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The Representation of Child Deprivation in Three Contemporary African Novels: An Exploration
Abstract
This discussion of the representation of child deprivation in contemporary African fiction involves the following three novels (in alphabetical order):
Paradise (Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tanzania 1994), Purple Hibiscus (Chimamanda Adichie, Nigeria 2006), and The Rock Alphabet (Henrietta Rose-Innes, South Africa 2004). As the countries of origin of the selected writers indicate, I have sought to reflect the diversity of African cultures as far as possible. For the purpose of discussion the texts are distinguished in terms of relevant parental factors as follows:
No parents: The Rock Alphabet
Foster parents: Paradise
Abusive parent (the father in this case): The Purple Hibiscus.
Paradise (Abdulrazak Gurnah, Tanzania 1994), Purple Hibiscus (Chimamanda Adichie, Nigeria 2006), and The Rock Alphabet (Henrietta Rose-Innes, South Africa 2004). As the countries of origin of the selected writers indicate, I have sought to reflect the diversity of African cultures as far as possible. For the purpose of discussion the texts are distinguished in terms of relevant parental factors as follows:
No parents: The Rock Alphabet
Foster parents: Paradise
Abusive parent (the father in this case): The Purple Hibiscus.
