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Loading... Entrapped in My Own Shellby Yvonne Marie Tiandem-Adamou
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Entrapped in my Own Shell is a fascinating and inspiring story of one woman's struggle to overcome the sexism and corruption of her native Cameroon by seeking refuge in the United States where she now lives and has provided means for her extended family to share in her success. This book would be of interest to diverse audiences from women seeking moral support and students in Ethnic/Black studies, to Americans interested in learning about other cultures. No library descriptions found. |
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The book begins with an account of Tiandem-Adamou’s first marriage which failed because it was founded in a deception. She goes on to show that the deception was framed by African traditional and tribal attitudes which work to subjugate women and make them second class citizens who are not accorded treatment equal to men within the paradigm of Cameroonian society. She unfolds this by giving in turn an account of her childhood, her education, her relationship with her mother and finally her immigration to the United States. Along the way, she becomes a forceful advocate for the just treatment of women.
Tiandem-Adamou earned a degree in Law from the University of Buea in her home country, and later earned a master’s degree in theology from Xavier University of Lousiana. At the end of the book there is a chapter called “Reflection.” This begins as a sermon on the importance of self love and the importance of the unique gifts that we each receive. Tiandem-Adamou argues that discernment of these gifts is the foundation for a successful life and that the nurture and realization of these gifts is the means to the abundant life promised by Christ in St. John. This sermon becomes a hymn of gratitude for the success that she has achieved in her life.
In this process, Tiandem-Adamou comes alive as a positive and dynamic personality. “My perseverance was the key to a successful life,” she says. In her life she has been like a force of nature which cannot be denied such as the tides or perhaps a tsunami. Her story is down to earth and heroic at the same time. I wish to offer here a personal word gratitude for her courage and effort to share her experience. ( )