Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali

Despite their cultural and racial differences, Monique and Holloway become very close friends. What shared morals and values enable their friendship to develop?

How did Holloway’s presence in Nampossela affect Monique’s life and attitude? How was Holloway’s life changed through her relationship with Monique? What challenges did they both face, and how did their cross-cultural relationship change both of their lives?

How is the Malian culture connected to the natural environment? What does this say about the societal construction of man’s relationship with the earth?

Are the Western cultural ideas that Holloway and John bring to Nampossela a benefit to the villagers or an intrusion? Are there any times when it is appropriate for foreigners to intrude on another culture?

Are some human rights truly inalienable? If so, what rights qualify? Consider these questions from the perspective of the basic rights and values that Monique and Holloway share and try to implement in the village.

What impact do religion, patriarchy, and rites of passage have on the people of Nampossela? Does their desire to hold onto these aspects of their society merit respect or criticism?

Why is Holloway angry about the village’s patriarchal institutions? How does she balance this anger between her friendship with Monique and her desire to avoid speaking from a place of cultural superiority?

How is Holloway and Monique’s relationship a symbol for the relationship between developed countries and third-world countries?