The Heinemann Book of African Women's Poetry [Paperback]

Frank Chipasula (Editor), Stella Chipasula (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0435906801 | ISBN-13: 978-0435906801 | Publication Date: February 8, 1995

This first major anthology of African women's poetry offers an extensive selection of poetry by women all over the African continent. The poems address wide-ranging human concerns such as love, motherhood, death, colonial domination, and human dignity. They employ a variety of styles from the conversational to the didactic. Contributors include Ama Ata Aidoo, Noemia de Sousa, Queen Hatshepsut, Micere Githae Mugo, and Zindzi Mandela.

Originally from Malawi, Stella and Frank Chipasula now live in the United States.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The editors of this haunting anthology of poetry, both African-born poets themselves, have selected work by women poets from 18 African countries, from Algeria to Senegal, Mauritius, and Zimbabwe. This broad geographical and cultural spectrum highlights Africa's considerable diversity while, simultaneously, affirming the shared experiences and perspectives of African women writers. A historical note is struck by the anthology's oldest poem, an obelisk inscription composed by Queen Hatshepsut of Egypt, while a modern Egyptian poet, Andre Chedid, epitomizes the dignity of the collection with her powerfully spare and provocative mediations. Unlike Queen Hatshepsut, most African women suffer tyranny, sexism, and poverty and toil in silence and anonymity. Chedid writes, "Often from a point without place / I stifle my story / From past to future / I conjugate the horizon." For many of these poets, the world is unrelentingly cruel, and they belie their vulnerability with stoicism. Donna Seaman

Review

“The first collection of its kind. This volume is re-visionary, a step toward self-definition. . . Its main strength is the wide range of voices--42 poets from 18 countries. . . they have begun the process of remaking poetry in their own multifaceted images.”–Ms. Magazine

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Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann (February 8, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435906801
• ISBN-13: 978-0435906801
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #496,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Collection, March 12, 2010

By 

Chekwube Arinze - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Heinemann Book of African Women's Poetry (Paperback)

I bought this as a gift for someone, and I was so happy to have come upon it. It's not easy finding African poetry in my small college town, so this was a real catch. The selection is great too, with poetry from female writers who come from Nigeria, Senegal, Ethiopia, Malawi, D.R. of Congo and more.

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book, February 15, 2010

By 

Curtis F. Lawrence Jr. "King Tut" (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Heinemann Book of African Women's Poetry (Paperback)

I borrowed this book from the libraryy over 17 years ago, and loved it. It is a collection of poetry by women from various countries on the continent of Africa. It reflects the struggles and relationships of the people of those countries from the perspective of a woman.