A History of Burning

Janika Oza | A History of Burning

Reviewed by: Jane Edwards

Janika Oza’s first novel tells the story of four generations of an Indo/Ugandan family. Based on her own family’s history along with stories from other community members, she tells a story of hardship, resilience and the human need for a home and a community of peace and security.

The novel opens in 1898 in Porbandar, India where we meet 14 year old Pirbhai as he searches for work to provide for his widowed mother and poverty-stricken siblings. With one life changing decision in response to an unscrupulous recruiter, he finds himself in Mombasa, Kenya working as a labourer in the building of a railway for a colonial British company. Eventually Pirbhai finds his way to work in a small shop in Mombasa, and through quick learning and intelligence wins the trust of the owner and marries into the family. The young couple move to Kampala, Uganda where the story of the family continues for two generations until 1972 and Idi Amin’s brutal forced migration of Indo/Ugandans. 

There are many protagonists in this story as the reader meets each generation. Each family member has their own goals and dreams and we hear the stories and thoughts of each member, their struggles to find a safe home and to belong. 

This novel is a page turner. I felt a strong relationship with many of the characters while reading their thoughts and dreams. Like people everywhere, this family yearns not only  to survive but to belong, to find community and a home of peace. Janika Oza has written a powerful story of the effects of racism, colonialism leading to forced migration. This is a book well worth reading for both the individual stories of each family member and how major historical events affected the family.

The Denman Island Readers and Writers Festival is delighted that Janika Oza is coming to the 2025 festival this coming July. She will be here to present her novel and join other invited Canadian authors to be part of a Main Stage discussion group. We are all looking forward to welcoming her to Denman Island.



×