The Growth of Free State Black Writing (2002)
Review by I. Mzwandile Soqaga
It
is congenial to appreciate the crucial role and the puissance which literature
has played in the lives of many people over the years globally. Writers with their intriguing literary
contribution and their books too have made the world effervescent. Their sterling work which they produced to
keep the world informed and literate patently deserve to be commendable. From the salubrious Charles Dickens, Bronte
sisters: Emily, Charlotte and Anne, Christie Agatha, D.H Lawrence, Wole
Soyinka, Chinua Achebe, Es’kia Mphahlele, Lewis Nkosi, Buchi Emecheta, Bessie
Head, Peter Abrahams, TonI Morrison, Nadine Gordimer etc.
Apparently,
it is quite interesting to find books that are written with profound enthusiasm
being well entrenched, classic and exhilarating to whet the appetite. For years quality writers have displayed enormous
dexterity to cultivate books that are awe-inspiring. To start with, the book “The Growth of Free
State Black Writing – A collection of essays on Bolaji, Qoopane, Lebuso and
Thaisi is one of the books that continue to impact magnificently in the
world of letters. The book put together by Bareng Mogorosi is actually the very original (first) of the series.
Decisively,
the book constitutes part of major studies, debates and critical general
arguments in literature. Solely, it encompasses
the credible analyses of writers and their books or their contribution in the
world of letters. Convincingly, many
literary pundits will acquiesce to that – the book it epitomises genuine
literature. However, to some in literary
field who are tenaciously ready in advancing their infelicitous insanity to
discourage others to grow, it can be possibly difficult for them to accept or
commend any achievement produced in this wise.
Recently I observed and interestingly followed on one social media platform one of the debates about
literature emanating from certain "writers" about the aspects of veritable
literature.
I was surprised to learn that there are some mischievous elements who obviously intend to hoodwink others about literary genre of literature. To my amazement I was wholly astonished to understand that to them, it is perhaps incorrect for a journalist or a columnist to organise his/her literary work into a book form. They continued to offer their dupe explanation blended with sophism at how literature should be. The sophistry, unambiguously and senselessly shrugs off the involvement of book reviewers and critics in literature! A few of them argued “That it is not worth enough for the critics to critique any literary work produced by a particular writer”.
I was surprised to learn that there are some mischievous elements who obviously intend to hoodwink others about literary genre of literature. To my amazement I was wholly astonished to understand that to them, it is perhaps incorrect for a journalist or a columnist to organise his/her literary work into a book form. They continued to offer their dupe explanation blended with sophism at how literature should be. The sophistry, unambiguously and senselessly shrugs off the involvement of book reviewers and critics in literature! A few of them argued “That it is not worth enough for the critics to critique any literary work produced by a particular writer”.
Hapless,
moreover this debate was further reiterated on social network… But the simple truth known worldwide as far as proper literature is concerned is that - only a complete illiterate
or an incredibly inferior writer would try to undermine the world-respected genre
of literary criticism. In fact this was a mammoth blunder in genuine
literature. It was graphic that this
sophistry misunderstood the crucial aspects of literature. What they attempted to portray about
literature in general was absolutely obvious that they are parochial,
completely oblivious about the imperative of sundry literature.
Again
what they failed to express eloquently or extraordinary acknowledge is the
fact that in the world , even in the “First World Countries” like Britain,
United States of America, France, Canada etc books since were/are churned out,
compiled, reviewed and critiqued in a breathtaking fashion. For instance Charles Dickens who emerged on
the literary scene in the late 1830s and soon became probably the most famous
novelist in the history of English literature, his literary works are still
vibrant and enjoyed by many people in the world till today. Dickens fiercely satirised various aspects of
society, including the workhouse in Oliver Twist, the failures of the legal
system in Bleak House, the dehumanising in factories, education etc., in Hard
Times. However some critics have
suggested that Dickens’ sentimentality blunts the impact of his satire. In more recent years Dickens has been most
admired for his novels. The same Dickens who has hundreds of books published on him examining his work and stunning impact. Also in Africa,
Chinweizu for example a world respected literary critic never concealed any words in attacking
what he saw as the elitism of some Nigerian authors, particularly Wole
Soyinka. That is the beauty of criticism
– and how it elevates writers themselves.
The
Growth of Free State Black Writing gives a clear example of how genuine
literature should be approached. The
contributors demonstrate an exceptional literary prowess which is essentially
pertinent in quintessential literature.
Like in Kenosi Morake essay on Lebuso’s African Renaissance: Women. The essayist refused to be beguiled by the
brilliancy of the book and provides a very vivacious critical analysis which is
apposite in literature. Kenosi surely, beyond any doubts proved that it could
not be delectable for the book to be eulogised because it is simply a successful work:
“One will advise Lebuso to get hold of two books written by highly respected
African women writers; Buchi Emecheta and Marriama Ba. Buchi Emecheta’s book,The joys of Motherhood
and Marriama Ba’s book “So long A Letter”.
Both books reveal brilliantly the horrors, frustrations, outright
injustices visited on women by men in traditional African societies."
Another
thrilling essay on the same book is the one on “Characterization in Bolaji’s
fiction” which evinces stunning radiance of the renowned well respected bard. “Some observers e.g. Lebuso appear to believe
that Bolaji’s 'favourite characters' are more or less the same; Amos
(Impossible Love) and Mashego (Ghostly Adversary). But the truth is Bolaji succeeds in creating
many characters who definitely come alive on their own terms as virtually all
readers of his books will agree..."
This
book is so ravishing to the point that it is written in a very exquisite
way. The essayists who contributed their
essays in the book, definitely are genuine writers who eschew to be ersatz
parochial sophistry in their perspective.
They illustrated their essays in a much better fashion; one will reckon
their assiduous energy and their broad mindedness to make the book dynamic by
including examples of such writers like Buchi Emecheta and Marriama Ba. Specifically, sometimes to employ farcical
hallucination in one’s mind, verily cause’s ignominy amongst the people, it is
injudicious to judge the book by its own cover.
The Growth of Free state Black writing is a rather old but noteworthy book in the journey of the growth of Free State Black writing. Initially, it commences the pivotal journey of Black Literature in the Free State. Another appealing essays that may be found in this book is that of A.M Mokhuoa on “Qoopane's Adventures in journalism”; and “The Poetry of Lebohang Thiasi”!
This is a world class literary work celebrating Free State Black Writing - no wonder it is available in many universities world-wide. One might also note that the editor’s note bears significant testimony: “This is the first in the series celebrating, acknowledging and reviewing latest trends in Free State Black Writing. I’m very proud to introduce this series. Academics, lovers of literature, budding writers are invited to send articles in this wise...". Very pleasing.
The Growth of Free state Black writing is a rather old but noteworthy book in the journey of the growth of Free State Black writing. Initially, it commences the pivotal journey of Black Literature in the Free State. Another appealing essays that may be found in this book is that of A.M Mokhuoa on “Qoopane's Adventures in journalism”; and “The Poetry of Lebohang Thiasi”!
This is a world class literary work celebrating Free State Black Writing - no wonder it is available in many universities world-wide. One might also note that the editor’s note bears significant testimony: “This is the first in the series celebrating, acknowledging and reviewing latest trends in Free State Black Writing. I’m very proud to introduce this series. Academics, lovers of literature, budding writers are invited to send articles in this wise...". Very pleasing.
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