Mama Nepele Character Analysis in The Girl Who Smiled Beads

Mama Nepele is Rob’s mother. She lives with Mama Dina and the rest of Rob’s family in Uvira, Zaire. She is gentle and attentive, always making sure that Clemantine has what she needs. She joins Clemantine and Claire in Kazimia when they leave Uvira. When Clemantine gets very sick in Kazimia, Mama Nepele carries her on her back to the hospital and reads the Bible to her until she is better.

Mama Nepele Character Timeline in The Girl Who Smiled Beads

The timeline below shows where the character Mama Nepele appears in The Girl Who Smiled Beads. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Rob’s mother, Mama Nepele , is gentler than Mama Dina. She holds Clemantine’s hand whenever she speaks to her.... (full context)

...Every night, the family eats dinner together around a shared pot. Because Clemantine eats slowly, Mama Nepele always puts aside a plate for her so that she doesn’t miss out on seconds.... (full context)

...to Mariette in a hospital like a “regular person.” The town showers her with gifts. Mama Nepele teaches Clemantine and other young girls how to take care of the new baby. Clemantine... (full context)

...they didn’t get along. Clemantine once lost Claire’s watch, and Claire never forgave her. When Mama Nepele joins them, Clemantine is happy. (full context)

...in a compound in Kigoma. There is no food, so everyone drinks tea. One day, Mama Nepele prepares a pot of tea with used leaves and tells Claire to serve it to... (full context)

One day, Mama Nepele sends Clemantine, Dina, Mwasiti and the other kids to fetch water. They walk 20 minutes,... (full context)

...People line up at his door, screaming and crying, hoping he’ll chase away the evil. Mama Nepele wakes early and waits in line at the mill, trying to beat the rush. When... (full context)

...gets sick with malaria and malnutrition. She can’t eat and is too weak to walk. Mama Nepele ties Clemantine’s skinny 10-year-old body to her back and takes her to the hospital. The... (full context)

Narrative, Memory, and Fragmentation Theme Icon

...quickly, and then the family leaves for Uvira. But Uvira is no better than Kazimia. Mama Nepele sends the kids over the hill to look for sweet potato leaves, but the vines... (full context)

One day, there is shooting that lasts for days. Mama Nepele sneaks out for water and mixes it with sugar to give to Claire. The next... (full context)