Uwem Akpan’s Short Stories in ‘Say You’re One of Them

Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan: Quick Answer

• “Say You’re One of Them” by Uwem Akpan is a collection of seven interconnected short stories set in Nigeria, primarily focusing on the lives of children navigating poverty, conflict, and societal upheaval.
• The collection is lauded for its raw, unflinching portrayal of difficult circumstances through the distinct voices of its young protagonists, offering a powerful, albeit often harrowing, perspective.
• Readers should anticipate emotionally demanding content, as Akpan does not shy away from depicting trauma, moral compromise, and the harsh realities of survival.

Who This Is For

• Readers of literary fiction who seek nuanced explorations of contemporary African life, particularly narratives that delve into the impact of socio-political instability and poverty on individuals.
• Those interested in stories that examine themes of faith, resilience, and the complex ethical dilemmas faced by characters under extreme pressure, especially from the perspective of childhood innocence confronting adult realities.

What to Check First

• Emotional Resilience: The stories contain graphic depictions of violence, loss, and hardship. Assess your current capacity to engage with potentially disturbing or emotionally taxing subject matter.
• Narrative Style: Uwem Akpan frequently employs child narrators. Be prepared for unique linguistic styles, limited perspectives, and the inherent biases that come with experiencing events through a child’s eyes.
• Thematic Depth: The collection grapples with faith, survival, cultural clashes, and the consequences of political instability. Confirm if these complex themes align with your current reading interests.
• Contextual Understanding: While stories are self-contained, understanding the broader context of Nigeria’s history and social issues can enhance comprehension, though it is not strictly required for initial engagement.

Step-by-Step Plan for Engaging with Say You’re One of Them by Uwem Akpan

1. Begin with “An Ex-Boyfriend Comes to Dinner”: This story serves as an effective entry point, introducing Akpan’s characteristic narrative voice and thematic concerns.

• Action: Read the story, paying close attention to the narrator’s observations and internal monologue.
• What to Look For: The subtle ways a child narrator perceives and interprets adult behaviors and social dynamics, often revealing more than they explicitly understand.
• Mistake: Interpreting the child’s perspective as a complete or objective understanding of the events; their limited worldview is a key element of the narrative’s power.

2. Proceed to “My Parents’ Divorce”: This narrative shifts focus to familial disruption and its profound impact on children.

• Action: Observe how the children articulate their experiences and reactions to their parents’ separation.
• What to Look For: The contrast between the adult motivations driving the divorce and the children’s emotional and practical consequences.
• Mistake: Underestimating the significance of cultural norms surrounding family and marriage, which often dictate characters’ choices and societal reactions.

Say You're One of Them

• Audible Audiobook
• Uwem Akpan (Author) - Robin Miles, Dion Graham, Kevin R. Free (Narrators)
• English (Publication Language)
• 11/04/2009 (Publication Date) - Little, Brown & Company (Publisher)

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3. Engage with “The Gardener”: This story introduces themes of conflict and the urgent struggle for survival.

• Action: Note the sensory details of the setting and the immediate threats faced by the characters.
• What to Look For: The resourcefulness and resilience of young characters as they navigate perilous circumstances.
• Mistake: Focusing solely on the external plot; the internal psychological and emotional toll of constant threat is a crucial narrative element.

4. Read “Fatty Needs a Wife”: This story examines societal expectations, particularly regarding marriage and female agency.

• Action: Analyze the protagonist’s internal conflict between societal pressures and personal desires.
• What to Look For: The pervasive influence of family and community expectations on individual choices.
• Mistake: Judging characters’ actions based on external standards without considering the severe constraints imposed by their social and economic environment.

5. Tackle “The Gift”: This story often explores the intersection of faith, sacrifice, and suffering.

• Action: Identify instances where religious beliefs or spiritual questioning shape the characters’ understanding of their circumstances.
• What to Look For: The complex relationship between hardship, faith, and the perception of divine will or absence.
• Mistake: Dismissing the religious elements as mere background detail; they are frequently central to character motivation and narrative resolution.

6. Confront “The Story of the Dog Who Spoke Human Language”: This story is known for its allegorical nature and its critique of societal corruption.

• Action: Consider the symbolic weight of the “talking dog” and its interactions within the narrative.
• What to Look For: The commentary on truth, deception, and the erosion of integrity in society.
• Mistake: Interpreting the story solely on a literal level; its power and meaning are derived from its metaphorical resonance.

7. Conclude with the titular story, “Say You’re One of Them”: This story often serves as a thematic culmination, weaving together many of the collection’s core concerns.

• Action: Synthesize the themes, character experiences, and ethical questions encountered throughout the book.
• What to Look For: The overarching messages regarding identity, belonging, the cost of survival, and the enduring human spirit.
• Mistake: Viewing this story in isolation; its full impact is amplified by the cumulative experience of the preceding narratives.

Common Myths

• Myth: The child narrators are purely innocent observers whose perspectives are untainted by their surroundings.
• Correction: Akpan deliberately uses child narrators to highlight their profound susceptibility to adult actions and societal issues, even when their comprehension is incomplete. Their perceived innocence often serves to amplify the harshness and complexity of their reality. For instance, in “The Gardener,” the child’s focus on immediate, simple needs starkly contrasts with the underlying violence, emphasizing their vulnerability.

• Myth: The stories offer clear moral judgments or straightforward lessons on how to behave.
• Correction: Akpan’s narratives are intentionally morally ambiguous, presenting characters who make difficult, often compromised, choices under extreme duress. The collection probes the nuances of survival and human behavior rather than providing easy answers or definitive judgments. The titular story, “Say You’re One of Them,” exemplifies this complexity, where survival necessitates morally questionable actions.

Expert Tips

• Tip: Pay meticulous attention to the specific language and tone employed by the child narrators.
• Action: Note any phrases or descriptive choices that seem incongruous with a child’s typical vocabulary or understanding, or conversely, how they apply child-like logic to adult situations.
• Mistake to Avoid: Overlooking the narrator’s voice as merely descriptive; it is a critical instrument for conveying thematic depth and emotional impact, often revealing truths the characters themselves do not fully grasp.

• Tip: Consider the pervasive influence of faith and spirituality on the characters’ lives and decisions.
• Action: Identify instances where religious beliefs, doubt, or spiritual questioning directly influence characters’ choices, their interpretation of suffering, or their hopes for the future.
• Mistake to Avoid: Treating religious or spiritual elements as mere cultural backdrop; they often function as a primary driving force behind character motivations and narrative arcs.

• Tip: Prepare for and acknowledge the significant emotional weight of the stories.
• Action: Pace your reading, taking breaks between stories if necessary, to allow yourself time to process the difficult themes and emotional impact.
• Mistake to Avoid: Rushing through the collection without recognizing its emotional toll, which can diminish your ability to connect with and appreciate the depth of the characters’ experiences.

Literary Strengths and Limitations

Decision Rules

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