Nirgendwo in Afrika

Which essentially means Nowhere in Africa. Just finished reading this autobiography of Stefanie Zewig's life in Kenya, Africa. Being Jews during the Nazi regime, her family was one of the lucky few who managed to escape to another country, in this case, Africa. This wasnt the beginning of salvation, as understood by many. These were dislocations and sacrifices illustrating the upheavals and pain suffered by those who were "saved". The family was treated as outsiders, outcasts, enemy aliens when the war between Germany and Great Britain broke out. Despite numerous strains and obstacles, the family survived to see the end of the war.

I was particularly attracted to the bond between Owuor and the family. Owuor, a native Kenyan, was the loyal houseboy of the family. Walter (father) started off as a tenant farmer in Rongai, where he met and was taken care by Owuor when he came down with malaria. After some time, Walter got the opportunity to serve in the army and the family moved to Nairobi. Owuor actually ran away from the farm and his family to Nairobi in search of his bwana, memsahib and memsahib kidogo. Regina (this should be the role of Stefanie) adapted very well and quickly to Kenya, learning Swahili and Jaluo, understanding the African culture and got very attached to Owuor, who is her best friend. As a matter of fact, the Jewish family will not be able to survive without Owuor's help. Owuor is as attached to the family as he is to them. Ironically, he has a huge family of own (three wives and numerous children whom he rarely sees but supports with his earnings as a houseboy), which he abandons so that he continue to serve the Jewish family. Owuor does not read or write nor does he understand the german or english language. However, he is able to understand the family's intentions, thoughts and actions very accurately. I guess this is what they call "seeing and listening with your heart instead of your eyes and ears". Alas, there is a parting at every end, the family found a way to go back to Germany, their homeland. Before Walter found the chance to break the news to Owuor, the latter had already decided to run away from the family in the middle of the night. Owuor knew all along. It just breaks my heart to know that Owuor and the family will be separated forever.

So gonna search for the movie now!