The Writers Project of Ghana's Book Discussion with Mawuli Adzei (with Pictures)

The Writers Project of Ghana has a book club it prefers to call The Book and Discussion Club which meets once every month to discuss the selected text for the month. The Book and Discussion Club has selected and read several books since its formation in 2011. Last month's (March) book was Mawuli Adzei's collection of poems Testament of the Seasons. When information reached Dr Adzei - author of Taboo - that we were going to read and discuss his book, he volunteered to be present.

It was always going to be tricky discussing and interrogating the work of a writer in his or her presence. In his absence you could always say whatever you like and this was the first time it was happening. The Book Club has played host to some authors before, though their works were not under discussion at the time of the meeting. We have had Binyavanga Wainaina and Kojo Laing visiting us and reading to us their works. (Note that this discussion is different from the monthly Book Reading WPG organises in collaboration with the Goethe Institute). However, Dr Adzei's presence did not prevent the interrogation of his works. He believes in the reader developing his or her own reaction to his works and interpreting it in any way he or she deems applicable. As usual, it was fun. The evening began with the author reading some of his poems from all the sections in the book. This was followed by the discussion.

Dr Mawuli Adzei reading from Testament of the Seasons

Novisi asking Dr Adzei a question

Novisi getting his book autographed

Nancy and Amma

In between Dr Adzei and Nancy 

Sheilla or Charlotte (? - this twins!) and Agnes were there

Our book for the month of April is 1984 by George Orwell. This is a classic book about current events. It is universally important. It is the book that gave birth to Newspeak, Doublespeak, and Big Brother. We will meet on April 29, 2014 (we meet on the last Tuesday of every month) to discuss this book. If you want to participate, kindly contact me.