Headwin Thengala

The Stranger My Mother Loved is simply a thrilling story, told from the horse’s mouth-Chepkirui, through the first-person’s narrative voice. A young form three girl has always wished to know who her father is, but her mother, Conslata has always been elusive. Once the mother decides to open up, she is left more confused than before by her father being too near yet too far, having just heard his voice that morning. This story is presented in the simplest perspective for effective communication to the targeted audience. The vivid description, flashbacks, dialogue, sarcasm and satire in the story make it very real and authentic! The story touches on issues that are ailing the society, ranging from GBV, preference of the boy child in families, effects of social media, love, politics and corruption, poverty, challenges that come along with single parenthood among others. We can clearly feel Chepkirui’s desperation in wanting to know her identity, probably like many youths in the society. The big question is, will they harbour grudge against their fathers once they know the truth or they will embrace them? Chepkirui’s mother wants Chepkirui to start a Girl's Club in school, a platform to create awareness on femicide, gender-based violence and reading the red flags in a relationship. Could this be the alpha of a better society where the girl child will know her worth in a relationship from the word go?