[.ca] Long Train to the Redeeming Sin: Stories about African Women (ISBN 0971201900)

What a Tragedy!:
I am not a black woman, but I agree with RAWSISTAZ. This book was so good. It reminded me of Jean Toomer's "CANE" or something Sylvia Plath would write. I am so disgusted to learn that this book was forced out of print by Muslim fundamentalists in Morocco and I pray that Kola Boof can soon find an American publisher for her work. She is a controversial woman, but she really needs to be heard. My daughter and my son both read this book and they loved it as well. Very strong writer!

Interesting and Eclectic Mix...:
The Long Train To The Redeeming Sin by Kola Boof is an interesting and eclectic mix of short stories and poetry that are pro-Africa and pro-woman. Boof, a Sudanese-American woman, writes in story teller's fashion and weaves tales that transport readers to Africa. The stories are folksy and could easily make the transition to verbal telling because they are charismatic and richly layered. Many of the stories speak of the relationship between Black people and Mother Africa and make comparisons between Black people born in Africa and Black people stolen from Africa generations ago. Equally as interesting as the stories is Boof, herself. From her introduction to her author interview at the end to her semi-nude photo on the book cover, readers will find themselves searching for validation of truths in Boof's characters and from Boof herself. Boof tells compelling tales that if the reader looks closely will hit home, time and time again. Reviewed by Diane Marbury (HonestD)

Bessie Smith's blues tradition:
Many in the media, including the New York Times, have been calling Kola Boof "the African Garbo". I disagree. I see her work and provocative persona to be more in the tradition of the great blues singer Bessie Smith. Readers of this powerful, ugly, coarse and beautifully magical short story collection will agree that Kola Boof is a blues writer. The fact that she's from Africa, but very much American makes her art all the more thrilling and unique. As a black woman, I found great validation and inspiration from reading this poignant collection. I advise anyone who comes across this book, but especially black women, to pick it up immediately. It's more than worth your time. Some of us (see Laurie posted a review!!) have also read advance copies of Kola Boof's full length novel "Flesh and the Devil". I also give that book five stars and encourage people who are looking for something new, strong and meaningful to purchase that daring, HOT novel. Kola Boof's work is very groundbreaking and I love it that's she's so underground.

BACK IN PRINT...for 2004!!:
Thank the powers that be! I'm a white woman in love! This is my favorite short story collection EVER. And I'm not even a "Sista". Sorry all. I love this book and I so admire Kola Boof's valiant struggle. I have been a fan ever since I saw her on FOX NEWS and read about her online. She is such a gifted artist and a brave political thinker. I am so awed by her life story and her determination to be herself. WARNING: As herself--she is not like any other type of black woman you have ever read. She is from Africa. Her books make you uncomforable. VERY UNCOMFORTABLE. She poses naked on the back of all her book covers, so let that be a warning. She is NOT the status quo type of author. She's kinda "touched". She wants to abolish men's religions and start a women's religion! But I love this book of stories so much. I can't wait for her novel "Flesh and the Devil" to come out next month. I hear its pretty wild, and although I've warned that she cuts White Women a new "a--ole" in that book, I still gotta read it. I love you Kola if you read this. It's Laurie at Stanford University!! Your books tell it like it is. They entertain and they are so incredibly different from everything else on the market. You have no competition, because you are one of a kind. A true African goddess. Please come to Stanford University when you start doing readings!! I give this short story collection 5 stars. MY FAVORITE STORIES in the book are "Day of Vow", then "Black America Diva Girl", then "The Lioness", then "Boy Magic". Each one of those stories would make a good movie or a good novel all by themselves. ENJOY!!! But beware. It's the strange world of Kola Boof!!!

Africa's Darkest Secrets:
Long Train To The Redeeming Sin is a book for all willing to accept and envelope truth in their hearts. The book tells the stories of African Women and their coming of age as the most unwatered, least wanted, least desirable, vulnerable yet powerful women of the world. Their being forced to be "whitenized", their being chattel as seen through the eyes of Black men, the disallowment to enjoy their freedoms and live life to the fullest. Kola's honest, truthful heart blooms in this novel, feeding the insecurities of Black men, shattering the shackles of Black women, letting the essence of her soul, reach the pinnacle of the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. The Black Woman's responsibility has been to carry the Black Man's burden on her shoulders...she is the beginning of all. This are her trials. Be prepared to follow her journey and live life as seen through the Charcoaled-One; the Blue-Black. Through it all, she's been betrayed, hurt, shattered and ripped from the very seams of the earth. Listen to Her voice, Her heart, Her dreams, and follow Kola's footsteps where you will be transported to another world: the Black Woman's World.