This book
swiftly introduces the reader to African writing generally over the years, and
decades; including many key writers, and books. It is unfortunate that some
writers who might be household names in their home countries might not be known
at all in other African countries. But it is good to learn.
A negative
here is that too few female writers are focused on in this book, though in
general quite a number of them are mentioned. At least there is a chapter on
Grace Ogot, an early outstanding east African woman writer. I also liked the
tribute to Assia Djebar, a truly brilliant north African female scholar and
creative writer.
Essays here
include pieces on Ola Rotimi, Sonne Dipoko, Don Mattera, Peter Abrahams, Amos
Tutuola, Njabulo Ndebele, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lebuso, Okot
p'bitek, Mbulelo Mzamane, O Bolaji, Asare Konadu, and Camara Laye. There
is also an interesting piece on Literary Criticism/Critics in Africa.
-
Madolyn Chukwu
Just to point out that there is a sequel to this book, titled Further Glimpses into African Literature (2018). It is edited by Mr Soqaga, together with Chief O Bolaji.
ReplyDeleteWhat might be startling is the sheer number and variety of African writers, male and female over the decades.
ReplyDeleteSeems like a book that simplifies African literature, which is good. I don't know why academics in particular seem to want to drive readers away, instead of encouraging them to read!
ReplyDeleteOne read many African books over the decades, and when one considers that these works were something of a drop in the ocean where African writing is concerned, one can imagine the mammoth nature of how our literature has developed over the decades etc. Books such as this at least try to introduce some pertinent works to us
ReplyDelete