Reading ~ Let the Lion Eat Straw
I acquired this book free of charge at a library in the town where I lived several years ago. The title -- LET THE LION EAT STRAW caught my attention because I thought it sounded like a book where Africa or things African would be the subject matter. The author, Ellease Southerland (aka Ebele Oseye) is from Nigeria and the jacket sleeve stated that she lived in New York City at the time of publishing2000 (originally 1979). I went to visit her webpage, but found it not functioning. However, I found a faculty profile page on the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences where she published one profound sentence about her teaching innovations: "I am passionate in my understanding that literature must entertain and inform." LET THE LION EAT STRAW is a strong testament to the reality of that passion.
The main character in the book is a little girl by the name of Abeba Williams who is six years old at the beginning of the book. Events and interpersonal relations go along so smoothly during this part of the book that I almost refuse to imagine that they were living in the U.S. as the time period appears to be early 50's. But sure enough, thanks to Rev. Argentina, once they talked about having 'boiled peanuts' I knew they were in North Carolina. In fact, I have several cans in my cupboard right now as I always ask Rev. A to bring some back for me when she travels that way. Back to the story...
What a peaceful, wonderful, almost magical place this little girl lived in with a mid-wife who brought her into the world whose sensitiveness to Abeba would have been the envy of the most astute child psychologist. Insight like this only comes from spending quality time with another. The merchants in the town and the neighbors in the community all knew one another and seemed to have amicable relations.
Abeba's life changes when she moves from the south to the north to live with her biological mom and step-dad. You'll have to read the book yourself or join me again when I continue sharing my impressions through the journey of life through the eyes of a beautiful child named Abeba. Thank you Prof. Southerland.
She can be reached via email at E-mail: Eoseye@pace.edu
The main character in the book is a little girl by the name of Abeba Williams who is six years old at the beginning of the book. Events and interpersonal relations go along so smoothly during this part of the book that I almost refuse to imagine that they were living in the U.S. as the time period appears to be early 50's. But sure enough, thanks to Rev. Argentina, once they talked about having 'boiled peanuts' I knew they were in North Carolina. In fact, I have several cans in my cupboard right now as I always ask Rev. A to bring some back for me when she travels that way. Back to the story...
What a peaceful, wonderful, almost magical place this little girl lived in with a mid-wife who brought her into the world whose sensitiveness to Abeba would have been the envy of the most astute child psychologist. Insight like this only comes from spending quality time with another. The merchants in the town and the neighbors in the community all knew one another and seemed to have amicable relations.
Abeba's life changes when she moves from the south to the north to live with her biological mom and step-dad. You'll have to read the book yourself or join me again when I continue sharing my impressions through the journey of life through the eyes of a beautiful child named Abeba. Thank you Prof. Southerland.
She can be reached via email at E-mail: Eoseye@pace.edu
Labels: Childhood, Family, Fathers, Girls, Mothering, North Carolina, Parenting, Self-Esteem
posted by Ihoha at 9:04 AM
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