Consolata

A Short Story

By: Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse

Narrated by: Dorcas Sowunmi

A moving story of an old woman reckoning with memories - both cherished and heartbreaking - of her past, from French Rwandan author Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse, winner of the 2020 Prix des Cinq Continents de la Francophonie.

In childhood, Consolata was permanently separated from her family by French colonizers in her Rwandan village. Now, nearing the end of her life in an assisted-living facility, she starts losing her French language skills and can only remember her mother tongue, to the confusion of care workers. Oscillating between moments in assisted living and vivid childhood memories with family in Rwanda, Consolota is a poignant story of heritage, memory, and bonds that can never be broken.

©2021 Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse (P)2021 Audible Originals, LLC.

Beautiful journey

This was such a beautifully written and narrated story. The imagery and sensory descriptions were so colorful you could not help but be immersed. I would love to know what happens to this little girl as she continues on her journey to adulthood.

Reminds me of my Grandma

My grandmother is about to turn 92 this month (March, 2022). She has Alzheimer’s. She is a full-blood Cherokee, born and raised in Indian country. She experienced the Native boarding schools. She had her language beaten out of her so that she spoke only English. Once her Alzheimer’s kicked in, she lost her English language skills and reverted back to speaking only Cherokee.
Our minds are mazes so complex, even we get lost within them. The things experienced, known and remembered don’t always come back to us clearly. While others are so vivid.

Such a good story

Such a good story and depiction of racial disparities in South Africa. It might be an eye opener to some, but like I said it's a good story.

Thoughtful short story

A bit slow and a bit hard to follow. Narrator's accent very strong, but usually still pretty easy to understand. A sort of mystery story that runs surprisingly slowly. Well crafted, but very sad.

Haunting, gorgeous

The imagery is amazing, especially as the deeper meaning of it becomes clear. Compelling story.