You Must Set Forth at Dawn

You Must Set Forth at Dawn
AuthorWole Soyinka
LanguageEnglish
Publication date
April 11, 2006
ISBN978-0-375-50365-8

You Must Set Forth at Dawn is an autobiographical work by the Nobel Prize-winning Nigerian playwright, poet and political activist Wole Soyinka.[1][2][3] In this compelling memoir, Soyinka provides an intimate glimpse into his life as an adult, detailing his experiences in and out of Nigeria during some of the nation's most tumultuous periods. A sequel to his acclaimed childhood memoir, Ake: The Years of Childhood, this book captures Soyinka's struggles and triumphs as he navigates the complexities of political activism, exile, and his pioneering contributions to theater and literature.[4]

Soyinka recounts his resistance to the oppressive military regimes that plagued Nigeria, particularly during the brutal reign of General Sani Abacha,[5] which led to his exile. He intersperses these reflections with lighter anecdotes, such as his unexpected friendship with a Nigerian businessman and the humorous tale of smuggling a frozen wildcat into the United States for an authentic Nigerian barbecue.

More than a personal narrative, You Must Set Forth at Dawn serves as a vivid portrait of Nigeria itself, its enduring spirit, its challenges, and its hope. Soyinka's lyrical prose and unflinching honesty underscore his dual roles as a literary icon and an indefatigable advocate for justice and freedom. This memoir is both a testament to his profound commitment to democracy and a celebration of the resilience of his homeland.[6][7]

  1. ^ "Wole Soyinka | Biography, Plays, Books, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-09-29. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  2. ^ "The Nobel Prize in Literature 1986". NobelPrize.org. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  3. ^ "Nobel Prize winner Wole Soyinka on art and culture". Penn Today. 2022-03-24. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  4. ^ "You Must Set Forth at Dawn". Goodreads. Retrieved 2024-11-21.[self-published]
  5. ^ "Sani Abacha | Military dictator, Head of State, Human rights abuses | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  6. ^ "You Must Set Forth at Dawn | memoir by Soyinka | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2024-11-21.
  7. ^ "You Must Set Forth at Dawn". Goodreads. Retrieved 2024-11-21.[self-published]