Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years With a Midwife in Mali by Kris Holloway is a poignant and inspiring account of friendship, courage, and change in one of the world’s most remote regions. The book chronicles the extraordinary life of Monique Dembele, a self-taught midwife who became a symbol of resilience and hope in a small West African village. As a young Peace Corps volunteer, Kris Holloway worked alongside Monique, offering healthcare and support in a place where childbirth was a constant struggle for survival. The bond between them transcended cultural boundaries, and together, they navigated the challenges of maternal health, gender roles, and social transformation.
In this heartfelt narrative, Holloway brings to light Monique’s bold activism for women’s rights, including her fight against female genital mutilation and her advocacy for birth control and education for her daughters. The story also captures the struggles Monique faced in her personal life, revealing the strength of her spirit and her enduring hope for a better future. Monique and the Mango Rains is a tribute to the power of friendship and the indomitable spirit of a woman who changed the lives of those around her.
