New York Times bestselling author and Rutgers alumna Imbolo Mbue visited the Honors College as part of the Summer One Read during Welcome Week. Her book, How Beautiful We Were, was read by first-year students during the summer, an experience intended to foster a community-wide discussion around a contemporary social issue or theme that is deeply intertwined with social impact and inclusive excellence, in preparation for the first-year HC mission courses.
Through her books, Mbue hopes to lift up the stories of those whose perspectives may otherwise be overlooked. “I had a fascination with people who wanted to overthrow systems of injustice,” said Mbue. “That came from the fact that I grew up in the 80s and 90s, in a postcolonial world. I admired the countries that were fighting against neocolonialism, and admired the dissidents fighting in Africa against these systems. I always wondered what it was like to be a part of a movement—what was it like for a small community to fight a bigger power?”
Varying perspectives in the book remind readers about the humanity of people on all sides of conflict. Mbue seeks to give everyone’s stories a space, whether they be the victim of oppressive systems or those in control. “Desires, hopes, and dreams are found in the humans on both sides, not just one,” said Mbue. “When you write stories, you realize that humans are more complicated than you’ve ever imagined. I didn’t only just want to write a story about big bad corporations, because there are many different sides to history. I wanted to tell the complete story about all the different factors that conspired to destroy or to build up a community, because this story happens in all places all over the world.”
"How Beautiful We Were" had a large emotional impact on me; particularly as it exposed the points of view of the different members of Thula's family,” said Shraddha Rahul (‘28, SOE/HC). “Learning each person's origins, their inner hopes, despairs, and desires, as well as the generational trauma woven into the family made the book's subjects feel real.”
Just as the book covered the perspectives of multiple characters, students contributed their own variety of interpretations and questions. Students engaged with complex topics depicted in the book, including questions about the role of government, activism, globalization, gender roles, and violence.
“Imbolo Mbue’s story and characters entertain a perspective that may be unfamiliar, yet stands as a picture of the harsh reality in places where many humans live today,” said Gavin Wagner (‘24, SEBS/SOE/HC), one of the members of the Summer One Read Committee of HC students and staff who chose the book last spring. “The tragedies experienced throughout the novel are not new, and they won’t go anywhere unless future generations consider the unexpected consequences of progress as we know it.”
Mbue said her decision to use the point of view of children reflected how the vulnerable are often failed by those in power. Although How Beautiful We Were takes place in a fictional village in Africa, Mbue specifically mentioned being inspired by the plight of children during events like the Flint (MI) water crisis and the Sandy Hook (CT) shooting.
Although the young have the most to lose because of the decisions of their elders, they represent the hope of a brighter future. They are passed the baton of activism and progress by those who came before them, and their curiosity allows them to challenge systems that may be taken for granted by older generations.
“‘What can we do?’ That is a question we must ask for ourselves,” said Mbue. “Engage yourself in what is happening in the world around you, or else you become complacent and part of the problem. Now that you know that there is a problem, what are you going to do about it?”
"How Beautiful We Were" was, to me, the perfect read before college,” said Cherry Ngo (‘28, SAS/HC). “The story of the people of Kosawa and how they persevered to fight against corporations despite the odds renewed my sense of purpose. It made me realize the impact I could make on the world, no matter the outcome. With humanity, compassion, and passion, anyone could change the community around them and even beyond.”
By being open to the stories and perspectives of others, students—future leaders—can continue the fight for a better world, she noted. “I see myself in you, the students. It’s such a joy to know that something you say may make a difference to somebody. Who knows, maybe someone here today will write a book or lead a movement. It’s just a privilege to know that I had a chance to speak with you all, and also learned from you, because you had a lot to say.”