Monique and the Mango Rains: Two Years with a Midwife in Mali

The book’s title is Monique and the Mango Rains. Why is weather so important in this story? What impact do the mango rains have on life in Nampossela? What do the mango rains symbolize in terms of Monique’s life and work?

Despite their cultural and racial differences, Monique and Holloway become very close friends. What shared morals and values enable their friendship to develop?

How did Holloway’s presence in Nampossela affect Monique’s life and attitude? How was Holloway’s life changed through her relationship with Monique? What challenges did they both face, and how did their cross-cultural relationship change both of their lives?