How novels shaped my understanding of Africa

Ahmed Aminu-Ramatu Yusuf recounts his formative years at Government Secondary School, Fadan Kaje, where a British teacher ignited his passion for literature. The abridged versions of "Shaka Zulu," "Things Fall Apart," "Weep Not, Child," and "Cry, The Beloved Country" left an indelible mark on young students, fostering a culture of memorization and deep engagement with the texts.

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The Whiteman is very clever. He came quietly and peaceable with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now, he has put a knife on the rope that held us together and we have all fallen apart.

Yusuf particularly emphasizes the impact of Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart." He grappled with Okonkwo's tragic choices, questioning why the protagonist participated in the killing of Ikemefuna despite warnings. The novel became more than just a story; it was a lens through which he understood African history, culture, and the devastating consequences of colonialism, famously captured by the line, "The Whiteman is very clever. He came quietly and peaceable with his religion. We were amused at his foolishness and allowed him to stay. Now, he has put a knife on the rope that held us together and we have all fallen apart."

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That man was one of the greatest men of Umuofia. You drove him to kill himself and now he will be buried like a dog.

Similarly, James Ngugi's "Weep Not, Child" exposed him to the exploitation and oppression inherent in British-settler colonialism, particularly the seizure of African lands and the use of local labor for settlers' enrichment. The novel highlighted the lack of unity among Africans in their struggle for independence. These literary encounters were pivotal in Yusuf's self-discovery, shaping his understanding of bravery, wisdom, and the complexities of African identity in the face of historical injustices.

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Why did Okonkwo not heed Ogbuefi Ezeudu’s warning and advice: “That boy calls you father. Do not bear a hand in his death”, because “Umuofia has decided to kill him. The Oracle of the Hills and Caves has pronounced it… I want you to have nothing to do with it. He calls you his father.” Why Okonkwo?