Half of a yellow sun!!
I was delighted to see that today's cardiff metro (and i understand most of the south west and perhaps london) carried the interview of young Nigerian Writer chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, detailing the release of her new book half of a yellow sun. Perhaps the most interesting bit of that interview was where the author declares that Nigerians have stopped believing and hopes her book provides a catalyst for just this. It is true that Nigerians have stopped believing. It is also true that Nigerians have stopped reading as a result of this. Perhaps this anticipated work by a revolutionary such as adichie will ginger Nigeria, Nigerians and indeed the rest of the world into believing in the endless possibilities that is the African continent. click here for more details on Half a yellow sun by chimamanda Adichie.
posted by internationalhome @ 10:50 pm
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20 Comments:
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I have to disagree with eshuneutics. What "other" writers from "privileged backgrounds" are there? Ngozi Adichie is one of the newest writers in her generation, and her generation grew up expecting education. She is educated and privileged. So what? Chimamanda is Nigerian, and one thing you should know about Nigerians is that we don't consider being wealthy or educated a negative thing, unlike some black americans/britons abroad. Education is prized in Nigeria, and most young people are trying to get into school, even if they can't get jobs afterwards bcuz of our whack economy. Chimamanda is revolutionary because she brought to the forefront issues nigerians refuse to discuss, namely child abuse, religious fanaticism, and now the Biafran war. I am assuming you are blogging from the UK. Why should you get to live in the West with all the comforts and education and freedoms you want, and Chimamanda shouldn't because she's african? Do africans only belong in africa? Why should she not attend a creative writing program if it will help her refine her craft? Why should she not seize the opportunity to teach what she loves and actually earn money for it (this is virtually impossible in Nigeria)? Because she's an African who only belongs in Africa? It never ceases to amaze me how people living in the West traipse down to African countries whenever they want, earn money studying us and our cultures, build social/intellectual clout talking about Africa...and yet when a real african wants to have some of that good lifestyle, the "afrocentrics" hint that she's better off at "home." If a white briton can move to Nigeria and set up his home there and people laud him for it, Chimamanda has every right (and my support) to go wherever she wants. It's HER world too.
I have to disagree with eshuneutics. What "other" writers from "privileged backgrounds" are there? Ngozi Adichie is one of the newest writers in her generation, and her generation grew up expecting education. She is educated and privileged. So what? Chimamanda is Nigerian, and one thing you should know about Nigerians is that we don't consider being wealthy or educated a negative thing, unlike some black americans/britons. Education is prized in Nigeria, and most young people are trying to get into school, even if they can't get jobs afterwards bcuz of our whack economy. Chimamanda is revolutionary because she brought to the forefront issues nigerians refuse to discuss, namely child abuse, religious fanaticism, and now the Biafran war. I am assuming you are blogging from the UK. Why should you get to live in the West with all the comforts and education and freedoms you want, and Chimamanda shouldn't because she's african? Do africans only belong in africa? Why should she not attend a creative writing program if it will help her refine her craft? Why should she not seize the opportunity to teach what she loves and actually earn money for it (this is virtually impossible in Nigeria)? Because she's an African who only belongs in Africa? It never ceases to amaze me how people living in the West traipse down to African countries whenever they want, earn money studying us and our cultures, build social/intellectual clout talking about Africa...and yet when a real african wants to have some of that good lifestyle, the "afrocentrics" hint that she's better off at "home." If a white briton can move to Nigeria and set up his home there and people laud him for it, Chimamanda has every right (and my support) to go wherever she wants. It's HER world too.
Everchange, you are free to disagree. What others? The list is considerable...the term "revolutionary" is relative...in terms of world literature, her work is hardly earth-shakingly different. None of your points have any relevance to what I asked. My questions reflected recent conversation with young people/writers in Nigeria who want a literary and literate education, but can't find one because they lack teachers/academics with a deep background in literature. The view-points I asked mtb belonged to them: Why do the writers that Nigerians applaud so strongly not return to teach and develop Nigeria? Of course, you have answered it and contradicted yourself in the process: a desire for money and a good lifestyle--to be Westernised in the West--and that is hardly the sign of a "revolutionary" political writer.
