Sanctificum
Chris Abani
Consortium Book Sales & Dist (2010)
In Collection
#4948
0*
Poet
Paperback 9781556593161
Product Details
LoC Classification PR9387.9.A23 .S26 2010
LoC Control Number 2009043650
Dewey 821/.914
Nationality African
Height x Width 9.1  inch
First Edition Yes
User Defined
Conflict African Wars
Notes
A self-described "zealot of optimism"; poet and novelist Chris Abani bravely travels into the charged intersections of atrocity and love, politics and religion, loss and renewal. In poems of devastating beauty, he investigates complex personal history, family, and romantic love.Sanctificum , Abani's fifth collection of poetry, is his most personal and ambitious book. Utilizing religious ritual, the Nigerian Igbo language, and reggae rhythms, Abani creates a post-racial, liturgical love song that covers the globe from Abuja to Los Angeles.

I say hibiscus and mean innocence. I say guava and mean childhood. I say mosquito netting and mean loss. I say father and it means only that. Happen that we all dream, but the sea is only sea. Happen that we call upon God but it is only a breeze ruffling a prayer book in a small church where benches groan in the heat . . .

Chris Abani was born in Nigeria in 1966 and published his first novel at sixteen. He was imprisoned for his writings, and after his release he eventually moved to the United States. He is the author of ten books of poetry and fiction, including the best-selling novel GraceLand . He teaches at the University of California-Riverside and lives in Los Angeles.