Early Chapters: Different Backgrounds

[Jessica]

Kris and Monique grew to be very close friends, yet they came from radically different backgrounds and faced many barriers (racial, language, cultural, educational).

What do you think makes these rare connections possible?

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Note: This discussion refers to topics through Chapter 6, "Cutting." Some readers of this thread may not have finished the book. If you are referring to events that occur after Chapter 6, please use "Spoiler Warning" in the subject line of your post. Thanks!

[KCSac]

First, let me say I loved the book and I thank Kris for telling Monique's story. One of the things that really struck me about this story was how the women in Monique's village face many of the same issues that women in our society face - fertility/infertility, struggles to keep our children healthy and safe, etc. These common interests and concerns seem to transcend cultural and language barriers. My question for Kris is: do you think having children yourself changed your perspectives about Monique's situation?

Kristen in Sacramento

[KrisH]

Hi Kristen,

You're right - there is so much that is common to the experience of being a woman, regardless of race, culture, language or class.

And yes, having kids certainly changed my perspective. I admire Monique's strengths even more. I understand why she was ferocious in demanding her children go to school. Why she ensured that women be allowed to take birth control and have kids when they wanted them. Why she worked day and night to help bring babies in the world in as safe a way as possible. As a mother now, I can imagine (in a morbid worst-case scenario kind of way) what it would feel like to lose a child. It would be earth-shattering. As you know from reading the book, almost two in five children die before they reach the age of five in Mali. I don't think I knew the depth of love Monique had for the children and mothers in her care, or the depth of suffering she felt when she lost one of them. She kept at it, and I have deep respect for that.

Do you have kids? And, if so, do you think it affected how you experienced Monique's world?

Kris