Season of Migration to the North

Season of Migration to the North, by Tayeb Salih, was a pretty complicated and difficult text to understand the subtle and NOT so subtle messages contained within the book. Having limited, at best, knowledge of the Sudanese culture in the post-colonial time and how Sudanese men might transition from their culture to Britain, I read with interest the journeys of two men. Each man was given the opportunity to travel to Britain to further their education. While we learn little about the narrator's time away, the antagonist journey gives some insight as to some struggles that may have existed at that time, albeit pretty dark ones. The struggle of male/female roles within Sudanese culture, the struggle of black/white culture in Britain and the frightening way people can be devoid of feeling, all make for a gripping and keen attempt to follow the journey of 2 men following very different paths. While the book for me was troubling on so many levels, the depth of complexity into the mind of two men, one who chose his path and one who struggled to find meaning, left me with more conviction to the path I hope to choose in my life. As a life coach (not sure many knew that or not), I always try and encourage people to connect their journey to their values. In many ways, this book gives some deep understanding to how backgrounds dictate emotions and choices. I, like many I am sure, wonder whether Mustafa, unlike all of his woman he has had in his life, lived and continue the circle of life, or actually has drowned. Not surprised this dark and perplexing book is viewed as a favorite in the country.