mardi 29 août 2017

By Dennis Wagner


The contribution made by African American writers in the world of literature is undeniably huge. They have consistently produced excellent page turners that have gone on to win numerous global awards. Their darling themes range from economic empowerment to immigration, race and relationships, among others. Bearing in mind the words of Maya Angelou that it is torturous to live with an untold story, the following novels by African American authors have enabled them to tell their stories to the world in a unique way.

A Brief History of Seven Killings is work attributed to James Marlon. James captured the attention of the world with his vivid characters and meticulously woven tales. He explores the Jamaican society through the lives of its famous sons. The narratives point at an inability to divorce individuals from their society. Further, it is this society that determines and delivers their fate, that is impossible to escape.

The Color Purple is written by the recipient of Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award named Alice Walker. She tells the story from the perspective of women especially their contribution to American culture through Broadway shows. It is a narrative laced with courage that was later turned into a move which was a nominee for Academy Award.

Terry Macmillan had already established herself as an award winning story teller with mastery of characterization when she wrote Getting to Happy. It was a continuation of Waiting to Exhale which had already received international acclaim. She sticks with her main characters namely Savannah, Bernadine, Gloria and Robin. She portrays them as vivid, smart mouthed and sassy characters. In their daily endeavors they encounter situations that force them to chase personal happiness that must come from within.

One of the most iconic Afro-American writers is Octavia Butler. She chooses to make her mark using Bloodchild and Other Stories. She is also the hand behind Kindred, an award winning title. As a queen of science fiction, she will take you to different universes in a highly skillful and artistic manner.

The Fifth Season opens with a great rift that spews ash which blocks the view of the sun. The opening also has a missing daughter and a murdered son. The wound of betrayal is also rising up to fester. The land has developed familiarity with catastrophe which leaves no room for mercy. The power that holds the earth is now used as a weapon. This novel is the recipient of Hugo Award.

Nnedi Okorafor in Binti narrates the story of a recipient of a coveted scholarship to study at Oomza University. The institution is at another planet that demands a great deal of sacrifice. She has to fight to get there as well as bear with a people who have no regard for her culture. It is the passion to acquire knowledge that keeps her going and makes her bear the scars that come with the journey.

Numerous African American story tellers have graced the literary scene. Many more like Colson whitehead, Jesmyn Ward and Hannaham James continue to make their contributions. As the stories and themes widen, the world continues to enjoy the work of these distinguished story tellers.




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