Literature
on Emily Hopkins (Ghana), 03/Nov/2010 12:30, 34 days ago
One of the great joys of being in Ghana is having the time and lack of distractions to read a vast array of different books. I am always trying to get my hands on new reading material and a good book which you have not yet read is hard to come by in this neck of the woods, there is really only one book store in the city and it is great but a novel will set you back a couple of days wages so buying a new book is a real treat. I find that in Ghana I am much less picky about what I read and find I will be happy to read most things and always aim to have something lined up to read next, the thought of not having a book on the go is quite shocking…there is only so much BBC World Service and Ghanaian newspapers a girl can stand!The past year I have read chick lit, classics, economic studies, poetry, short stories, plays, commentaries and some fantastic African novels. I have always enjoyed reading and passionately believe in the power of story to transport us from our own reality into our imagination to actively live somewhere else for as long as we so desire to keep turning the pages. I think where I find delight in reading most is in exploring and getting to know new characters and through these people come to understand a different perspective on the world and on life’s challenges. Much of what I have read in Ghana has been African texts, partly because these books are so much cheaper than western books but also because they offer a unique perspective while I am living on this continent. Through a wealth of African writers I have come to get to grips with thiscontinent in a new and fresh way, to learn about selling siblings into slavery, to begin to understand the struggles of Africans readjusting to life here once they have been educated overseas and likewise the challenges faced by friends and family members who have stayed in the country, I have seen the effects of colonization through the eyes of tribal leaders, the impact of the introduction of Christianity on local culture and traditions through the eyes of both western Priest and local religious leaders, the challenges of corruption through well meaning expatriates who loose themselves inthe wilds of Africa….I could continue but I have come to understand how the power of a well created character, carefully crafted plot and beautiful words can comment on the complex issues which engulf and shroud this continent, but also at the same time showcase its beauty and its heart.Every VSO I know is keen to get their hands on a new book and reading material passes from town to town and house to house, we always joke that the books in a VSO house give you a good indication as to who lived there before you. In our pad we have a real eclectic mix, I arrived to find War and Peace, and assortment of Ghost Stories, Jackie Collins and a well thumbed self help book entitled‘Chronically Single Woman’ which has come to be known as ‘Chronically’ by my housemate Katherine and I. This rather un insightful piece of writing is always firmly shoved to the back of the bookshelf whenever houseguests come over but somehow it always manages to peek through and most peoplewho set their eyes on this charming little pearl always seem to ask rather sheepishly is they can borrow it, male or female, single or not!!On a rather more reflective note I wanted to share with you some literature which has really spoken to me since I have been in Ghana, whenever I am feeling a little low about the contribution I am making I always look to this poem which encourages me and spurs me on. The poem is actually written about Mozambique not Ghana and was written by a female poet who is based in Canterbury…..enjoy!20 March 2000A woman gives birth in a treeand I stand naked, wondering who I am.I’ve tiled my bathroom mermaid greeneager to create an image, present a sceneof tasteful tranquillity. Two days of labour anda woman gives birth in a treehauls mouth to nipple in instinct-driven certainty.My mirrored face dissolves, distorts as if in painas steam obscures these walls of mermaid green.Her body splits apart, water laps her feet.My power shower stings and pricks my exposed skin.Sophia Pedro gave birth in a treea feelgood picture beamed across our TV screensignoring thousands who lost everything.Was it right– to tile my bathroom mermaid green?Helicopter blades crack overhead. I reachfor cocoa butter, aloe vera cream.I’ve tiled my bathroom mermaid green.In Mozambique a woman gave birth in a tree.Vicky Wilson