Powerful Quotes From African Books (Part 5)

African writers have written in diverse forms, styles and in many languages. They have been able to creatively put words about their lives, experiences, culture, history and myth together in books published widely on the African continent and beyond.

Many of these books consists sentences that impart divine influence on the mind and soul. eelive.ng is only glad to explore them with you.

This week’s quote examines the work of a Canada-based Nigerian writer, Yejide Kilanko. The quote is an extract from one of her novels, “Chasing Butterflies”.

It says:

“Yes our parents raise us. But then, we also have to raise ourselves”

Yejide Kilanko

Self discovery, self teaching and self learning more often than not are the fastest route to a successful life. For some, the process of self-discovery and introspection is completely natural, while others live by the moment and don’t get serious about exploring their inner self until something changes their perspective.

In “Chasing Butterflies”, Yejide Kilanko creates a detailed and moving portrait of a difficult and harrowing marriage. She uses crystal-clear prose to demonstrate the points of view of both parties and the little child caught in the crossfire of parents who are struggling to be heard and appreciated in their partnership.

Yejide Kilanko is a writer of novels, short stories, and a poet. Kilanko’s debut novel, Daughters Who Walk This Path (2012), a Canadian national bestseller, was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize and the 2016 Nigeria Literature Prize.

Her work includes a novella, Chasing Butterflies (2015) and a children’s picture book, There Is An Elephant In My Wardrobe (2018). Her short fiction is included in the anthology, New Orleans Review 2017: The African Literary Hustle.

Kilanko lives in Ontario, Canada, where she also practices as a therapist in children’s mental health.

By Samiah Olabimpe