The question that’s been asked a few times of me now: why don’t I read more African writers? Actually, it’s been asked more than a few times… enough times, in fact, to warrant the sort of qualifier most accurately described as MANY.
So, many times it’s been asked of me, and many times I’ve answered that I, in what sometimes seems to be my inestimable ignorance, am aware of far fewer African writers than I should be. And, in the equally inestimable ignorance of the publishers of many of the short fiction anthologies from which I ply stories to read to you… well, you guessed it.
And rest assured, this is an acknowledgement that makes me wish I were flexible enough to kick my own ass, because a story like tonight’s makes me think I should. But I’m not (flexible enough), which is where guys like Isaac are useful. So thank you Isaac, and if others of you want to introduce me to something new, send it along.
Actually, you’ve been a little lacking in African literature and literature from the Arab speaking world. And you managed to take care of both at the same time with a great story. More more more!
I love the new links area to find out about each author and buy their books. Great move.
You’ve never mentioned you do the occasional reading for librivox. I hope the fellow readers on projects you’ve helped with are almost as good as you are.
In high school we did,a handful of dates and other african short stories as a set book,which where examinable.writers like grace ogot,chinuwa achebe.incredible writting.
Miette, you’re wonderful.
I’m slowly working my way back through your archives and found a glitch with this otherwise fine story and, of course, great reading: the actual story is about 16 minutes, but instead of fading out in normal delightful fashion, 10 disconnected minutes of “In a Hole” has somehow attached itself.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who keeps favorites to listen to again and would be happy to have a “fixed” version of this one, if you happen to see this and it happens to be something easy to do.
On that note–you really should find a way to let your appreciative listeners send you donations. It’s totally reasonable: you are giving us something we value highly. There’s no reason it should compromise anything you do (or don’t do).