Upon This Mountain

Upon This Mountain is a coming-of-age story that explores the conflict between Christian beliefs and traditional African customs in rural Uganda. The film follows Mwambu, a schoolboy who is determined to climb to the top of his village's mountain, only to discover that his father has never tried to reach it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 01 January 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Upon this Mountain is a captivating coming-of-age story that delves into the complexities of reconciling Christian beliefs with ancient traditions in a rural Ugandan village. Set against a backdrop of profound religious change and colonialism, the novel follows the journey of Mwambu, a schoolboy living in eastern Uganda, as he embarks on a quest to climb to the highest peak of their village's mountain.

Mwambu is deeply rooted in his Christian faith, believing that if heaven exists, it must be at the summit of their village's mountain. However, he is surprised to learn that his father, a devout Christian, has never attempted to climb the mountain. Driven by curiosity and a desire to understand his father's beliefs, Mwambu sets out on a journey that will challenge his understanding of the world and himself.

As Mwambu climbs higher, he encounters a series of obstacles and challenges that test his physical and emotional strength. He faces the contradictions of his childhood, as the values of Christianity clash with the traditions of his ancestors. The path to adulthood becomes increasingly treacherous, as Mwambu struggles to navigate between his faith and his cultural heritage.

Through his journey, Mwambu learns to appreciate the beauty of his village and the rich cultural heritage that has shaped his identity. He discovers the importance of respecting and honoring the traditions of his ancestors, while also finding ways to incorporate his Christian beliefs into his daily life.

Upon this Mountain is a powerful exploration of the human condition, exploring themes of faith, tradition, and identity. Timothy Wangusa's writing is vivid and evocative, bringing the characters and landscapes of rural Uganda to life. The novel offers a unique perspective on the complexities of cultural change and the search for meaning in a changing world.

In conclusion, Upon this Mountain is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of religion, culture, and personal growth. Timothy Wangusa's powerful storytelling and vivid portrayal of rural Uganda make this a captivating and thought-provoking novel that will leave readers reflecting on the complexities of faith and identity for years to come.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035900886