On Rereading Classics — Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo.

I do not believe there is an 'African way' of writing, however, I can argue the fact that there is some distinctness that exists—overtly or not—between Western prose and prose from African writers.

As a Creative Writing student, I have often engaged in discussions about form, style, and what it means to write from “home”—writing in a style that is distinct to my culture/influenced by my subject matter. I do not believe there is an African way of writing, however, I can argue the fact that there is some distinctness that exists—overtly or not—between Western prose and prose from African writers. And I say this, careful not to join the ongoing debate about the fact. But it is the truth.

I frequently reflect on the notion that possessing a distinct style—however one defines it—may not suffice in the competitive landscape of commercial book publishing. That my readers might not be in the Western market, especially for my ongoing novel. I sometimes get a sense of this from my workshops.

While my workshop environment itself does not impose, because the program understands the importance of diverse styles and backgrounds and therefore, encourages accommodation for these, I fear have been impressionable in my thinking. Or maybe not.

“Maybe if I try to write like them, they will get it”. I mostly conclude.

It has been a battle—a minor one, I must add.

Ergo, I find the need to reread classics lately a useful exercise.

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Reading Changes by Ama Ata Aidoo has reminded me of what it looks like to be authentic in your style, be unique in your voice, stay close to your roots (not being too impressionable to please the Western market) and still amass a global readership.

Safe to say this conversation extends beyond the quality of writing or any perceived shortfalls in her prose—if there are any. I know for sure mine does lol—but the fact that when you pick Ama Ata Aidoo’s works, you immediately know there is something unconventional about it. Something unapologetic about its existence, in whatever form or style. And that is the beauty of my encounter with her and other great writers from Africa, lately.

In Changes, Ama Ata Aidoo inaugurates a new realist style in African literature. Aidoo’s portrayal of contemporary life in Accra offers an authentic depiction of the societal and personal challenges her characters navigate.

Aidoo develops a narrative voice that combines empathy with critical observation. This nuanced tone enables readers to engage deeply with the characters' struggles while also encouraging reflection on broader societal issues. For example, Esi’s choice to leave her first marriage and enter a polygamous relationship is presented with both understanding and critique. Aidoo does not merely present these decisions as right or wrong but instead explores their complexities.

Changes has this distinctive narrative style, which forfeits conventional prose style to embrace a form that is not “prose-like”. It reads like someone has sat you down to tell you a story with no care for flowery language, yet not devoid of literariness, a style reminiscent of oral storytelling traditions.

Getting re-introduced to her “style” of writing—or at least, of writing Changes—has reminded me of what is important. And it is not style—and whether or not readers can relate to it.

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What have you read recently that has got you thinking—about anything?