A new book by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga
Review by Pule Lechesa
This is the type of book that really whets the appetite of lovers of quintessential literature! Free from the clutter of peripheral rubbish that characterizes inferior stuff these days. Mr Soqaga has shown the way ahead with his debut book.
Often, when we read something these days we see the work tinged with inconsequential, ignorant tosh; the worthless trimmings are more than the quality. But this is the real deal! A book that advances literature. Never mind that it is yet another study on the superb writer, Omoseye Bolaji who continues to make literary waves.
Soqaga really researched this work for years, and it shows in his final product. His intelligent analyses show that he is no man’s fool and he is an avowed Africanist who does not suffer fools gladly. The first parts of this work (Introduction, Foreword) are a joy to read, and shine with real research.
In fact I was reminded of important studies published on other African writers as I went through this book. Firstly I really relish Robert Fraser’s analysis of Ayi Kwei Amah’s early works; a timeless book. Here there is an earnestness and labour of love that can only be replicated after intrinsic hard work and research. The same applies for Soqaga’s book.
Again my mind went to Dr Adele King’s superb book on Camara Laye too as I went through Soqaga’s new book-length study on Bolaji. King really loved her topic and did the background research; and her illuminating essays on Camara Laye continue to stand the test of time after decades.
To be honest, of the many studies (books) on published on Bolaji the one I respect most is that of Petro Schonfeld, titled Tebogo on the prowl (2006) The breathtaking research, analyses, juxtaposition of certain ideas and themes can hardly be bettered. But in this new book, Mr Soqaga runs her close.
Yes, as usual the book is not immune from criticism, but the overall picture is a brilliant work that adds cubits to our literature. Soqaga cosmetically appears to over-praise Bolaji, but when you look at the latter’s achievements and impact, can it really be dubbed over-praising?
Also the author (Soqaga) as an established pan Africanist, seems to overstretch allied ideas in this wise many times – eg his analysis of Bolaji’s Tebogo and the bacchae – where Soqaga spends too much time on Pa Phafoli’s death because he was an intrepid freedom fighter, Africanist and sage, etc. But at least the author is true to his ideals.
The truth is: this is a critical work that really whets the appetite. I am very delighted to say that Ishmael Soqaga has produced a book of quality, literary-critical and unashamedly “Africanist” in outlook.
1 comment:
I understand what Mr lechesa is saying here. These days some ignorant people are trying to hijack literature; people who are actually anti-literature, with their over-insistence on performing/spoken poetry which Aryan Kaganof has acutely described as "shouting posing as poetry" and other irrelevant inferior stuff. The great thing is that in the end only quality written word (like Shakespeare, Austen, Achebe) will always prevail
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