Books that made a difference to ‘Dust’ author Yvonne Owuor
Yvonne Owuor is the award-winning author of the novel "Dust" which has been translated into German. PHOTO| MICHAEL MAINA
What you need to know:
- I have a vague recollection of images and book pictures from long before I could make sense of what this magic was.
- I know both my late father and mother used to read to me before I could understand what they meant.
- Frankly, I do not know a time when I did not have a book in my hand.
Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor is without a doubt one of the most important voices in contemporary Kenyan literature.
She first came to the literary scene when her short story “Weight of Whispers” won the 2003 Caine Prize for African Writing and has since written her debut novel Dust, a book that explores loss in a family set against the background of national silences and Kenyan politics.
Critics have acknowledged the book's role in helping Kenya confront and discourse its ancient grievances and the effects the past has on present-day Kenya — a rather difficult topic in a country whose
people are known to suffer from national amnesia.
She was shortlisted for the prestigious Folio Prize and is at present working on her second novel.
The Goethe Institut will today (Tuesday) at 6pm, host Yvonne for English and German readings of her novel Dust. The session will be moderated by Dr Mshai Mwangola.
Gloria Mwaniga Minage spoke to Yvonne about her all-time favorite books.
What is your earliest memory of reading?
I have a vague recollection of images and book pictures from long before I could make sense of what this magic was. I know both my late father and mother used to read to me before I could understand
what they meant. Frankly, I do not know a time when I did not have a book in my hand.
What are your four fauvorite books of all times?
Gloria, I simply can’t choose! I passionately love all the books I have ever encountered, and I feel I might offend their feelings if I choose one over another (smiles). But if I were to pick just four, these would be:
Lord of the Rings, which I read over and over again from when I was about twelve.
James and the Giant Peach, which I read when I was six years old.
The English Patient, which I read in the year 2000.
The Secret Life of Bees, which I read in 2003
And how can I not include Love in the Time of Cholera?
What do you like about them?
Each of the books are stories that speak of high human values: courage in adversity, non-conformity, relationship, love, and an element of magic.
