Consolata Audiobook By Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse cover art

Consolata

A Short Story

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Consolata

By: Beata Umubyeyi Mairesse
Narrated by: Dorcas Sowunmi
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About this listen

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.
African American Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Tearjerking Heartfelt French Short
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What listeners say about Consolata

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Beautiful and sad

Well written story about the beginning and ending of life. The narrator had a perfect sing-song accent that made me feel like I was present and experienced everything personally.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Characters

Great plot, it built it up and kept you interested throughout the story from beginning to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Detailed and descriptive

This was very descriptive and detailed. I loved the child’s perspective. Wish it were longer.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Lovely

A touching look inside the world of dementia. We should all think of those like Consolata who feel trapped and alone.

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3 people found this helpful

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Excellent

Beautifully written, like a painting. The narrative is excellent & the accent transports you to Africa

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The Minds of children and The Aged

This is an interesting presentation of the actions at both ends of chronology. The thoughts of developing minds and minds in regression have context and intention. Unfortunately, carers of both groups generally do not bother to consider how the world must appear to these blessed souls.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A short story

I was curious why Consolata had bad reviews, so I listened to it. In the early part of the story, there were some terms from its original language that were confusing, but didn't affect the overall outcome of the story. I enjoyed the child Consolata's point of view of her world. I found the story worth my time and my curiosity to know more about her world piqued.

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20 people found this helpful