The book is a hodgepodge of various afflictions plaguing the continent. Faloyin narrates eloquently, covering multiple issues simultaneously, which results in a somewhat superficial analysis of the topics discussed.
The book is a hodgepodge of various afflictions plaguing the continent. Faloyin narrates eloquently, covering multiple issues simultaneously, which results in a somewhat superficial analysis of the topics discussed.
Entertaining and recommended if you want a fun book. It‘s surprisingly fun, also serious, ranting and thoughtful. He covers Africa's tragic colonial history, then the surprising realities of various African countries - the arbitrary borders, tensions from colonial divisions, their youth and variability, and success and failures and new successes. And he has fun ranting on the western perspectives.
Starting a new audiobook
I also started a new audiobook today. A non-fiction about Africa.
Bonus picture of Peri.
This is an excellent and very sobering book that all white people should read. It shows how, even with hearts in the right place, the approach to Africa is often so, so wrong. I can‘t recommend it enough.
7. Africa Is Not a Country: Breaking Stereotypes of Modern Africa, by Dipo Faloyin -- Don't expect a sober recounting of African history: this book is a cri de coeur in the mold of Shashi Tharoor's An Era of Darkness. This eye-opening book will make you sad, angry, and (hopefully) thoughtful about the way Westerners talk about Africa. It will also inflict upon you a great craving for jollof rice.
This overview of current issues and and attitudes towards Africa was very informative. I especially enjoyed the parts about popular culture from my childhood like Band Aid and Coming to America. Thanks @BarbaraBB for putting this on my radar. #ReadingAfrica
This was an important listen, but I did sometimes find my mind wandering a bit and had to refocus. It‘s a book that made me stop and think about things I had never really thought about and also gave me a clearer perspective on some topics. #Nonfiction #audiobook
I am nowhere near finishing #ReadingAfrica2022, so since the author is Nigerian, that‘s where I‘m putting this one on the list. #Nigeria
Finally finished this one today - and I must say Dipo Faloyin does exactly what he sets out to do….” breaking stereotypes of modern Africa” 🙌🏻❣️This book contains a lot of information mostly about how often African is pigeonholed into one common idea/place/ culture when it‘s SO much more. This was a bit drier than I expected but the knowledge and insight gained was well worth my time. And towards the very end I got #Mozambique 🙏🏻😁
Still dipping in and out of this audiobook - it‘s a bit slow for me.
It‘s VERY informative and the author really lays down the facts with a good blend of humor, common sense and zero BS. Im just not that engaged - my mind keeps wandering. Also I have a handful of obscure countries left for my challenge and so far Dipo Faloyin hasn‘t mentioned them 😬😞 #ReadingAfrica22
Another reason to be mad at the British Museum:
“the simplest of painful realities endures: 90 per cent of Africa's cultural legacy was shipped out of the continent during the colonial era for the same reason that it is currently being kept on display. The objects are magnificent and of exceptional value, and their presence in any country makes that country richer.“
After a stellar review from @BarbaraBB I‘m continuing my #ReadingAfrica22 journey. Let‘s see which countries I‘ll visit 😀
After @BarbaraBB 's excellent review, I couldn't resist this for 99p! #ukdeal #kindledeal
Faloyin wants to break stereotypes of modern Africa in this book and wow, he does. I felt ashamed reading certain parts. For the colonial past in which my country participated actively, for never really listening to the lyrics of Band Aid, for museums with collections based on stolen works, etc. Like @thereflectiveflaneur says in his review, this book should be required reading for everyone.
Tagging my #ReadingAfrica2022 pals 🇪🇷
This book should be REQUIRED READING for absolutely every person!!! Astounding work!!! The audio book is simply brilliant and beautifully captured and read. So many WOW moments in this work! I thought I knew quite a bit but this remarkable book has taught me otherwise! Drop what ever you are doing and read/listen to this text!