The African Book Review

2013-2014

he African Book Review marked its rst year in 2014. During this
period we reviewed classic and upcoming African literature, and interviewed
some of the best writers on the continent. From original poetry, to insightful
interviews and essays, we had our ngers on the pulse of creativity within Africa
and around the diaspora.

The African Book Review wouldnt exist without writers, editors, reviewers, and
readers around the world. Wed like to say thank you to everyone who has been a
part of this incredible project. Its amazing to note how quickly weve grown while
retaining a high standard of quality content.

Were excited to collaborate with more readers, artists, and writers; those
concerned about the continent, those engaged and active within it, and those
whose works reect the vibrancy of African literature, as ours does.

To a great 2015!

Sincerely,

Etinosa Agbonlahor | Editor, Curator | The African Book Review

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A YEAR IN INTERVIEWS

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I wanted the reader to
come along the journey, to see
hear, smell, and be close to
what it felt like.

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Ishmael Beah | Writer, Human Rights Activist | 09.2013

The African Book Review

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I think slaveryisAfrican history. Its a history

that I find empowering in the sense that it is a
testimony to the rebellion, intelligence and
resilience of a continent.

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Minna Salami | Writer, Advocate | 06.2014

The African Book Review

We express our femininity and sexuality

dierently, depending on the generation
to which we belong, our religions and
cultures.

Sefi Atta | Writer | 09.2013

The African Book Review

I dont think that poetry is a matter of

understanding or communicating, nor is it a
direct expression of the self. In my opinion,
poetry is a matter of experience.

Alessandro De Francesco | Poet | 11.2013

The African Book Review

Ethiopia is one of the biggest influences in my

writing Its fascinatingto witness such intensely
visible changes that the country is so
rapidlyexperiencing; theres a lot of progress and
naturally, there are alsoa lot of problems, theres so
much hope and frustration at the sametime. Its a
critical time in our history so its impossible toignore.

Liyou Mesfin Libsekal | Writer | 04.2014

The African Book Review

I didnt want to write like those people, I

wanted to write like Ahmed Yerima, I wanted
to make my own mistakes because
playwriting is a skill.

Ahmed Yerima | Playwright | 09.2014

The African Book Review

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Being a poet has helped me see
life as something filled with
countless poetic possibilities.

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Viola Allo | Poet | 04.2014

The African Book Review

I think the art of storytelling is under siege. In

contemporary fiction there is a certain fixation with
linguistic dance and performance that is not
wedded to a story. So Id like my readers to say
Even if I would have wanted a dierent kind of
outcome, I was engaged by the story.

Okey Ndibe | Writer, Professor | 01.2014

The African Book Review

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Contributors

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Ioana Danaila was born in Romania. She graduated from University Lyon 2 Lumire with a Masters in Postcolonial
Literature and a First degree in French for Non-Francophone people. She has published short stories and translated books from
French to Romanian. She speaks Romanian, French, English, and Spanish and teaches English to high school students in France.

Somto Ibe was born in the ancient city of Ibadan, Nigeria, and lives in Canada. Shes studying to be a chemical
engineer and likes a good read of any sort but preferably historical fiction.

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Liyou Mesfin Libsekal

is an Ethiopian poet born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She spent the majority of her childhood in

dierent parts of East Africa. She earned a BA in Anthropology from the George Washington University in 2012 and now lives
in her home country. Shes the winner of the 2014 Brunel University African Poetry Prize.

Jade Yeung was born and raised in Brooklyn. She received her BA in English at Hunter College. She reads
literary fiction, poetry published before the 1980s, and compelling non-fiction. When shes not working one of several
jobs in publishing and food, she likes to cook and listen to podcasts.

The African Book Review

www.TheAfricanBookReview.com

africanbookreview@gmail.com

The African Book Review