Refractive Africa: Ballet of the Forgotten

Refractive Africa is a poetry collection that explores diasporic witness, colonialism, invasion, and political resistance, using the Congo River as a lens. It is a fierce and compelling exploration of the Congo's history, ecology, and interior suppression, offering a savage enunciation of the region's derangement, hygienew, weaver bird nests, grasslandsw, and ghostly voltage.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 06 January 2022
Publisher: Granta Books

Refractive Africa is a captivating collection of three poems that delve into the profound themes of diasporic witness, colonialism, invasion, and political resistance. This poetic masterpiece unfolds as a captivating pas de trois, paying homage to the visionary Nigerian-Yoruban author Amos Tutuola at its inception and culminating in a stirring speech directed towards the modernist Malagasy poet Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo.

The heart of this collection revolves around the central poem, which utilizes the geographical significance of the Congo River as a lens through which to explore the devastating impact of pillaging and dislocation on societies throughout history. With a keen focus on the specific colonial and post-colonial histories of the region, the author skillfully weaves these historical narratives with contemporary instances of ecological damage caused by mining for tin and cobalt. The result is a powerful and evocative portrayal that evokes a sense of urgency and moral responsibility.

In Refractive Africa, the poet employs a fierce and compelling language that strikes at the very core of human experience. The poems are filled with astute observations, intricate imagery, and astrological reckonings that add depth and layers of meaning to the text. The author's use of vivid imagery, such as the description of the Congo River as a "foul and delimited hygienewith its weaver bird nests,with its sprawling grasslands,with its ghostly voltage as flares from old oil rigs," creates a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

Furthermore, the book is a savage enunciation of the complexities and contradictions inherent in the human condition. It challenges the reader to confront the darker aspects of our history and present, reminding us of the ongoing struggles and sacrifices made by marginalized communities. The poet's use of negation, suppression, and terror as tools to explore the depths of human suffering is both thought-provoking and deeply moving.

Through its powerful and evocative language, Refractive Africa invites the reader to reflect on the complexities of our world and the urgent need for social and political change. The collection serves as a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and transform our understanding of the world around us.

In conclusion, Refractive Africa is a remarkable poetry collection that deserves to be widely read and celebrated. Through its thoughtful and nuanced exploration of complex themes, the book offers a profound insight into the human experience and the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, challenge, and transform our understanding of the world around us.

Weight: 168g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783788309