Wednesday, February 7, 2007

“Sunset on Polygamy”

Sunset on Polygamy

By Joseph R. Alila

ISBN No. 1-4241-6684-5

“Sunset on Polygamy”
Overview: In this African cultural-anthropological drama, the author (Joseph Alila) explores such universal issues as, competitive love and romance, spiritualism and moral conduct and orderliness, farming, fairness, power structure, conflicts and conflict resolution, all within the context of a polygamous Luo home, as seen through a grown-up child’s eyes. Beyond the polygamous home, the author takes us through an anthropological communal tour on the spiritual underpinnings of such issues as farming, death and mourning, marriage, remarriage, courtship, moral law and order, and power within Luo communal unit. He delicately addresses the conflict between (arcane) cultural practices and spiritual understanding of a disease and its cures, on one side, versus proven modern medical evidence and understanding of a disease epidemic and its management, on the other. This conflict destined a people to a tragic death. If STDs are difficult to manage among certain groups, STD becomes unmanageable when into polygamy is factored a spiritual interpretation of all diseases. “Sunset on Polygamy” is a must read for all men and women, more so social workers, anthropologists, and policy makers who are often called upon to work with populations they hardly can understand. It also is a light romantic reading for all who are enjoined or must one day be enjoined to someone in marriage. Among other things, the author teaches that even in a polygamous home, the man and every woman must communicate, must play, must occasionally visit, verbally and mentally, one-on-one, because they are human, and very exceptional ones at that to survive ‘the grind’ that is polygamy. This one-on-one communication between all parties must happen even as families move through crises. It also is the best way to reminisce in your cool-down days, as you remember your less than noble high-school days. To order SUNSET ON POLYGAMY (by Joseph R. Alila) ISBN No. 1-424-1-6684-5 go to www.PublishAmerica.com/Bookstore.

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