Bridewealth, a kind of reverse dowry, serves not only to solemnize and stabilize a marriage but to unite families and clans. Newspaper sales were once low because Rwandans preferred to read in groups. Adekunle (history and anthropology, Monmouth U.) gives readers thousands of fascinating facts without glossing over the tragedies of the recent past. He focuses on the daily lives of the average Rwandans, those who prepare meals, work farms and desk jobs, and take their children to school. He gives a basic history, then describes Rwandan religious beliefs and world view, literature and media, art and architecture, cuisine and traditional dress, gender roles, marriage, family life, social customs, music and dance. He also provides the Rwandan National Anthem and its English translation, a glossary, and a well-chosen bibliography. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)