Patrick Achitabwino articles

Creative writing in Malawi has had its ups and downs. At the moment the reading culture seem to be dying. But how can a reading culture be sustained when creative writing seem to be taking a nosedive as well? There has been an increased outcry that the quality of literary creative works being penned of late has been leaving a lot to be desired. But wait a moment, get hold of an anthology of Malawian short stories entitled: The bachelor of Chikanda and other stories, then you will appreciate that all is not lost.
This artistically written anthology brings before your table a 240-page literary dish containing 35 stories covering different aspects of social life: cultural trends, poverty, witchcraft among many others. It also recognizes the importance of managing transition in the creative world. While the anthology boasts of short stories by emerging writers on the Malawi scene like William Mpina, Ayami Mkwanda, Ndongolera Mwangopili, Kondwani Kamiyala among several others, it also showcases stories of long-time renowned writers such as Jonathan Tanthwe Mbuna, Sambalikagwa Mvona, Brian Ligomeka, Akwete Sande, Levi Zeleza Manda, Zondiwe Mbano, Jimmy Koreia-Mpatsa, Wisdon Dede Kamkondo and Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga. This combination bridges the gap between the old and the new writers. It brings an opportunity to analyse how writing trends have been forging of late.
An exciting element embodied in almost all the stories carried in the book is how they maintain a drive in adhering to themes being addressed. Some stories are there to question the logic behind some behavior. Others pricks at the evil of some cultural practices when they are not appropriately followed.
An amazing element that attracts a reader is the variety of writing styles. The weaving of Ndaferankhande’s Sins of the fathers in the first person singular entices a reader to be part of the story, to be the main character, to think with the character, to mourn with her, and to get relief with her as well. The opening paragraph of Vincent Muwamba’s The Ants has the rousing appeal that ignite in a reader the desire to keep on: ‘The ants of Mdeka had no mouth to tell of their suffering under the divergent oppressive feet. Feet in slippers, Feet in three storey shoes. Bare feet. Feet! Feet! Feet!
The most common element which gives the stories a lively curiosity is the ending. Most stories have the suspense ending which gives a reader all the liberty to conclude the stories himself/herself.
As this anthology is also better suited for classrooms, it excites a lot to note that award winning stories for the 2008 First Merchant Bank/Malawi Writers Union have been incorporated in this anthology: Chikumbutso Ndaferankhande’s Sins of the fathers; Vincent Chiwamba’s The Ants; and Shadreck Chikoti’s The Baobab. The incorporation of these stories in the anthology provides budding writers a timely opportunity to learn tricks of authoring award winning stories.
This anthology is the best instrument for teaching creative writers. At the end of each short story are four of five questions pertaining to the story. Such simple exercise challenges a reader to measure one’s understanding on each story read.
The Bachelor of Chikanda and other stories could make a vital creative writing resource if it can find its way into school and public libraries.