The winner of the Caine Prize for African Writing has been announced. Sierra Leonean writer Olufemi Terry, who grew up in Nigeria and worked as a journalist in both Somalia and Uganda, has been honoured for 'Stickfighting Days' - a story about a boy who lives in a dump. Judges described the work as 'ambitious, brave and hugely imaginative', adding that Terry has enormous potential for the future.
Yet Terry himself, although pleased in securing the publicity that will undoubtedly result in the publication of his first novel, believes that there is 'a danger in seeking authenticity in African writing', and making the continent distinct. Widely regarded as Africa's leading literary award, the Caine Prize will furnish Terry with £10,000.
No comments:
Post a Comment