Book Discussion: When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head

Our November book discussion will be on When Rain Clouds Gather by Bessie Head, published in 1969. Head was a South African who emigrated to Botswana, and is usually considered Botswana's most influential writer. She wrote novels, short fiction and autobiographical works that are infused with spiritual questioning and reflection.

Per Goodreads, in When Rain Clouds Gather, we learn about the poverty-stricken village of Golema Mmidi, in the heart of rural Botswana. The village offers a haven to the exiles gathered there. Makhaya, a political refugee from South Africa, becomes involved with an English agricultural expert and the villagers as they struggle to upgrade their traditional farming methods with modern techniques. The pressures of tradition, the opposition of the local chief, and, above all, the harsh climate threaten to bring tragedy to the community, but strangely, there remains a hope for the future.

Possible discussion questions include:

1. How does the setting of the drought-stricken village in Botswana reflect the broader themes of the novel?
2. What role does Makhaya play in bringing hope and change to the community?
3. Comment on the complex relationships between the female characters, particularly between Mma Keolopile and Paulina.
4. How does Bessie Head use the motif of the rain clouds to represent the potential for change and renewal?
5. What is the impact of exile and displacement on the characters' identities and actions?
6. To what extent does the novel critique the legacy of colonialism in South Africa and Botswana?
7. How does the novel portray the challenges and complexities of building a new community in a marginalized space?
8. What are the different perspectives on traditional African culture presented within the story?
9. What is the significance of the character names and their symbolic meaning?
10. How much does the novel offer a hopeful vision for the future of the characters and their community?

In keeping with our group's design, we discussed a 19th century woman author in October, we'll be discussing a 20th century author in November, and a 21st century author in January. We'll be voting at this event for our January title.

We will not meet in December, but mark your calendar for our next meeting on Jan 11th, 2025.

As always with cafe-based events, please plan to purchase something from our host to thank them for the use of their space. Higher Grounds also has a delicious lunch/brunch menu, so feel free to come early and dine.

Looking forward to seeing you there!