“I am No 45, madam,” standing in the aisle smiling, indicating his seat with an open hand. “Oh… I am sorry, Rev Father,” moving into the aisle herself to let him pass to sit near the window and placing his handbag on his laps. “I am actually a nun; Sister Goody Melbourne Leslie,” extending a hand to greet him. “And I am Rev Fr Dr Baba’- Twineo Austin,” shaking hands, both all smiles. He added: “I could never place you in a convent with your veil off and no distinguishing habit. Sorry about the banal address I used…” “No no no no… Really, we are madams, but the vocational anointment adds a title that does interfere somehow with bland Madam. Our Congregation does not over-emphasize uniforms and veils but adherence to vows. Usually, the common floral splendor of many religious habits hardly constitutes the true soul of devotion in a religious vocation.” “Very true indeed. It is the holy bond that counts more. So, you are heading to… Africa?” “Yes, to my new country, Uganda.” “Oh, my God. My motherland!” “Really! What a coincidence, a blessing travelling with a countryman! I love your country. So many loving and God-fearing people despite the turbulence there. I run two Charitable Institutions: an Orphanage School and a budding Community Hospital. I am sure you have heard of St John the Baptist Hospital Complex…?” “Oh, yes! St John the Baptist and St Aloysius Complex,” looking at her with a new understanding. “Now I 10 remember you; you were in your vestments at the ceremony of opening that hospital officially by the Cardinal together with four Bishops. I was there as Diocesan Secretary for Education. The school and hospital must be growing fast now.”
Today we talk about Sins of Gods, of Saints and of the Gutter, a book by Peter Aringo-Bizimaana published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author Peter Aringo-Bizimaana to get to know him better, what prompted him to the writing of his book Sins of Gods, of Saints and of the Gutter, as well as the characteristics his audience should have to appreciate his book.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was that?
Writing the book was a product of many experiences: as a student and teacher of Literature for many years reading many books and coming into contact with varied writers through the word. That is how I began my own writing of those published literary articles attached to the brief CV I sent to your publisher. The final moment, perhaps, was the time I started thinking of finally writing a long story given the many facets of life experiences constantly crossing my mind, itching for elaboration.
- What characteristics your audience should have to appreciate your book?
I had in mind a mature audience such as College/university students and lecturers and also other mature readers appreciative of complexities of life in any political setting that drives citizens into dehumanisation. The ‘theological’ touch in the book was meant to lay a foundation for deep ethical thoughts to appreciate why every right-thinking human owes his existence to some Being that demands decent, moral living.
- What messages did you want to convey with your book?
The messages are multiple: questioning the modern political ‘gods’ who cause so much misery in our lives because they have lost any sense of moral obligations to fellow humans. I question, too, the role of conscious and unconscious ‘adoration’ of these demagogues by the common man perennially incapable of learning from his own follies. The hypocrisy of our so-called ‘moral leaders’ in Churches, too, comes under scrutiny.
- How would you describe your writing style?
I use what I call a ‘quietly’ satirical touch I mix with other helping styles such as description, dialogue and humour. But there is always that irony of character and situation behind my portrayal of especially the butts of my satire.
- Are you working on a new writing project?
Yes, I am polishing up another novel manuscript, ensuring I remove all rough edges that publishers dislike. It should be ready for sending to the editor within this month.
Europe Books thanks the author Peter Aringo-Bizimaana once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside him on the editorial path that led to the publication of his book Sins of Gods, of Saints and of the Gutter. We wish him the best of luck for his book and for his future works.
To you, my dear reader, I really wish that this book intrigues you, captures your curiosity and provide you with interesting moments of reflection on what you will read.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!