Say You're One Of Them Uwem Akpan Pdf
Uwem Akpan's "Say You're One of Them" is a powerful and poignant collection of short stories that explore the lives of African children in different parts of the continent. This book has been hailed as a masterpiece of modern African literature, and for good reason. In this article, we will take a close look at the book, its themes, and how it relates to our world today.
Overview of the Book
"Say You're One of Them" is a collection of five short stories that were first published in 2008. Each story is set in a different African country and explores the lives of children who are facing difficult situations such as poverty, war, and religious conflict.
The first story, "An Ex-Mas Feast," is set in Nairobi, Kenya, and tells the story of a young boy named Jigana who is trying to provide a Christmas feast for his family despite their poverty. The second story, "Fattening for Gabon," is set in Benin and tells the story of a young girl named Kotchikpa who is sold into slavery and forced to work on a plantation in Gabon.
The third story, "What Language Is That?" is set in Ethiopia and tells the story of a young girl named Monique who is caught in the middle of a religious conflict between Muslims and Christians. The fourth story, "Luxurious Hearses," is set in Rwanda and tells the story of two young siblings who are trying to escape the genocide that is taking place in their country.
The final story, "My Parents' Bedroom," is set in Nigeria and tells the story of a young girl named Jubril who is caught in the middle of a religious conflict between Muslims and Christians.
Themes
One of the major themes of "Say You're One of Them" is the struggle of African children to survive in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving. Each story explores different aspects of this struggle, whether it is poverty, war, slavery, or religious conflict.
Another theme of the book is the power of family and community in helping children to survive and thrive. In each story, the children are supported by their families and communities, even in the face of great adversity.
The book also explores issues of identity, particularly in the story "What Language Is That?" where Monique struggles to navigate her identity as both a Christian and a Muslim in a society where these religions are in conflict with each other.
Relevance Today
"Say You're One of Them" is a book that is still very relevant today, especially in light of recent events such as the refugee crisis in Europe and the ongoing conflicts in Africa. The book shines a light on the struggles of African children and the often-difficult circumstances they face.
It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding for people who come from different cultures and backgrounds. By reading this book, readers can gain a greater appreciation for the struggles of African children and the importance of supporting them in their efforts to build a better future for themselves and their communities.
Conclusion
"Say You're One of Them" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that explores the lives of African children in a way that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Through its five stories, the book highlights the struggles and triumphs of these children, and reminds us of the importance of compassion and understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.
This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in African literature or who wants to gain a greater understanding of the challenges faced by children in the developing world.
