Publisher's Synopsis
Wilma Williams' second novel is a powerful, explosive, thought provoking novel that will pique many emotions. Jamila and her daughter are the innocent victims of a custom that is nefarious in nature and a government that is indifferent. They are raped and debased, in the presence of their family, by soldiers of Kangolan, their province. Jamila is six months pregnant and her daughter is only nine years old! The soldiers leave Jamila and her daughter near death, her husband is dead, and her son is missing! A year later, on her way to the Retreat Center, she is accosted by rebel civilian men and again raped, beaten and left for dead, but she makes it to her destination, which is fourteen miles away! It is then that she determines she will dedicate her life to the extinction of these roving rebel forces, the custom of circumscising the female child, and government officials who don't care. She becomes the leader of an army of women, and is nicknamed, The Vanishing Panther, by the grateful people whom she helps. Studying, and using guerilla tactics and strategic plans of famous war generals, Jamila and her army are a formidable force that weakens and breaks down the cultural and governmental power structure. They seek out and receive justice when, united under one front, with one goal, they wreak havoc on their tormentors and change the way women and children are treated in Africa! Live every fearful, exhilerating, dangerous and victorious moment with Jamila as she fights a war against customs that have held the female and children population hostage. Cheer for her as she climbs mountains and wages through valleys to overcome for all women the second-class treatment they receive, and for all children....a chance to live and be a child!
