Visions of Womanhood in Contemporary African Literature

An innovative and compelling interpretation of the growing representation of women in literary texts and movies produced by African female and male genders. Refreshingly authentic and theoretically well-grounded, Visions of Womanhood embodies the accentuation of the African woman from patriarchal victimhood to female agency, individuality, vibrancy, assertiveness, and self-worth through education, socialization, consciousness-raising, and diligence. This expansive and invaluable contribution to the growing trends in African literature, gender studies, and film studies is highly recommended.

-- Gloria Chuku, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Blessing Diala-Ogamba’s Visions of Womanhood in Contemporary African Literature is a consequential study of African women writers and their stirring portraits of female identity on the continent. The book examines specific creative works and films in which these writers seek to resist and confront perennial forms of colonial and patriarchal repressions of women. Visions of Womanhood in Contemporary African Literature is essential reading for readers with interests in African literature and gender studies.

-- Charles Tita, University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Visions of Womanhood in Contemporary African Literature is an insightful study that reveals the portraiture of women’s struggle and progress. The women portrayed in the literary texts and films used here, move away from the state of marginalization and voicelessness to a state of socio-political and economic independence through their awareness, bonding, and intellectual activism. The book will benefit scholars in gender and multicultural studies.

-- Romanus O. Muoneke, St. Thomas Univer