Aké: The Years of Childhood, by Wole Soyinka

Soyinka describes growing up in western Nigeria in the 1940’s. He was interested in reading from an early age, encouraged by his father who was a school headmaster. An incredibly sensitive youth, Soyinka was acutely aware of aspects of his world from an early age. He was also very stand apart: from his school mates, his family, and the community around him. Often the pressures of community living in his family overwhelmed him and he sought refuge outdoors or with friends.

It was clear how, like Eudora Welty, he ‘listened’ and ‘saw’ from an early age, developing his writer’s mind. He carefully describes conversations he overheard and experiences he had growing up. His descriptions are very vivid and his writing is almost poetic in his choice of words.

A sensitive, thoughtful work, Aké is fascinating to read to discover a young person’s growing consciousness as a writer, especially in the fantastic environment of Nigeria.