Writer Interview Mamet

Queenie B: Thank you for contacting us and sending us your book. I've enjoyed reading it and am looking forward to this writer interview Mamet.

Mamet: I'm happy that you have enjoyed reading it, because it is dear to my heart.

Queenie B: That brings me to my first question. This book is a fiction book, with nonfiction truisms about cultural practices in Islamic and non-Islamic Africa, correct?

Mamet: Yes.

Queenie B: Okay. It's unclear to me where Kumba's tribe is from. Is the tribe in Africa?

Mamet: Yes, Kumba is from the Temne Tribe located in Sierra Leone. The Temne were considered warriors. My late Grandfather was a chief in a Temne village.

Queenie B: Wow! I was unaware the Islamic religion is so widespread in Africa. I'm learning so much already from this writer interview Mamet!

Queenie B: Is Kumba or any other character in the book based on someone you know personally?

Mamet: I am a Kumba, and millions of other girls around the world are Kumba. We can all relate to this story. That is why I wrote this book.

Queenie B: Obviously these practices cause women to suffer terribly. For this writer interview Mamet, can you explain how these traditions got started and how they continue to affect women today?

Mamet: To be honest with you, it's a tradition that started before colonial days. It has caused me stress throughout my life mentally and physically, especially when I have to visit my GYN doctor. It’s embarrassing to answer questions of what has happened to me, if I have had female surgery done. Mentally it is hard to fulfill my marital vows due to the scars left after the circumcision.

Queenie B: I'm so sorry for your pain and suffering. It's very brave of you to share your experience with the world through this writer interview Mamet in hopes of helping other girls.

Mamet: Thank you for empathizing with my pain. I believe Hush Ma as it is written will bring to light the impact and effects that happen because of this practice. For example, the blade or knife used for the surgery or circumcision is not sterilized. It can cause one to bleed to death or tetanus.

Queenie B: In this writer interview Mamet, we want to get specific about the book. Let's talk about the main relationship you wrote about.

In the book, Kumba's fiancé, Sheku, tells her he is not condemning their culture, but does not want to put her through what his mother was forced to accept because she had no choice. Sheku further says he plans to go to America and then send for her to come and join him to be his ONLY wife. But in his absence, Kumba is taken and forced into the tribal custom on female circumcision. When her wedding day arrives and she cries to Sheku about what happened to her, he comforts her and reassures her of his love BUT also says he thought she knew that this was going to happen to her. He says he should have told her what to expect, but he didn't.

Why didn’t he? If he knew what would happen to her why not warn her? Wasn’t Sheku’s thinking on this matter also as educated as his thinking against polygamous marriages?

Mamet: Traditionally, and like the forefathers before them, men are not allowed to discuss or give an opinion about female circumcision. They'll be portrayed as been weak, nosy, and going against traditions initiated by a man. There's a myth that if a man discusses anything about the practice of female circumcisions, he'll encounter superstitious evil spells.

Queenie B: Even though he does not believe in those customs, he won't speak out against them?

Mamet: No it's a tradition that's been going on for a long time. Especially if you're from a Muslim background the men are led to believe that it's okay to marry more than one wife. I have read the Qur’an and the Bible and cannot find any passage that refers to this practice.

Queenie B: Is the education that's taking place today in hopes to help young women free themselves from these customs working? Are women from these tribes escaping?

Mamet: There are lots of Kumba’s out there, like in the book, that are bringing to light these evil practices. It is the now generation for us to share our experiences and help educate the ones who do not have the privileged to know the effect and psychological impact of polygamist marriages and female circumcisions. As a victim myself this book will be used to empower and educate the less privileged. Hence, I am allocating a portion of the proceeds to educate women and men in countries that are still practicing these customs.

Queenie B: I noticed the back of the book says "A Mamet Trade Paperback." Do you publish and print your own books yourself?

Mamet: I have full rights to my book. JC Communications print and market the book through Barnes&Noble, Amazon.com, justbookz.com, etc.

Queenie B: Well we think what you are doing is wonderful. We will pray that your message gets to the world and that some of these horrible practices are stopped or at least prevented. Is there anything else you think we should let our readers know from this writer interview Mamet?

Mamet: Thank you for giving me the time to share Hush Ma with you and your readers. I have a website the readers can visit at MametBooks where I’ve pasted some photos of this evil practice. Hush Ma is the beginning of a new change in enlightening our readers as well as our society in ending polygamist marriages and female circumcision. I believe sharing your insight and views of Hush Ma with your book club readers will help bring about the change that we look forward to.

Queenie B: Thank you again for your taking the time for this writer interview Mamet and good luck!

Mamet: Thanks for the time and interview. God bless you and your family and have a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.