Essays on African Writing, II: A Re-Evaluation : Book Review

"Essays on African Writing II" by Abdulrazak Gurnah is a captivating collection of essays that explore the diverse themes and issues surrounding African literature. Gurnah, a highly regarded novelist and critic, presents perceptive analyses of the works of numerous African writers, offering insights into the cultural, historical, and political contexts that shape their writing.

The book covers a wide range of topics, including the significance of language in African literature, the influence of colonialism on African writers, and the portrayal of gender in African stories. Gurnah's writing is both thought-provoking and engaging, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies and nuances of African literature.

One notable strength of this collection is Gurnah's ability to bridge the works of writers across different generations and continents. By exploring the similarities and differences between influential authors such as Chinua Achebe, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Gurnah highlights their unique contributions to the African literary landscape.

What sets this collection apart is Gurnah's expertise as a writer himself. Being an award-winning novelist, he brings his own experiences and perspectives into his analysis, making the essays both insightful and personal. His profound understanding of storytelling and narrative techniques enriches the discussions and provides readers with fresh insights.

Gurnah's writing style is accessible and engaging, making complex literary theories and concepts more approachable for a wider audience. The essays are well-structured and organized, enabling readers to easily follow the author's arguments and ideas.

What are readers saying?

"Essays on African Writing II" by Abdulrazak Gurnah has received a range of reviews, reflecting mixed opinions on the collection of essays that delve into various aspects of African literature and writing. The book offers insights into the diverse cultural and political backgrounds of African authors. Here is an overview of the reviews:

Firstly, some readers found the essays intellectually stimulating, praising Gurnah's perceptive analysis of African literature. They considered the book a valuable resource for those interested in African writing, with each essay providing unique perspectives on different authors and works. Gurnah's ability to illuminate the complexities and nuances of African literature was admired by these readers.

Secondly, other reviewers appreciated the thought-provoking nature of the book, as Gurnah explores the sociopolitical implications within African literature. The essays were seen as critically examining themes such as colonialism, postcolonialism, and the impact of Western influences on African writing. Readers enjoyed how Gurnah contextualized each essay with relevant historical and cultural backgrounds.

However, some readers found the essays overly academic and difficult to comprehend. They felt that Gurnah's writing style was dense and inaccessible, making it challenging to engage with the content. These reviewers believed that the book could have benefited from a more approachable approach or additional explanations for complex concepts.

Additionally, although some readers found specific essays to be engaging and thought-provoking, they felt that the overall structure and organization of the book could have been improved. The lack of a coherent thread connecting the essays made it feel disjointed and haphazard at times.

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