Belonging in Africa was inspired by Jo Alkemade’s own experiences as a teenager living in Kenya in the 1970s. This coming-of-age love story explores the complexities of a young relationship where cultural differences, particularly in the realm of gender expectations, are deeply rooted.
Kenya in 1978 is an electrifying place for an 18-year-old. From wanton gyrations on the disco floor to dreams of a freedom all her own after finishing school and finally leaving her parents’ house… Sara is elated by life! When Sara falls wildly in love with Sam, she tweaks her plans. Their passion is perfect, but all too soon the outside world intrudes. Sam and Sara might be blind to the color of their skins, but everybody else knows that black and white should never mix. Sam confronts Sara’s father, who is horrified by his daughter’s choice of lover. He has other plans for his little girl. Sara is impressed by Sam’s resolve when he stands up to her father - but is she willing to set aside her own belief in equality to become what Sam expects of his woman? Could she ever entertain the idea of a polygamous relationship? Love is undeniable, but a future together in a complicated world may not be quite as easy as Sam and Sara imagine.
