Comments for Storymoja Hay Festival

Comment on When Fiction is a Reflection of Reality by Peter Nena

Peter Nena — Thu, 07 Nov 2013 18:08:04 +0000

But, truly, fiction must elicit an emotional response different from that inspired by a mere documenting of facts. Fiction is a word-play, a performance with and by words; a certain irresistible sleight of ‘word’ genius immanent in the author, an exaggeration, an hyperbole or a paradox, a vivid portrayal of strangeness in the ordinary, that captivates the reader’s attention and imprisons it in the story till the end. I doubt whether journalism can be considered to belong in such a category. If I pick a newspaper to read, I expect an accurate report of factual events happening in real time, such as what the president said and how it affects the nation. A novel or a short story, on the other hand, has a different import; I expect to be transported with fanciful notions and shoved forthwith into an imagined world where anything is possible and the outcome is unpredictable, and whatever I read, no matter if inspired by real events, must have such devices and styles as to be requisite to satisfy, or even glut, my imagination, and to magnify my love of reading. However, it is true, all works fiction reflect the human condition. There is inherent humanity even in a story about monsters and monstrosities, aliens and intelligent machines, etc, whether set on Earth, Mars, or Andromeda. They invariably contain our fears, desires, fantasies; our lives. (I have never understood how a story could be considered to be irrelevant.) But I should read the two works you have recommended. What a nourishing essay this is, Ms. Obungu. I am obliged to you for posting it.

Comment on Notes from a Masterclass – Tribute to Prof. Kofi Awoonor by Nebila Abdulmelik

Nebila Abdulmelik — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:02:15 +0000

Thank you for summing up the masterclass. I’m so sorry I missed it – particularly as it would’ve been both my first and my last opportunity to interact with him in such a manner. We can say, because of his work, that he not only was, but he lived, and continues to live through his works.

Comment on Ask No Questions Child: A Tribute to Brother-Elder Prof. Kofi Awoonor by Kerubo Abuya

Kerubo Abuya — Mon, 30 Sep 2013 10:43:08 +0000

Thanks Sister Dolores. We are in this together.

Peace!

Kerubo

Comment on Ask No Questions Child: A Tribute to Brother-Elder Prof. Kofi Awoonor by Dolores Opon

Dolores Opon — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 19:50:19 +0000

That was a beautiful peace.

Comment on Something has happened to me by Mina Witteman

Mina Witteman — Thu, 26 Sep 2013 13:19:25 +0000

Our deepest sympathies are with all who suffered from this vicious terrorist attack. With you we will write about it and we will write something beautiful to honor Kofi Awoonor and all who lost their lives, all who were wounded and all who are grieving. We will keep on writing to help free all children from terror.

- Mina Witteman
Working Group Children’s Books
Dutch Authors Guild

Comment on Harambee by Annemieke de Kler

Annemieke de Kler — Tue, 24 Sep 2013 07:27:16 +0000

Africa lost a great voice!

Comment on Where Do You Call Home? by Madiang'

Madiang' — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 18:39:12 +0000

I like his ‘questions approach. Answers never changed the world, questions did. Nice that you shared.

Comment on Tales from the Diaspora – Atinuke by Peter Nena

Peter Nena — Thu, 19 Sep 2013 04:21:40 +0000

Besides love, the next best thing to give children, I think, is a good story. But, of course, love encompasses even the stories. You are doing a tremendous and momentous work.