The Last Maasai Warriors by Wilson Meikuaya, Jackson Ntirkana and Susan McClelland.
The Blurb
How two young Maasai tribesmen became warriors, scholars, and leaders in their community and to the world. They are living testament to a vanishing way of life on the African savannah. Wilson and Jackson are two brave warriors of the Maasai, an intensely proud culture built on countless generations steeped in the mystique of tradition, legend and prophecy. They represent the final generation to literally fight for their way of life, coming of age by proving their bravery in the slaying of a lion. They are the last of the great warriors. Yet, as the first generation to fully embrace the modern ways and teachings of Western civilization, the two warriors have adapted; at times seamlessly, at times with unimaginable difficulty; in order to help their people. They strive to preserve a disappearing culture, protecting the sanctity of their elders while paving the way for future generations. At this watershed moment in their history, the warriors carry the weight of their forbearers while embracing contemporary culture and technology. While their struggle to achieve this balance unfolds exquisitely in this story, their discoveries resonate well beyond the Maasai Mara.
About the Authors
Wilson Meikuaya was born in Maji Moto, in the Narok South District of Kenya. He made the leap from a traditional background into a contemporary life by combining his love for the outdoors and his passion for education by studying wildlife and botany in university. Wilson has worked with Me to We and Free The Children since 2007. He lives in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Jackson Ntirkana was born in the Narok South District into a family of nine sisters and 12 brothers. A passionate naturalist, Jackson emerged from his warrior upbringing into the modern world, studying botany and guiding in university. In addition to working with Me to We and Free The Children in Kenya since 2007, Jackson is also very proud farmer. He lives in the Maasai Mara, Kenya.
Susan McClelland is an award-winning investigative journalist and feature magazine and book writer. Her first book,Bite of the Mango, has been published in over 25 countries and won many national and international awards, including the Red Maple award for non-fiction and the Norma Fleck Award. Her latest book,The Tale of Two Nazanins, was published in May 2012.
My Review
This is the story of two Maasai young men, and their struggle to survive in a unforgiving environment, the Maasai Mara in Kenya which can only sustain the tribes and their cattle until inevitable drought and the long journey to the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania, beleaguered with lions. The Maasai males are raised not to flinch with pain nor to show no fear or this will bring great shame to the family if not the whole village. The Maasai are ruled by the elders, although very wise, do not know the ways of the world outside of their habitat. However, they have enough wisdom to realise that the world is going through environmental change and have conceded that the young generation needs to be educated in order for their culture to survive. They have great respect for the culture of others which has brought some influence as to how they live. I personally would like to see the Maasai tribes continue making a bridge with the western world and perhaps we can be influenced by their ways and make amends to how we have mistreated this world. A wonderful read about amazing people.
