Of The Forbidden Fruit

Description

ABOUT THE BOOK

“Of The Forbidden Fruit” is a fictionalized yet true account set in Birambo, my home village. It begins by offering a brief glimpse of the village, deeply rooted in customs and tradition, and goes on to depict the devastating impact of the HIV epidemic.
The narrative revolves around Kamana, a sixteen-year-old boy, burdened by family and school troubles. In his pursuit of a better life, he leaves his village for Kigali, the capital city. Tragically, he unknowingly contracts HIV and brings it back to Birambo.
The story unfolds in several phases:
1. Kamana`s expulsion from school and his pursuit of employment in Kigali, from where he unintentionally introduces a deadly virus to Birambo.
2.Gaining scientific insights into HIV/AIDS from Doctor Motala.
4. Kamana`s efforts to make amends, including establishing a home-based care center, Birambo Cooperative Society, and Kamana`s Memorial Trust Fund.
4. Exploring the moral implications of sex and its connection to HIV/AIDS, with guidance from Father Dumer on responsible sexual conduct.
5. Kamana`s contemplation of the purpose of life, aligning with T.S.Eliot`s perspective that life involves birth, copulation, and death, but questioning the essence of these experiences.
6.Kmana`s conclusion that life appears inherently absurd and devoid of meaning.

In his final moments, Kamana confesses his deeds and seeks absolution from Father Dumer before passing away at the age of twenty-six.
The story illuminates the complexities of life, the consequences of one’s choices, and the profound impact of HIV/AIDS epidemic on individuals and communities.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr Emmanuel BYAMUKAMA was born in Karongi, Western Province in Rwanda. He received his education at Rilima college, in Eastern Province, obtaining a Secondary School Leaving Certificate. He pursued his higher education at the University of Rwanda, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, earning a Bachelor`s Degree in medicine and Surgery(MBBS), and later attended Tumaini University at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical College to achieve a Master of Medicine in Ophthalmology.
Dr Emmanuel Byamukama furthered his training at Aravind Eye Hospitals in India and the Cleveland eye clinic in Ohio, United States.

A senior Consultant and Senior Lecturer ( OPHT), he has worked as a Consultant opthalmologist and Eye Surgeon in Rwanda, collaborating with Fred Hollows Foundation. He has also held positions as the dean of the Faculty of Medicine and currently serves as the hospital Director General.
Emmanuel BYAMUKAMA is also a published scientist whose research spans the fields Nuclear Medicine and Ophthalmology.