fools and Express to Heaven highlight the misery of religious hypocrisy and psychological manipulation, with allusions to modern cultic horrors and the dramatic experience of the apocalypse. The Beggars’ Show describes sham values, where characters eagerly fundraise money for a laundry list of items ranging from posh wedding parties to their underwear, while the rest of deserving society becomes derelict, or faces certain death.

Gifts of Flesh is a stark description of the social evil of prostitution, discreetly embodied in contemporary beauty contests. With fierce details, the story explores both the subtle and express philosophy of commercializing women’s bodies. In an ironic yet political twist, the story opens the debate as to whether the female species (women) are, or should in fact be considered part of the national flora and fauna.

While Nyarumaga poignantly narrates issues of institutional decay and exploitation of student activism by selfish authority figures, The Master Players and Songs of the Third Life expose both the failings and excesses of misguided political power. On the whole, the stories present a classical example of socio-political struggle, aggravated by recourse to shocking underhandedness.

On many levels, the book reflects the reality of contemporary societies, communicated in satire, wry humor, yet simple enough language for ordinary comprehension. The author enriches the stories with song, proverbs, and local language adaptations. As a creative analysis of corruption, Songs of the Third Life short story book is highly involving, with a striking sense of originality. It is a must read[1] for both the new and the seasoned reader.

[1] The University of Cape Town (African Gender Institute), uses excerpts of Songs of the Third Life for instruction and reference purposes.

*Review by International Anti-Corruption Theatre Movement