Eshuneutics and everchange, bravo for such a brilliant show of words and exchange of ideas however hotly. Both have valid points (even if either disagree). I shall point out issues i have picked out.
Eshuneutics....It is very obvious to see that you are NOT Nigerian, you cant possibly be. To misconstrue Adichie's identity as one of a defector with her good fortune of "priviledge" as the vehicle for this is unfortunate and untrue. Your accusations thrown @ everchange citing contradictions are actions you are guilty of yourself. The very issues you raise contradict your position, ref: "why have they stopped reading?" etc. If you are trully tuned into Nigeria and Nigerian history you will appreciate our sentiment towards Adichie. A nation where literature and love for the arts is non-existent, hope for future generations is dire and the outsider perspective is one of many negetives, surely a young black African woman who aims to imprint her talent on the world as a representative of the Nigerian youth should be applauded? Priviledged? Perhaps, but i will point out to you that as Adichie's parents were in the academia; this does not necessarily translate to the western ideology of "priviledge". Adichie's work may not be earth shakingly different on the world stage, but its prescence as an African account (westernized or not) cannot be ignored. It's significance as a possibility of the African future and avenue for idea for the African youth, imperative. THIS is what makes her revolutionary.
Everchange, I can only say calm down. I understand where you are coming from but you must understand that perspective is a very complex concept. Westerners cannot still grasp the shortcomings of our society (being honest, which we have, with the brain drain issue making things even more incredulous. I believe eshuneutics has raised several pertinent points worth thinking about. Why have Nigerians stopped reading? What has made them stop believing?....
In my opinion, Adichie's work is indeed REVOLUTIONARY in more ways than one. Nigerians have stopped believing and just want to survive. In her Interview with the Metro, Adchie confesses to be fiercly Nigerian; a sentiment most in diaspora share. I believe she tries to pass this on to her people the only way she can...through "westernized prose!"
Interesting mtb, now let me unpack all this (in return). I asked a series of questions. I still don’t know what this lack of belief refers to, so have to pass over it, though it was the statement that most interested me. I explained to Everchange that my “terms” were those that others had put to me. I did not say that they were my personal beliefs. By “privileged background” I referred to a fortunate educational background, not class. So, let’s clear that up. It is odd, mtb, that the perspectives that I asked about—defection to the West’s education system—came from a group of Nigerian writers in Lagos—and it this that you pronounce un-Nigerian. Obviously the spirit of Eshu, the double-perspective, is being sacrificed to your own concept of “Nigerian”. You speak of “our sentiment” towards Adichie. Again, you mean “yours” which happens to coincide with a certain unqualified public consensus. And probably this touches upon another raw nerve: the need—patriotically, rather than critically—to wave authors like banners of hope.This borders on cultural desperation, the sort of thing that the UK did in the time of Empire. Her work is an “avenue for the ideas for the African youth”. “THIS” is what makes her revolutionary. Not for the Nigerians whom I spoke to, who can’t get a basic education, who rightly uphold the great literary tradition of Nigeria, but find it rather remote from their experiences. They feel like Ugwu, in the kitchen, watching the Master or listening to his guest’s luminous English…But again, this is a matter of view-point…one that makes them have to “survive” yet want more. Now, this is mine, neither African nor not-African, simply from a literary angle: a “revolutionary” writer cannot be that just because their fame gives a sense of pride. A “revolutionary” writer is one that creates a style that opens up a new way of writing and communicates in a way that “turns” literature in a new direction. Content alone does not make a “revolutionary” either. Adichie is a highly talented and accomplished traditionalist. There are no contradictions in my statements that I am aware of: they simply come from a purely literary framework without any national bias. I respect what you say, however, and do understand it.
Well said Eshuneutics. I am glad we have cleared up the little issue of Adichie's priviledge. As you might have noticed, i pointed out to everchange; the complexities of perspective...one sees this in action in an issue of this nature. In conversation, i make sure my british friends know that my perspectives of Nigeria and indeed the African continent and issues surrounding this are not necessarily the perspectives shared by the majority. If you read the entry soon to be entered in my blog, you will understand why i think Adichie serves well as an avenue for idea for the African youth...one would imagine that that was plain to see.
