Reviewers are not meant only to criticise – Salamatu Sule

Salamatu Sule is a book lover and reviewer of African literature. A former secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja  chapter, she talks about the responsibilities of a reviewer, the controversy surrounding Tope Folarin’s short story, ‘Genesis’, the development of African literature and more. Bookshelf: You are an avid book reviewer. Can you […]

Salamatu Sule is a book lover and reviewer of African literature. A former secretary of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Abuja  chapter, she talks about the responsibilities of a reviewer, the controversy surrounding Tope Folarin’s short story, ‘Genesis’, the development of African literature and more.

Bookshelf: You are an avid book reviewer. Can you remember your first review?
Salamatu Sule: Well I can’t take my eyes off books, especially literary books. I do not just pick up a book from the shelf, but try to read it and talk about it from my perspective. My first review was my project titled: ‘Effect of Environment on the Human Personality, a critical study of Richard Wrights ‘Black Boy’ and Ellison’s ‘Invisible Man’’. Prior to my joining the Association of Nigerian Authors, I reviewed Sumaila Umaisha’s ‘Hoodlums’, which is a collection of short stories.
Bookshelf: What do you think qualifies one to review a work?
Sule: A reviewer tends to look out for different aspects of a particular book. There are those who specialize in the areas of understanding the meaning from the text to forms, content, perspectives and so forth. I like to view books from a more analytical angle.
Bookshelf: What category of works do you habitually review? Or is it just any book that comes your way?
Sule: I read fiction and nonfiction works, but place more emphasis on literary works.
Bookshelf: Before you review a book, what do you consider?
Sule: I review books that appeal to me, especially those of African authors which try to interpret contemporary as well as past events, a particular stage of development of the society. 
Bookshelf: You are a bit more sensitive in your reviews. Don’t you believe in being blunt?
Sule: Reviewers are meant to understand the perspective from which an author anchors his story, to bring out strong points, as well as highlight the shortcomings of the book. The ultimate aim is to encourage the author to take note of his lapses and do better but not only to criticize. Maybe my way of putting across these views is what qualifies me as sensitive.
Bookshelf: Pa Ikhide is a notable reviewer who even writes blurbs for African writers. How do you view his approach to reviews?
Sule: Pa Ikhide is Pa Ikhide and a critic in his own right. He has established a reputation for himself as a critic which we hope will contribute to the development of African literature.
Bookshelf: Tope Folarin’s short story, ‘Genesis’ has been shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Literature. He won in 2013 for his short story, ‘Miracle’. Recently, Kola Tubosun reviewed ‘Genesis’ in Brittle Paper, an online literary magazine, where he implied that Folarin’s entry is fraudulent because it is an autobiography. How do you view such a review?
Sule: I think the bone of contention is whether or not a work of autobiography can be accepted for the Caine Prize. The judges are at liberty to decide.
Bookshelf: How do you view the development of African literature today?
Sule: Truth be told, the conversation is changing and I like the fact that African literature today is gaining ground. For me, this is encouraging.
Bookshelf: It appears sometimes like the West needs to validate our writers before we embrace them. What do you have to say about that?
Sule: The very moment you believe that somebody has to endorse your work before you feel contented, that would be the very moment you lose your identity. African writers are mature and do not need any endorsement from the West or any diaspora. I like the fact that writers like Abubakar Adam Ibrahim, Elnathan John and Othuke Ominiabohs are changing the literary discourse.
Bookshelf: What book have you enjoyed reviewing the most, recently?
Sule: ‘Season of Crimson Blossoms’ by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim.
Bookshelf: You have been ANA’s secretary for years. What was it like?
Sule: As ANA secretary, I did all I could within my limits for the association and it is left for those at the helm of affairs to improve on what I did.
Bookshelf: How do you think ANA can be strengthened to impact more on Nigerian literature?
Sule: I think the current administration is working toward reviewing the policies that would further grow the association for the better.
Bookshelf: If you are going to be at sea for a month, what five books will you travel with?
Sule: I will take with me ‘Season of Migration to the North’ by Tayeb Salih, ‘Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun’ by Sarah Ladipo Manyika, Ngugui Wa Thiongo’s ‘Devil on the Cross’, ‘The Roots’ by Alex Harley and ‘Odufa’ A Lovers Tale by Othuke Ominiabohs, which I am currently reading.
Bookshelf: What are you working on at the moment?
Sule: At the moment I am reading and editing a manuscript.