A Marriage of Dolls by JB Omukangala

This is a bare tale of life on campus where many students finally get the chance to swim in freedom as adults. This book explores sexual relationships amongst students and between students and workers within or around the institutions. For instance, Richi suddenly becomes a fearless philanderer after joining campus. He enters into many short relationships with the sole purpose of exploring girls sexually. He ends up marrying Kajuju, a woman who was just preying on him unaware that he was the real predator. However, he doesn't stop being a philanderer; he impregnates a first-year student at KIMC and vanishes. He also rekindles his illicit relationship with NyarSiaya, a married woman who was once his girlfriend on campus. Some, like Bobo, are saved but also want to enjoy being laid regularly. Since serving two masters is difficult, they choose what is easier, exciting and enjoyable, thus leaving the altar for clubs and dingy rooms. This doesn’t have a happy ending as some of them end up pregnant, addicted to drugs or seriously heartbroken for having high expectations and being too ambitious. The dating scene at campus is dominated by emotions, temporary excitements and curiosity to try new things. Therefore, peer pressure, material possessions and power play a significant role in deciding who dates who and for how long. In this case, one’s character is disregarded or overshadowed by power and material possessions. Nonetheless, we have students who date with purpose and decorum and end up building families. Others, like Sammy wa Jesus, abstain from sexual relationships and focus on their studies and serving in church. This also pays off for those who genuinely choose to walk the path. Campus Diaries is a mesmeric novel that will not only make you smile as you watch the characters in action, but will also get you onto several cliffs of pleasure and desires.