Western Fiction of every sort presently has more appeal to the bulk of African readers, not necessarily because of any literary superiority but because of an unwillingness of the former to evolve.
Western Fiction of every sort presently has more appeal to the bulk of African readers, not necessarily because of any literary superiority but because of an unwillingness of the former to evolve.
African Myth is being systematically erased, and Fantasy becoming more 'modern' and cosmopolitan.
Though the book is set in Lagos and London, it's a reality most of us can relate to from anywhere in Africa. There is something in there, an experience or anything for everybody.
This book centers around three friends, Simi, Boo, and Ronke, who have had a good relationship going until the arrival of Isobelle (Simi's childhood friend), who capitalizes on each woman's insecurities and secrets...
Slavery, kingship, courage, patriarchy, domestic violence, education, and love were some of the themes covered in this novel. This body of work displays Ayesha's rich knowledge and storytelling, and subtle humor.
It was a light, easy, and mildly entertaining novel. The type of novel that you can read, be satisfied with and then absolutely forget mostly because it's not the kind of story that stays with you.
One thing that hit me in this book was how the minds of the black people living in the UK at that time were conditioned. It was like they were made to believe that they were lesser humans and that the white person was better than them.
Love, cheating, heartbreak, domestic violence, family, police brutality were some of the themes covered in this collection of short stories because this collection is infused with the magic of evocative storytelling you might be drawn to or haunted by a character or two.
I loved the use of flashbacks; it flowed with the storytelling and bought shocking insights into why Ayo is that way.
As an African woman, I have lived in shame, and shame has lived in me. I told myself I was keeping my virginity for my husband. I needed to be a virtuous woman to be appreciated, I did not know what virtue meant, and honestly, I still don't.
It reminds me of a young man who once promised forever. He had been so consistent and intense in his promises of forever that I believed it, latched onto it, breathed it, and looked forward to it.
Except if you have been living under a rock or in outer space since the beginning of time, there is no way you wouldn't have heard of Wole Soyinka.
