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GUYANESE LITERATURE
– by Petamber Persaud
One of the few children books to be launched recently is ‘Guyanese Stories for Children Everywhere’ by Sheila King, self-published Guyana, 2008.
Connectivity is very important when writing for children. Connectivity operates on different levels: it may come by way of reliving an experience or by way of extending the imagination or a combination of both. Whenever it happens, however it happens, connectivity is imperative.
Adventure is also important in this type of writing; adventure with colour and flair – exciting, mysterious and suspenseful adventure. Adventure filled with moves and movements to satisfy the craving of hyperactive children and introvert bookworms.
The title of this collection of stories by Sheila King is instructive – ‘Guyanese Stories for Children Everywhere’. The setting of the stories is Guyana but the themes are universal. Themes that delight, themes that affect and themes that excite children. Themes that connect with children.
These stories are engaging, made so by excellent use of language with generous doses of description. Both skill and technique came through years of practise.
Lots of research went into this work to make it as plausible as possible while maintaining the element of fantasy. This thus showed her responsibility to youthful (and adult) minds – not to mislead.
This juxtaposing of fact and fiction is commendable also because the writer knows the need to connect to children by whatever means available to achieve the intended effect. And there is no doubt in her mind as to her target audience/reader. It is clear – the writer working with clear vision – her intent.
Each story leaves the reader with a sense of satisfaction – this is a complete piece of writing, nothing more can be added, nothing to take away; it is wholesome, holistic, completely engaging, entertaining and even instructive.
Looking deeper into the writing, you find that the characters are carefully and appropriately named. This made the stories instructive without being didactic.
The many messages hit you with sudden realisation causing you to nod in appreciation – this writer is pulling out all the stops!
The conversational tones of these stories sort of invite ‘you’, the reader into the setting, the action and resolution. You are always present, a character in a certain setting.
You are not allowed to wander away from your own story, not even for a moment; you are there to the appropriate end. All in all, ‘Guyanese Stories for Children Everywhere’, is satisfaction guaranteed.
Responses to this author telephone (592) 226-0065 or email: oraltradition2002@ yahoo.com
LITERARY UPDATE
• Look out for details regarding the production of THE GUYANA ANNUAL 2008-2009; this special souvenir edition will mark Edgar Mittelholzer’s 100th birth anniversary. We are inviting short articles, reminiscences and titbits to this effect.
Closing date for submissions is Friday October 24, 2008. Please contact me on how to acquire books launched during Carifesta X.
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