Granta Book of the African Short Story

Granta Book of the African Short Story

by Helon(ed)Habila (Author)

Synopsis

The Granta Book of the African Short Story introduces a group of African writers described by its editor, Helon Habila, as 'the post-nationalist generation'. Introducing a diverse and dazzling collection from all over the continent - from Morocco to Zimbabwe, Uganda to Kenya - Habila has focused on younger, newer writers, interspersed with some of their older, more established peers, to give a fascinating picture of a new and more liberated Africa. Disdaining the narrowly nationalist and political preoccupations of previous generations, these writers are characterized by their engagement with the wider world and the opportunities offered by the internet, the end of apartheid, the end of civil wars and dictatorships, and the possibilities of free movement around the world. Many of them live outside Africa. Their work is inspired by travel and exile. They are liberated, global and expansive. As Dambudzo Marechera wrote: If you write for a particular nation, or tribe, then f*** you. These are the stories of a new Africa, punchy, self-confident and defiant. Final selection includes: Rachida El Charni; Henrietta Rose-Innes; George Makana Clarke; Ivan Vladislavik; Mansoura Ez Eldin; Rogerio Mandjate; Aminatta Forna; Igoni Barrett; Patrice Nganang; Leila Aboulela; Petina Gappah; Ala Al-Aswany; Doreen Baingana; EC Osondu Other writers that may appear include: Olufemi Terry; Abdourahman Waberi; Alain Mabanckou; Veronique Tadjo; Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa; Jean-Luc Raharimanana; Leila Lalami; Milly Jafta; Manuel Rui; Uwem Akpan; Chimamanda Adichie; Zoe Wicombe; Phaswane Mpe; Diane Awerbuck; Ondjaki; Dambudzo Marechera; Camara Laye; Alex La Guma; Brian Chakwava; Ala Al-Aswany; Tahar Ben Jelloum; Yvonne Vera; Monica Arac; Abdulrazak Gurnah; Niq Mhlongo; Fatou Diome; Biyi Bandele; Ben Okri; Tayeb Salih

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More Information

Format: Paperback
Publisher: Granta/Portobello Omes
Published: 01 Sep 2011

ISBN 10: 1847084133
ISBN 13: 9781847084132

Media Reviews

'A timely anthology of short stories [that] reveals the strength of contemporary African fiction'Ruth Franklin, Prospect (01/09/11) 'Granta's continuing energy and brio make it shine among publishers. Many of the writers deserve an audience beyond their national boundaries; Granta has manoeuvred itself into a unique position where it is the only publisher which not only can do this, but do it fantastically well. Helon Habila has made a good fist of an almost impossible task. The overall feel of this collection is big, brave and intricately interwoven ... There is a clutch of terrific stories here for almost every kind of reader' Chris Dolan, Herald (03/09/11) 'The majority of authors in the collection are lively and innovative and paint a good picture of emerging African talent ... Granta's new collection shows a generation of engaging and talented writers coming out of Africa. Habila suggests that with the spread of the internet across the continent in the past fifteen yea


A timely anthology of short stories [that] reveals the strength of contemporary African fiction. Ruth Franklin, Prospect (01/09/11)

Granta's continuing energy and brio make it shine among publishers. Many of the writers deserve an audience beyond their national boundaries; Granta has manoeuvred itself into a unique position where it is the only publisher which not only can do this, but do it fantastically well. Helon Habila has made a good fist of an almost impossible task. The overall feel of this collection is big, brave and intricately interwoven - There is a clutch of terrific stories here for almost every kind of reader. Chris Dolan, Herald (03/09/11)

The majority of authors in the collection are lively and innovative and paint a good picture of emerging African talent. Granta's new collection shows a generation of engaging and talented writers coming out of Africa. Habila suggests that with the spread of the internet across the continent in the past fifteen years, short fiction has found a new outlet for publication and will continue to gain exposure across the globe where previously it would never have done. Things can only get better, Habila hints, although to be honest they were pretty good to start with. Tom Little, Think Africa Press (06/09/11)

The skill and sophistication of African authors is on display throughout this rich and rewarding book. Joan Smith, The Times (10/09/11)

Brings together some of the most exciting voices from this generation of Afropolitans. Ellah Allfrey, Daily Telegraph Review (10/09/11)

A sense of often painful transition echoes through these snapshots, as does a defiance in the face of all that can be thrown at these modern Africans. Siobhan Murphy, Metro Book of the Week (15/09/11)

Author Bio
Born in Nigeria, Helon Habila worked there as a lecturer and journalist before moving to England as the African Writing Fellow at the University of East Anglia. He has published three novels, Waiting for an Angel (2002), Measuring Time (2007) and Oil on Water (2010). His writing has won many prizes, including the Caine Prize 2001, and the Commonwealth Writer's Prize 2003. Habila teaches Creative Writing at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where he lives with his family.