In her dedication Safia Elhillo writes, “The January Children are the generation born in Sudan under British occupation, where children were assigned birth years by height, all given the birth date January 1.” What follows is a deeply personal collection of poems that describe the experience of navigating the postcolonial world as a stranger in one’s own land.The January Children depicts displacement and longing while also questioning accepted truths about geography, history, nationhood, and home. The poems mythologize family histories until they break open, using them to explore aspects of Sudan’s history of colonial occupation, dictatorship, and diaspora. Several of the poems speak to the late Egyptian singer Abdelhalim Hafez, who addressed many of his songs to the asmarani—an Arabic term of endearment for a brown-skinned or dark-skinned person. Elhillo explores Arabness and Africanness and the tensions generated by a hyphenated identity in those two worlds. No longer content to accept manmade borders, Elhillo navigates a new and reimagined world. Maintaining a sense of wonder in multiple landscapes and mindscapes of perpetually shifting values, she leads the reader through a postcolonial narrative that is equally terrifying and tender, melancholy and defiant.
✔ Author(s): Safia Elhillo,Kwame Dawes
✔ Title: The January Children (African Poetry Book)
✔ Rating : 4.6 out of 5 base on (85 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 0803295987
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about The January Children by Safia Elhillo
Jennilee Bartlett
Embark on a journey through time with a historical novel that spans generations. The author's meticulous research and engaging prose create a vivid and immersive experience. Each character's story is intricately woven into the fabric of history. The narrative explores themes of legacy, identity, and change with depth and insight. It's a captivating blend of personal and historical drama. Perfect for fans of multi-generational sagas.
Sharman Banks
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Explore the transformative power of travel and adventure in this inspiring memoir. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging writing make you feel like you're right there with them. Each chapter offers new insights into different cultures and landscapes. The narrative is both informative and deeply personal, sharing the highs and lows of the journey. It's a story that inspires wanderlust and personal growth. Perfect for those who love travel stories.
