This semester, I took three English courses: “West African Women’s Literature,” “Victorian Connexions” and “Shakespeare.” As you might be able to tell, they all deal with totally different time periods, writing styles and subject matter, but overall I can collectively say that I enjoyed all the literature my professors assigned me this semester in these classes.
Now that the semester is over, I thought I would pick out a few of my favorites for you in case you’re looking for something fresh to read over your winter break.
- The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta
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This story takes place in pre-colonial Nigeria and tells the story of a mother, Nnu Ego as she grapples with the traditional values that Nigerian society has instilled in her when it comes to things such as motherhood and being a wife. As she struggles to stay true to these values, Nigeria begins to undergo colonization from Britain and life becomes more difficult for her and her children. This novel is sad, but at the same time it is very informative into the lives and experiences of West African women.
- Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta
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This novel tells the coming of age story of a young woman, Ijeoma in post-colonial Nigeria in the midst of the Biafran War. As Ijeoma comes of age, she learns that she is attracted to women, however, because of values held by society and the laws of Nigeria, she must keep this hidden out of fear of being killed or imprisoned. I thought this story is beautifully written and is once again incredibly informative on the various experiences that West African women may have.
- Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
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I must admit, this one was my absolute favorite out of all the books of the semester because of the storytelling that Yaa Gyasi is able to construct through the format of her book. This novel is the story of two half-sisters who had never met and is told in a multi-generational format so each section is written from the perspective of a different member of the family, alternating between both sister’s families. One of the sisters families tells the story of being involved in the slave trade in Ghana, while the other unravels the effects of being enslaved and what it means to be black in America, as time progresses toward modernity. I know that’s kind of a confusing summary, but it will make so much more sense if you pick it up and read it, trust me you won’t regret it!
- Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
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Most people have probably already read this classic in high school, but I was not one of those people. This novel had me hooked from the beginning as Emily Bronte’s writing is so elegant. It illustrated a picture of what it was like to be a Victorian in England for me as Bronte depicts how class and gender roles were seen and experienced at the time. I’m quite sad this is Bronte’s only novel, but I’m excited that the door is open for me to begin exploring the other Bronte sisters’ work.
- “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare
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Another piece of literature most of you have probably read in high school, but again I was not one of those people for some reason. What’s up with that @my high school’s English department? Anyway, I absolutely loved this play mostly because of the non-conforming Lady Macbeth. It tells the story of ambition and consequences when it comes to obtaining power, but also raises questions to audiences about gender roles of the time.
- “Coriolanus” by William Shakespeare
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Prior to taking my Shakespeare class, I had never heard of this play by Shakespeare. It tells the story of the rise and fall of a beloved, militaristic ruler in Rome who does not show the same appreciation for his constituents as they show for him. Out of all of the Shakespeare plays, it’s now one of my favorites, and I think it’s mostly because of how easy it was to understand/how straight-forward it is. The language in this play is not as abstract/poetic; therefore, it’s not as hard to understand as some of Shakespeare’s other plays. If you’re looking for a play to start with in your own study of Shakespeare beyond “Romeo and Juliet,” I would recommend “Coriolanus.”
Happy break and happy reading!