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Marisa Parker
a book bubble about
Ciao! We’re In Africa
Biographies & Memoirs
Author Insight
Southern Africa’s Suicide Month
Seasonal changes can cause varying reactions whether literal or to our state of mind. How magnificent is Mother Nature as she transforms the landscapes and the weather in response to the Earth’s changing tilt towards or away from the sun. My mum, having lived all her life in Italy, until leaving for Africa in 1955, took a while to become accustomed to many changes not least of which were the ‘different’ hot and cold temperatures that are at odds in the different hemispheres. It was a diverse way of life in every sense including having to learn English. No wonder she questioned her understanding of the language when the term ‘suicide month’ was bandied about … it is still relevant today and every year at that time, as the country and people swelter in anticipation of the annual rains.
Book Excerpt
Ciao! We’re In Africa
Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia – 1955
“October in Salisbury is known as suicide month,” comments the carpet salesman, who’s putting away his supplies, including the signed order for the shop. It’s eleven o’clock in the morning and the room we’re in is already stuffy and warm. “It’s the hottest and driest month of the year, people go a bit crazy.”
This last statement is said so matter-of-factly that I’m stunned into silence for a moment. In fact, I’m horrified and exclaim, “That’s a dreadful term!” My English is improving, and I’ve understood what he’s said. I’m still not as confident at speaking but I know that I must keep practising. “So, is it expected to rain anytime soon?”
He just shakes his head. “Man, animals, and even the vegetation awaits Mother Nature’s decision. But, with any luck, the annual rains will commence in November like they normally do.”
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