Advance Praise for
The First Woman

‘The First Woman is captivating, wise, humorous and tender: Makumbi has come back stronger than ever. This is a tale about Kirabo and her family, and her place in the world as she searches for her mother and a true sense of belonging. But most of all, this is a book about the stories that define us, and those we tell to redefine ourselves. A riveting read.’

Maaza Mengiste, author of The Shadow King

‘The First Woman is a wonder, as clear, vivid, moving, powerful, and captivatingly unpredictable as water itself… With wry wisdom, great humour, and deep complexity, Makumbi has created a feminist coming-of-age classic for the ages.’

Namwali Serpell, author of The Old Drift

‘A magnificent blend of Ugandan folklore and more modern notions of feminism… This book is a jewel.’

Kirkus (starred review)

‘[An] arresting bildungsroman… Kirabo, a strong, empathetic protagonist, reveals a society where women are routinely pitted against one another or silenced. This beautifully rendered saga is a riveting deconstruction of social perceptions of women’s abilities and roles.’

Publishers Weekly

‘Magnificent. The First Woman is ambitious and affecting in equal measure. It is that rare thing, a multifaceted novel guaranteed to stay with you long after you read it. Makumbi is indeed a singular talent.’

Tendai Huchu, author of The Hairdresser of Harare

‘Ugandan literature can boast of an international superstar in Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi.’

Economist

‘In The First Woman, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi takes the classic male quest for identity and turns it spectacularly on its head. Kirabo’s journey toward self-possession is a beautiful, wise, and exhilarating read.’

Lily King, author of Writers & Lovers

‘Makumbi writes with the assurance and wry omniscience of an easygoing deity.’

New York Times

‘In her characteristically page-turning and engaging style, Nansubuga lays bare the complex power dynamics of patriarchy, capitalism and neocolonialism, not through academic jargon but via that most effective tool of education – storytelling. An achingly beautiful tale.’

Prof. Sylvia Tamale, author of When Hens Begin to Crow:
Gender and Parliamentary Politics in Uganda

‘What a ride! I feel naked while reading Makumbi – because there is so much history, and cultural nuances packed into her novels… In The First Woman, you will be enamoured by the Ugandan folktales with witches, men and betrayal, or sympathize with the coming of age narrative, or find yourself plunged into patriarchy, colonialism, spread of religion and power dynamics. The First Woman is indefinitely layered.’

The Book Satchel, 10 Best Books of 2020

‘Superb. An intoxicating tale that combines mythic and modern elements to make the headiest of feminist brews.’

Irenosen Okojie, author of Nudibranch

‘Makumbi’s tale dazzles… This is Kirabo’s story and she is a wonderful heroine: headstrong, inquisitive and determined. The novel is rich with Luganda words and steeped in ancient Ugandan folklore, making it an immersive read. I loved it. As one character says: “Stories have such power you cannot imagine”.’

The Bookseller, Book of the Month