The Rwandan literature scene continues to grow with the entrance of multiple writers and the release of Rwandan themed publications. Bamurangirwa. (Net photo) The latest addition is set to be launched today at the Kacyiru Public Library by a Rwandan author, Patricia Bamurangirwa. The publication, ‘Patriotism’, is a poetry book that targets readers of all ages, nationalities and covers several subjects, including religion, love and hate. The 96 page publication is the third book by the UK based author. The author said that the reason she chose to publish a poetry book is because she considers it the best way to tell multiple stories about Rwanda and a range of issues. In her previous books, Dreams of My Mother, and Rwanda Yesterday, Bamurangirwa attempts to give an insight into Rwanda’s past covering the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and recovery in the following years. In an interview with The New Times, Bamurangirwa said that Rwandan themed publications are fast gaining popularity on the international scene due to the curiosity of the world about Rwanda. “Due to Rwanda’s history and the progress and development in recent years, there is a lot of attention on Rwanda, its people and culture. Books about Rwanda are well received on the international scene,” Bamurangirwa said. Calling out the Rwandan writers not to shy away from publishing books about the country, she urged them to take advantage of the attention given to the country internatinally to package content about Rwanda. In her first book, Dreams of My Mother, published in 2013, Bamurangirwa gives a survivor account of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and her life struggles living in various countries at a very tender age after leaving Rwanda. The book also demystifies the perception many people have about Europe as a land of plenty. The book was rated favourably in the UK leading her to put out a second publication, Rwanda Yesterday, where she gives insights into Rwanda history, including the Genocide as well as the path to recovery and development. The author says that she is looking forward to putting out more books in the coming days with her next book set to be published early next year. In the recent past, Rwanda authors have been making efforts to publish literature on Rwanda. Rwandan authors have also been called upon to publish books on the genocide as a tool to fight against Genocide denial. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
