what about African Writers
By tumenoa
@tumenoa (58)
Uganda
November 25, 2008 5:48am CST
I have read many comments about reading, but i have not read any about African writers. Take an example of Chinua Achebe's novel "Things Fall Apart", it is one of the greatest novels ever written. I implore you to read it, and see if u will not find it amusing. African literature has grown with time, with writers in poetry, prose and novels themselves. Many Africans have written novels that are interesting. i could give an example of "the concubine" by C.Amadi. However, these writers have been neglected by the readers yet their novels are morally edifying and inspirational. There is so much to discuss about African writers that i feel nobody shares my feelings about it. But i wish there is somebody out there who shares my opinion about African literature.
4 responses
@Conker (16)
• United States
26 Nov 08
I just finishing reading A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah. It is simultaneously both the most heart wrenching yet inspiring story I have ever read. I typically read about 3 books a week but this is one of those rare stories that will always leave a lasting impression on me. This book is a true story written by Mr. Beah which gives a heart wrenching insight into the war in Sierra Leone. After reading this you will feel outraged that similar wars are still going on and people in the Congo are being raped and murdered in their homes at this moment. Mr. Beah was an innocent child when insurgent rebels destroyed his village. I was amazed again and again at the resilience of this child and his desire to live that was so strong he would do anything to get out of this mess. Forces beyond his control led him to become a child soldier who experienced heart breaking atrocities. He had to become a soldier if he wanted to stay alive. I do not want to ruin the whole story for you but this is a must read for anyone interested in African literature.
@Conker (16)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Also, have you read any Alexandra some Fuller. He has written some amazing stories about her childhood growing up Zimbabwe(ten know as Rhodesia). She is another great African author I can thin of. Can you recommend any African books/authors? I love reading about Africa.
@Conker (16)
• United States
26 Nov 08
Another amazing story by an African author is Don't Lets Go to the Dogs Tonight by Alexandra Fuller. She tells the story of being born and raised in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe)although her parents are of British descent. She is a gifted storyteller and I would definately recommend this one. Have you read any other African literature you can suggest to me?
@tumenoa (58)
• Uganda
26 Nov 08
Hello coker i feel your interest in African literature is about mostly war novels and the aftermath of the war. Maybe i can draw your attention to novels whiten about the colonial system and the after-colonial era. hey are very interesting. one i can give is 'God's bits of wood' by Ousuman sembene. its about a strike in west Africa that took place in 1948-a real story. you can also read 'weep not, child' by Ngugi wa thiongo. This is about the MAu MAu rebellion against the British in Kenya. this is a thrilling story. I see that you have read Chinua Achebe's novel and you find it interesting, i would recommend other two of his novels. 'NO Longer At Ease' which is a continuation of things fall apart, and another one called A man of the people. Hope you will like them.
@sunshine1010 (146)
• Jamaica
28 Nov 08
Another good book by Chinua is " A Man of the People." He is such a wonderful author. Another good book is Double Yoke by Buchi Emecheta. I read it by chance and it was such a great story. This story speaks of how women are treated in African culture; the double standards really. It's an interesting read and will give you insight into the people. So check it out you will not regret it.
