I love reading African stories writing by Africans, not the likes of John Locke, Joseph Conard and others who penned down a disturbing account of our Africa.
The stories told by our own Chinua Achebe, Helon Habila, Kamara Laye, Nugugi Wa Thiongo, Chimamanda and host of others reminds me of my African identity; our values and cultural heritage.
However, Chimamanda’s stories are unique in that she went a step further. She showed much courage and boldness against all odds to divulge hard truths. She has made us to understand that things we termed ‘not okay’ are existing in our society long ago.
In purple hibiscus, she had made us to understand that teen girls can fall crush on or fall in love with men old enough to be their father.
In half of a yellow sun, she made us understand that even if a woman principal in the kitchen. Her maid can exercise almost 100% freedom.
In Americanah, she made us understand that divorce happens and can take various form even if the African society frowns at it.
In one of her TED shows she pointed out the dangers of a single story and It becomes obvious that like stories, no culture is absolute. We can still find flaws in them
