Song of Lawino & Song of Ocol (African Writers) [Paperback]

Okot P'Bitek (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 7, 1984 | ISBN-10: 0435902660 | ISBN-13: 978-0435902667 | Edition: First Edition Thus

One of the most successful African literary works, Song of Lawino (1966), is now made available in the African Writers Series together with Song of Ocol (1967).

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Together, Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol, constitute a heated debate over the future of Africa. In graphic metaphor and with dramatic intensity, P'Bitek presents the conflict between the new and the old, and in the process reveals a remarkable sensitivity to the values of both.”–Books Abroad

Product Details

• Paperback: 158 pages
• Publisher: Heinemann; First Edition Thus edition (June 7, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0435902660
• ISBN-13: 978-0435902667
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 4.7 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #303,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol, February 1, 2001

By 

mike kagwanja (Allentown, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Song of Lawino & Song of Ocol (African Writers) (Paperback)

Okot P'Bitek did what most writers dream of doing when he completed this book. Song of Lawino and Song of Ocol is a fulfiling work of art. It is poetry in the best sense of the word and is based in Africa in the advent of the revolution to mordernize the continent, it shows the stuggles between the overlaping cultures;tradition(African)and the western(European).

He makes sense of what people dismiss as minute details, and empasis' on the importance of change while still empasising on the the role of tradition in the Afircan society. The book is most humorous and at the same time gives a different point of view on the effects of the european presence in Africa. I have recomeded this book to a lot of my friends

5.0 out of 5 stars Song of Lawino, March 24, 2009

By 

mkosa "mwandishi" (seattle, wa United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Song of Lawino & Song of Ocol (African Writers) (Paperback)

I first read this book as a twelve year old being introduced into poetry by my Australian English teacher. Needless to say, I found most of the poetry books prior to this one, to be a torturous exercise for a twelve year old. Okot p'Bitek spoke to the reality that was so real and I could identify some of the characters in my personal life. The choice of words and how they are put together is what I took away from the book. I found the main character, Lawino, to be very funny. I am a Kenyan and on any market day I would go to the market and be surrounded by a lot of Lawinos who are very open and unique in the way they interact within their environment. Very self assured and full of confidence. And self confidence with the written word is the best gift I ever received from this book.