Review of Why Are You Crying, Mama?

[Mariam Sulymon]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Why Are You Crying, Mama?" by Thang Za Dal.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Why Are You Crying Mama? tells a beautiful story about a young woman named Jane who falls in love with a young black man called John after he saves her from a car accident. Jane tries to find John after this incident, but her efforts prove abortive. She finally gives up her search for him but stumbles upon him by chance after accompanying her aunt to a party. Her parents, Paul and Christine, help John after he overstays his visa. Jane and John get married and have a child called Jennifer, despite John's initial reluctance to produce colored children who will face the discrimination he has faced. The book depicts the family's struggle against the racial discrimination they experienced. As a result of this racial discrimination, John leaves his wife and child, Jennifer and later enlists in the army. Jane remarries Thomas, a former lover and they have a child named Sarah. During the war, Jane's life demonstrates empathy, kindness and bravery, even as she dealt with her own grief after loosing family and friends. She met a medical officer, Lieutenant Daniel Vogt and it was love at first sight for both of them. They have a brief tryst which produced Victor, her third child.
The book was expertly written and edited flawlessly. The author predominantly portrays various religious concepts, focusing mainly on Buddhism and Christianity, with lesser references to Judaism, Hinduism, and Islam. The protagonist raises questions that makes the reader ponder his religion. I disliked Jane's detachment after she finds out that Jennifer is alive and waits for Jennifer to contact her first. She also lets her fear of flying hinder her from attending important events in her children's lives.
I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. I found nothing to dislike about the book. I found no typographical errors and overall, it was an interesting read.

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Why Are You Crying, Mama?
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