Sofia Samatar's Ogres Of East Africa

Sofia Samatar’s “Ogres of East Africa” chronicles Alibhai Moosajee’s quest to collect information about East African ogres for his British employer. Samatar skillfully alternates between Alibhai’s official accounts of the ogres, intended for his employer, and his personal accounts etched into the margins of his catalogue. Samatar creates a two-sided story—one side intended to reach Alibhai’s employer and one side that will never be deciphered by him. The two sides of Samatar’s story represent the two opposing stories of imperialism in Africa. The imperialist’s story was one of conquest, power, and disregard for the indigenous people, while the indigenous people’s story was one of resentment and disillusionment. Samatar is insinuating that by not having the desire and the …show more content…
Alibhai is intrigued by Mary, and wants to know more about her. When Alibhai first inquires about Mary’s background, she is very reluctant to share anything with him. She says, defensively, “I have told you not to ask me these types of questions! I have only come to tell you about ogres! Give me the money!” (Samatar, 3-4) In an effort to atone for his intrusiveness, Alibhai makes the statement, “I, too, am an African.” (Samatar, 4) Mary responds, with her mouth twisted, “So is Kibugi.” (Kibugi is an ogre.) Through his experiences in Africa with Mary, Alibhai feels as though he has made a crucial connection. In this moment, Mary and Alibhai come to a mutual understanding. Mary realizes that she can trust Alibhai, as he has something in common with her and with the ogres. Mary realizes that he does not want to hurt her and her people because he feels as though he is one of them. On the other hand, Alibhai realizes that instead of searching for a straight-forward response to who Mary is, he should listen deeper into the stories she is telling