This archive report was first published on 17 August 2019.
Published on August 17, 2019, in Saturday Nation, Yvonne Owuor spoke about her journey as a writer, her experiences, and her views on the literary scene in East Africa.
Yvonne Owuor is a decorated writer with a rich background in literature. She studied English at Kenyatta University and later pursued an MA in TV/Video development at Reading University in Britain. She also holds a MPhil in Creative Writing from the University of Queensland in Australia.
Her story, Weight of Whispers, won the 2003 Caine Prize for African Writing, and her debut novel, Dust, won the prestigious Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature in 2015. Her latest novel, The Dragonfly Sea, was released in 2019.
When asked about the place of women in writing and penning novels, Yvonne Owuor emphasized that a good story is worth telling irrespective of the gender. She believes that a well-crafted tale has no loyalties to the dichotomies humanity labels on us and will still find its audience(s) whether written by a man or woman.
Yvonne Owuor also spoke about her experiences as a woman in the male-dominated field of writing. She acknowledged that female writers often face unique challenges, but she emphasized that the struggle does not make an exception of men or women. She credited her brother, Binyavanga Wainaina, for believing in her and giving her the courage to commit to her writing career.
When asked for advice to young Kenyan women who yearn to plunge into the daunting field of writing, Yvonne Owuor urged them to write without imagining anybody owes them anything or waiting for the 'perfect condition.' She emphasized that writing is a process that requires patience, dedication, and trust in the community of good souls who love riveting tales.
Yvonne Owuor's experiences as a globetrotter have also influenced her writing. She believes that the world is her palette, and literature has sent her to various parts of the world. She is grateful for the opportunities she has had to explore different cultures and meet people from diverse backgrounds.
Her experience as the executive director of the Zanzibar International Film Festival/Festival of the Dhow Countries (2003-2005) was life-changing and identity-shaping. She was reminded that as an East African, she is also a citizen of the seas.
Yvonne Owuor's recent experience with being assaulted by Nairobi County askaris in 2018 has also drawn attention to the subterranean ways of the city and the oppression of citizens through absurd by-laws. She hopes that her experience will contribute to the conversation about the need to reform the city's statutes and protect its citizens.
When asked about her take on being described as playful, easy-going, mischievous, and one with a wild sense of humour, Yvonne Owuor replied that she hopes it is true. She loves life, its people, and finds great joy in the simple pleasure of existing among others.
Yvonne Owuor's second full-length novel, Dragonfly Sea, was launched at Prestige Bookshop in April. She praised the Kenyan literary community for their support and dedication to creating spaces where writers can be encountered. She described the launch as a cherished family gathering and one of the best literary experiences she has had anywhere in the world.
When asked about her reading list, Yvonne Owuor confessed that she has never found a book she did not like, which makes it a crisis. She has mounds of unread books, including Warlight by Michael Ondaatje, House of Stone by Novuyo Rosa, and Music, Sense and Nonsense by Alfred Brendel.
