Why am I passionate about this?
I was born in Akure, a hilly, ancient, rainforest town that became the chief administrative town of the newly created Ondo State in 1976. As a child, I witnessed the old town’s effort, both deliberate and inevitable, to wear a modern look. I’m naturally attracted to stories, fiction or non-fiction, that gives voice to the individual right to resist the old or the new; resistance that will not be without consequences. Kasali’s Africa is the theatre of ideas for Kasali, a rural farmer courted by the educated elites, and his view on what Africa should be. If you love Africa, I know you will enjoy these books.
Feyisayo's book list on African post-colonial life
Why did Feyisayo love this book?
Post-colonial Africa’s clash of ideas unravels in this sprawling satirical story set in Aburiria, a fictional African country where a dictator and his cronies battle both human and supernatural, real or imagined enemies. The opening paragraph drew me in, and from there I took sides with human or supernatural beings as each page opens up the misery born of the Aburiria dictator’s misrule.
2 authors picked Wizard of the Crow as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.
Informed by traditional African storytelling, discover Ngugi wa Thiong'o's masterpiece.
To honour the Ruler's birthday, the Free Republic of Aburiria set out to build a tower; a modern wonder of the world that will reach the gates of Heaven. But behind this pillar of unity a battle for control of the Aburirian people rages. Among the contenders: the eponymous Wizard, an avatar of folklore and wisdom; the corrupt Christian Ministry; and the nefarious Global Bank.