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Literary Fiction· Uganda

The First Woman

by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Aggregate Editorial Score57/100
★Women's Prize for Fiction
Published 2020English
Buy on Amazon →

About This Book

Published in 2020, The First Woman established Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. The First Woman is a coming-of-age story set in Uganda, following the life of a young girl named Kirabo as she navigates the complexities of identity, family, and womanhood. The novel is acclaimed for its lyrical prose and its exploration of feminist themes within the context of Ugandan culture and folklore. Themes of feminism, identity, family run through the work. The book has received recognition from Jhalak Prize 2021.

Book Details

AuthorJennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Published2020
Country of Origin🇺🇬 Uganda
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781786077882
Editorial Score57/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇬 Uganda

This book is part of Uganda's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from Uganda →

Editorial Assessment

The First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi intertwines personal and national narratives, exploring themes of gender, identity, and the legacy of colonialism in Uganda. Through the protagonist, Kirabo, Makumbi deftly navigates the complexities of womanhood, cultural expectations, and the quest for autonomy. The novel's lyrical prose and rich cultural context offer a profound examination of female resilience, making it a significant contribution to contemporary African literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Women's Prize for Fiction
shortlist · global
20210
✍️
About the Author
Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi
Uganda
View Author →

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi is a Uganda author whose work in literary fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The First Woman about?

The First Woman is a coming-of-age story set in Uganda, following the life of a young girl named Kirabo as she navigates the complexities of identity, family, and womanhood. The novel is acclaimed for its lyrical prose and its exploration of feminist themes within the context of Ugandan culture and folklore.

Who wrote The First Woman?

The First Woman was written by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, from Uganda. First published in 2020.

What awards has The First Woman won?

The First Woman has received the following recognition: Jhalak Prize 2021.

Is The First Woman worth reading?

The First Woman is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 57/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in feminism, identity, family.

Where can I buy The First Woman?

You can buy The First Woman on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The First Woman?

The First Woman is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The First Woman from?

The First Woman originates from Uganda's literary tradition. Explore more books from Uganda on our country page.

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