I was blind but now I see

Margareth Maganga, the author of ‘A Journey Through Darkness’ was not born visually impaired. One day, five years ago, when she was 19, Margareth went to bed seeing but woke up blind the following day.

She wrote the book to share her experience with the world. Just recently, she launched her book at a fund-raising dinner to help visually impaired pupils. She shares with Success a bit about her book and her reading habits.

What is ‘A Journey Through Darkness’ all about?

It narrates my experience when I suddenly woke up totally blind that fateful 11 January 2008. It depicts the shock, horror and despair of realising I could not see completely. It is about the love, support and hope from family and friends and the transforming nature of the experience and tenacity to strive and beat all odds to pursue my law degree.

The book is intended to inspire others not to give up hope and to never let adversity keep them from pursuing their goals. Royalties from the book shall go towards the Trust to help buy visual aids (among others) for visually impaired and partially sighted children as they pursue their education.

Are you working on another book?

Not at the moment, although people are asking me to write a sequel to A Journey through Darkness. Let’s wait and see.

Did you always want to be an author?

Surprisingly no. I had never thought of writing anything more than essays and letters. But when the opportunity arose, I was well advised to take it, so I did.

Can you share with us your favourite reads?

Hhmm…favourite? That is quite difficult, since each book has its own unique story, which speaks to me in a different way. However, these are my most memorable reads: ‘I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings’ by Maya Angelou, ‘Shame’ by Jasvinder Sanghera, ’Dreams From My Father’ by Barack Obama, ‘Kane & Abel’ by Jeffrey Archer and ‘Pains of a Maid’ by Sarah Mkhonza.

Any particular reasons why these books appeal to you?

The autobiographies depict the lives of these now renowned individuals and present them in a manner which the reader can relate.

Their experiences made them the strong, inspiring and influential people they are today. As for the fiction, these transcend me into different worlds where I am lost for just a while and amazed by the imaginative nature of the author.

Which books can you recommend?

I will be biased and say mine, ‘A Journey through Darkness’. I have received positive feedback from the readers who say they have been inspired, which was the intended purpose of the book. Recently, former Tanzania’s ambassador to the US Mwanaidi Sinare Maajar commented: “Your story tells not only your struggle to deal with your sudden blindness but also of your unwavering faith and connection to Almighty God, strong family support and a network of good friends. In Tanzania, where few tell their inspiring stories, your book is a must read for everyone.”

Have you played any role in improving the reading culture in Tanzania?

Yes, I am part of an initiative set up to encourage Tanzanians to read called ‘Let’s Read Tanzania,’ which was launched in October by former president Benjamin Mkapa.

Some of our strategies include targeting young children and young adults and making reading fun. We encourage parents to spend time reading with their children, we restock libraries and donate books to the underprivileged schools around the country. There is so much wisdom in books, people just have to ache for it.

How many books have you read so far?

Well since I could read? Quite a number! But for this year I have only read (and still reading) eight books. I don’t read as much as I used to but I still grab a book at every chance I get. And if we count the Bible, well I guess I read it all year.