I would definitely want to read Adichie, though I must admit that I have not read much of Nigerian literature. However, I would like to cite a parallel in context of the ongoing exchange in the "comments". Jhumpa Lahiri, an Indian writer with no 'earth shaking' literary talent has definitely pulled some limelight onto writers of Indian origin. Similarly Adichie might spark some writing talent in Nigeria that has lain dormant so far.
Many thanks for your thoughtful comments Id It Is....they are well recieved!
Adichi is NOT a revolutionary writer, although an accomplished one and I for one welcome her entry into the literary world. She is a good story teller and she is been applauded internationally and at home by those of us who are like narcissus wanting her ourselves reflected. I have read both Adichi's work. I enjoyed them alot, even if I prefer the style of a Diana Evans. I hope she will come to Nigeria and do some writers workshops. Pass on some of the things she has learned
Eshuneutics, from your definition of a "revolutionary" writer, I have to point that I still consider Chimamanda to be one. For her "taboo" themes, for the hope she inspires in young nigerian women, but for the frankness in her writing (and let's not forget her writing has received considerable praise, included a booker proze nomination). I consider her revolutionary because she is a feminist nigerian writer who speaks her truth with boldness. On the world stage, she may not measure up in terms of political effect, but within my country her books offer to young women new ways of viewing themselves and the world. There are girls (and boys) in universities buying used copies of Purple Hibiscus for 800 naira talking about child abuse in the family, swearing never to marry someone like Papa Eugene. That is revolutionary. Other than perhaps Buchi Emecheta when she was in her prime, we haven't had a woman writer so influential so daring and so insubordinate.
Dear Everchange, and apologies mtb for running this debate in the margins of your website, you have missed the point entirely. Content alone does not make a revolutionary novelist, nor the fact that they get a book nomination thrust their way. Many undeserving novelists have won the Booker! I am so glad the crowds of young people are now not so repressed, that is to be applauded, but if all they want is meaning, well, writers like bell hooks would offer them far more. Perhaps. they should all be waving copies of "We Real Cool" and dismantling patriarchy--that would be a revolution. Probably, what we are not agreeing on has to do with experience--I have read so many creative works on abuse and so many works on feminism that Adichie, quite frankly does not even register as disturbing. Would you be happy to applaud Jude Dibia as much as Adichie? Tell me, given that political stances are so important, content over style, are the youth of Nigeria discussing Walking with Shadows and gay rights yet? Or is their revolutionary spirit only fired by what is cool to read and approved by Western literary prizes? And as a final point: is it so revolutionary that girls and boys in "universities" are discussing Adichie? That suggests a very elitist discourse.Can the ordinary Nigerian--let's widen it: African--afford a copy? Not the ones I speak to who bitterly regret that they are excluded by wealth and opportunity from literary involvement. While priviliged groups discuss, I have to buy and send books to African students so as they can access the revolutionary stuff they want to read :)
Adichie should not be viewed in isolation. Nigerian writing in the diaspora is finding its voice - Habila, Afolabi, Evans, Abani, Cole, Atta etc are all pushing at the frontiers. Her work is but one thread amongst many. In that sense, she is part of a revolution (one hopes) but not THE revolution itself - the hope that Nigerians will start to read and discuss en masse again and question all the imported religious bullshit that maintains underdevelopment by impoverishing young minds with anti-rational candy floss (in Jesus Name bollocks).
It is interesting that although CNA swans around in the West air-kissing media luvvies at The Grauniad etc, she has not taken up American citizenship. Whether she could actually have Nigeria has her base in future is another thing. Let's see.
What we at Cassava Republic are trying to do is encourage local (in-country) writing. At present, the gap in standard between the best diasporic texts and the best home-grown manuscripts we are receiving is depressingly wide. That said, we don't yet have the editorial apparatus here which transforms so many meagre outpourings into masterpieces..
Eshuneutics, where have you had these conversations and with whom- who are these Nigerians yearning for a literary education?
The prospects for Nigerian literature are brighter than it has been in the last two decades- there are at least three new publishing houses cassava republic, farafina and bookcraft publishing new work from Nigeria and making work by Nigerians abroad accessible.
