Say You’re One of Them
Summary
In 2005, Uwem Akpan’s first short story, “An Ex-Mas Feast,” was published in The New Yorker’s Debut Fiction Issue, signaling the arrival of a breathtakingly talented writer. Through the sanitized windows of our televisions and newspapers, the truth about the pervasive poverty and violence that exists in so many African nations comes only in fits and starts, clouded by physical distance and apathy toward what we may feel we cannot relate to or change. In his first collection of stories, Say You’re One of Them, Akpan brings to life the issues facing children in one of the most beleaguered places on earth, so that their voices will no longer go unheard.
In five separate narratives, each told from the perspective of a child from a different African country, Say You’re One of Them vividly portrays the horror and beauty to be found in both the history-altering events and the mundane details of everyday life. In these stories of family, friendship, betrayal and redemption, Akpan highlights the tenacity and perseverance of his young protagonists. Akpan’s voice is a literary miracle, rendering lives of almost unimaginable deprivation and terror into stories that are nothing short of transcendent.
(Summary taken from www.oprah.com)
My Review
This book was very hard to read and finish. The narrative language used was at times hard to follow – usually written in the local dialect. In addition, the subject matters were very intense. Going in, I knew that book dealt with the many challenges of the African children and that the stories were told from their perspectives. However, I wasn’t prepared to encounter the horrific and gory details described in this book. Part of me was hoping for some inspirations in their stories, but I was left at a complete loss. Each of the stories were tragic, with no happy endings in sight. In that sense, the author succeeded in giving his readers a picture of the sad reality in a lot of these African countries. Once I read the first two stories, I had a hard time picking up the book again for fear of what awaited in its pages. But I decided to continue and the remainder of the book was no different. I finished it with a heavy sense of hopelessness for my ability to make a difference and especially for those children who never had a chance from the start.
Closing Remarks: A very difficult read and not for the faint of heart. Do not expect stories about overcoming adversities. These stories were written with a purpose in mind – to inform us of the tragedies occurring everyday in these countries. Akpan does not spare any details.
Drink of Choice: A Coca Cola
Additional Information
Click here to purchase “Say You’re One of Them” on Amazon
Oprah’s Book Club Page for “Say You’re One of Them”*
*Lots of great information on the author, the book and ways to help children facing poverty and violence around the world.
