Reviewed By Matilda Phiri There are books that entertain us, and then there are books that haunt us — that sit with us long after we close the final page, whispering questions that pierce the heart and stir the conscience. Petals of Blood by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o is one such book. It is not a mere novel; it is an awakening. Reading it felt like walking through the wounds and dreams of a continent still learning how to breathe after centuries of suffocation. When I first opened the pages, I expected a story about post-colonial Kenya, but I found a reflection of Africa itself — a continent full of promise yet bleeding from betrayal. Ngũgĩ does not write to please. He writes to provoke, to challenge, and to open eyes that have been taught to look away. The novel begins in the small village of Ilmorog, a place forgotten by the modern world, left behind by the false promises of independence. The people live simple, painful lives under the burning African sun, waiting for rain that never comes. ...

  The Christmas season is a special and meaningful time that calls us to slow down, enjoy life, and take genuine care of one another. In the middle of busy schedules, loud celebrations, and social expectations, Christmas gently reminds us of what truly matters. In my opinion, when we rush through this season without reflection, we miss its greatest gift. Christmas is a season of sharing. Families gather to share food, stories, laughter, and memories. Communities come together, and even strangers find reasons to smile at one another. Sharing does not require wealth; it requires a willing heart. A simple meal, a kind word, or a helping hand can change someone’s Christmas entirely. Food is meant to bring people together, not to promote waste or competition. Let us eat, enjoy, and be grateful, while remembering those who have little. Love stands at the center of Christmas. It is a time to forgive old wounds, restore broken relationships , and choose peace over pride. Many people carry...

  Once upon a time, there lived a man who was tired of being alone and wanted to get married. But every time he asked a girl to marry him, she would say no. He eventually became so lonely that he fashioned a very beautiful and unique girl out of clay for himself. After she magically came to life, the two loved each other very much and were inseparable. Unfortunately, in another village far away, there was another man who had heard about this unique and beautiful girl and decided he wanted her for himself. One day, when the girl's husband had left his house, the other man came to the house and told the girl that he wanted to take her to his wealthy village to marry her. He boasted that he was a very rich man with mansions and cars, and that she would never suffer in her whole life. Although the girl refused, the man persisted until she went with him. When the husband returned home, he learned that his wife had been taken away by another wealthy man and asked the hawk to go and bring...

  Queen Cleopatra VII remains one of the most studied leaders of the ancient world. Her fame is often wrapped in romance and myth, yet beneath those layers stands a woman of remarkable intellect, strategy, and political skill. Born into the Ptolemaic dynasty, she ascended the throne at just 18, leading Egypt during a period of political tension and foreign influence. She ascended the throne in 51 BC when the Roman Empire was tightening its grip on the Mediterranean. What made her exceptional was her ability to confront this pressure with intelligence and calculated diplomacy. Cleopatra was highly educated, fluent in several languages, and the first Ptolemaic ruler to speak Egyptian. This alone showed her understanding of leadership. She wanted to be seen not as a foreign queen, but as a true pharaoh who belonged to the land she ruled. Her Major Policies and Leadership Decisions Cleopatra was not only a political figure; she was a reformer. She implemented several policies that stre...

  Life often throws challenges our way — heartbreaks, disappointments, financial struggles, or health issues. These moments can easily push us toward negativity, self-doubt, and fear. Yet, in all this, one silent force can transform the way we experience life: positive thinking. It is more than a cheerful mood; it is a mindset — a way of viewing the world that influences our actions, relationships, and destiny. Positive thinking does not mean ignoring pain or pretending everything is perfect. It means facing difficulties with faith, hope, and courage. It is choosing to believe that things will get better, even when there is no clear sign of change. This mindset gives us the strength to rise again after every fall. When we think positively, we begin to attract positive energy. Our thoughts shape our emotions, and our emotions guide our actions. If you constantly think “I can’t,” your mind shuts down, but when you say “I will find a way,” your mind opens to solutions. This simple...

  Adult Tales:  An Anthology of Fictions  is a book by Matilda Phiri, an award-winning Malawian author, poet, model, and entrepreneur. The book is a collection of fictional stories that are inspired by the traditional Malawian art of oral storytelling and provide valuable life lessons for adults.   About the book Malawian folk tradition : Phiri’s writing draws on the Malawian cultural tradition of using stories to pass down wisdom and guidance. The tales are intended for adult readers and explore the complexities of modern life. Timeless lessons : The anthology covers a range of topics relevant to everyday life, offering insights and reflections for leading a more fulfilling life. Movie potential : Phiri has expressed that the book's fiction, which addresses modern dating, relationships, and unemployment in Malawi, would make a great movie script. Publication : The book was published in 2025 by Phil Stationery & General Dealers, a company where Phiri is the manag...

Headaches are fairly common during pregnancy, especially in the first and third trimesters. They can range from mild tension headaches to more severe types like migraines. Here’s an overview of causes, safe treatments, and when to seek help. 🩺 Common Causes 1. Hormonal changes: Rising hormone levels and increased blood volume can trigger headaches, particularly early in pregnancy. 2. Fatigue and stress: Lack of rest, emotional stress, or tension can contribute to headaches. 3. Low blood sugar or dehydration: Skipping meals or not drinking enough water can cause headaches. 4. Caffeine withdrawal: If you cut down or stop caffeine suddenly, headaches may occur for a few days. 5. Poor posture: As pregnancy progresses, posture changes and muscle strain (especially in the neck and shoulders) can trigger pain. 6. Sinus congestion: Increased blood flow and hormonal effects can cause nasal congestion, leading to sinus headaches. 💊 Safe Relief Measures Before taking any medication, consult you...

In today’s competitive economy, every business—large or small—must regularly assess its performance to ensure it remains profitable, efficient, and sustainable. Business performance analysis helps companies identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. Below is a practical guide on how to analyze business performance using real Malawian examples. 1. Financial Performance Financial performance reveals whether a business is making profit and growing sustainably. Key indicators include revenue growth, profit margins, return on investment (ROI), and cash flow. Example: If Shoprite Malawi reports MK10 billion in revenue this year compared to MK8 billion last year, it shows a 25% increase. However, if net profit declines due to high operating costs, the company needs to address expense management despite strong sales. 2. Customer Performance Customers determine the survival of any business. Measuring customer satisfaction, retention, and acquisition helps assess brand lo...

  SkyReach Foundation is a Malawi-based nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children through school fees, nutrition, healthcare, and other essential needs. Our mission is to empower children to dream big and bridge the gap between their wishes and opportunities, giving them the chance to build a brighter future. We believe that no child should be held back by poverty or lack of access to basic needs. Every young boy and girl deserves to sit in a classroom, enjoy a healthy meal, and receive medical care when needed. This vision began with Emmanuel Magombo, Steve Mussa, Janaheli Makanjila, Elliot Nasolo and Esme Kaunda. This team of passionate individuals saw the struggles faced by children in underprivileged communities. Many bright young minds drop out of school because of unpaid fees, many go to bed hungry, and others suffer silently due to lack of healthcare. SkyReach Foundation was born as a response to these challenges — a beacon of hope for families who often feel forgot...