Woman who escaped Malawi writes book

7:51pm Thursday 15th May 2008

A RETIRED barrister who escaped the oppressive regime of Malawi and now lives in Bolton has written a book about her homeland.

Rosemary Argente wants to educate people about the African nation, its history and cultures.

She is hoping recent interest in the country, sparked by the adoption of Malawian children by pop star, Madonna, will increase the appeal of her book.

The book, Always With You - A Malawi Legacy, has just been self-published by Ms Argente.

The 78-year-old, a member of the African Community Association of Bolton, said: "Forty years ago my mother suggested I publish a book of my family. Her words were my inspiration.

"It took me two years to research and write and I would describe this book as a history of the country told through people - members of my family."

The mother-of-one moved to England 28 years ago at the age of 50, she has been living in Bolton for the past nine years, having settled in the Tonge Moor area.

She said: "The main reason I left the country was because of the oppressive nature of the regime and there was no freedom of speech. But the culture and customs I encountered while I was there have remained with me and I wanted to write this book, using my family, to tell the story of the country."

Ms Argente's research took her back to 1761.

"The history of the country is told through seven woman and one man. It is told in their words from me speaking to elder members of my family and through notes dating back to 1761.

"Through my research I found a lot of interesting facts from the changes before and after the Europeans came to the country, to modern-day politics. The book explores slavery, colonisation, clans and so much about the Malawi way of life."

"I also found out that some of my family clan were involved in helping the Arabs in the slave trade, that is one skeleton in the family cupboard."

The author - who has written two other books; Moments of the Occasion and Katherine of The Wheel - will be staging a book launch and signing in the Victoria Hall, Walker's Suite in Knowsley Street, Bolton, between 11am and 3pm on Friday.

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