Readings are being organized and writing workshops and seminars - see Molara Wood's blog for more evidence of this.
The universities and secondary schools are slowly beginning to reflect this and the appointment of a new dynamic Minister of Education should help the process.
This is not to gloss over the challenges that continue to exist but if you had any idea of what it was like in the last two decades, you would join us in celebrating the Nigerian authors Adichie, Atta and Habila who are helping make these changes possible.
The perspectives of your quoted authors are like everchange's and mtb's- their perspectives
Yes, good to celebrate the Adichie, Atta, Habila of this world, but I'd love us to celebrate those homegrown authors who have not necessarily won huge international awards - I think of Toni Kan, Jude Dibia etc. Now, when we are talking about revolutionary, I think we'll have to insert Dibia's name once we have safely removed Adichi's. He has been very courageous exploring a such a taboo subject in a climate where OBJ and the likes have extended the criminalisation of homosexuals to their supporters. For choosing his subject matter. It is probably the first full lenght Nigerian novel that explores gay love, contradictions in heterosexual relations, the peril of religious over-growth and many more. This is a wonderful book to read. Not so sure about its artistic merit, but it is an important book and will surely go down in history more than Adichi and the likes. You wait and see. All we need is some academics to take it up and the rest will be history.
Dear, mtb, this is the final word...honest...then people can say what they want. One of the problems with this kind of debate is that people do not actually read what is being said, but seem to think that a reply consists of tub-thumping what they believe. Jeremy makes my point--infrastructure--the quality of manuscripts--that's why I end up proofreading for free--it is so naive to believe that by arching some glorious canopy of literature there will be a revolution by literary infection and everyone will be able to come to the party. Interesting that UKnaija upholds the view that Adichie is Dickensian. But what kind of praise is that? To compare a female writer to the male colonial master...to compare an African writer to a Western racist? And she certainly is not Dickensian...better than that! Time to dig out people from beneath tired comparisons and look for the original.Why is it that when questions are asked people automatically rush like champions to wave their banners of "You must celebrate". Without questions culture atrophies. And you, I believe, asked this question yourself in the past, mtb: Why do people place so much faith in the special one? It always ends up being misplaced. If the UK has learnt one hard lesson in the past 10 years it is that State interference in literacy and literature does not create a reading revolution. Well, you have sparked something off here, mtb...it might light an uprising!
Even a glimmer of enlightenment.
Damn...another comment...there's as much variety here as in those Godiva chocolates you bought...and some naked truths are appearing, mtb. A pity "bose" left no point of contact...well said.There is a real danger in the cult of celebrity (be it in literature or Love Island), namely, that exhibition (see my blog on "How to Read"-- if interested) inhibits as much as it frees. It opens up possibilities (dreams of fame, wealth, national prestige etc.)and perhaps I have been tardy in recognising that, but it also places, as bose and Jeremy have argued, other struggles in the shade. It distracts. No one is denying Adichie or any other talented author...but there are better things to uphold and promote than celebrity. The epithet "Revolutionary" does not make a revolution. That will come with publishing houses taking risks, with local authors daring to write, with an education system that values writing, with links being made between those who are published and those who are not, between those who can read and have books and those who cannot and have not. Think I'll go and eat some chocolate now and shut up!
Hi, mtb, I just wanted to apologise for all this outrage down the side of your blog. I was suprised by what a little question started--then it shows the danger of questions! It felt a bit awkward, at times, rather like shouting in someone's house, not quite the done thing. But it shows how many read your words. It also taught me something about blogs and arguments (when they erupt). There is a sort of one punch and knock 'em out mentality. Few have the tenacity to counter-reply. It is a kind of shadow boxing in a visual world--they don't see the opponent (if s/he is indeed one)--and so they throw lots of big blows in the hope that a few will hit. Sadly, the only one's who keep coming back are those with the "troll" insult mentality. They suffer from pscho-punchbag-syndrome. They just sway backwards and forwards, mindlessly, thinking they are an important part of the training session. Hope you are well.
http://www.africanloft.com/breaking-the-culture-of-silence-with-jude-dibia/
http://www.africanloft.com/breaking-the-culture-of-silence-with-jude-dibia/
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