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A review by dhiyanah
Ake: The Years of Childhood by Wole Soyinka
5.0
Soyinka was a significant figure in developing my love for poetry. I've carried around a poem by him, an 'always all-time fave,' through years and places after discovering it in a Lit class. Since then, I've dipped in and out of other poems, touching base with his words here and there, always planning to get to know more of his works and more of the poet himself.
A couple of years ago, I decided that the first of his book-shaped works I'd read would be this childhood memoir, chosen at random (after which I'd move on to his plays; some already obtained, waiting to be read). Another arbitrary 'rule' I adhered to was not allowing myself to order the book, it had to be found. I'm glad I held on to this goal and saw it through.
It's by far the best childhood memoir I've read. Soyinka's prose doesn't disappoint. Poetic in its storytelling, this work is loyal to the trickiness of memory without exaggerating the choppy currents of remembrance -- its narration held together by a balance of the personal and documentation. Loved it.
A couple of years ago, I decided that the first of his book-shaped works I'd read would be this childhood memoir, chosen at random (after which I'd move on to his plays; some already obtained, waiting to be read). Another arbitrary 'rule' I adhered to was not allowing myself to order the book, it had to be found. I'm glad I held on to this goal and saw it through.
It's by far the best childhood memoir I've read. Soyinka's prose doesn't disappoint. Poetic in its storytelling, this work is loyal to the trickiness of memory without exaggerating the choppy currents of remembrance -- its narration held together by a balance of the personal and documentation. Loved it.