Amna Agib (bit Nafisa) – Appreciation

Amna Agib (bit Nafisa)

Amna joined TSL when she was a member of Harrow Writers Circle. From Sudan (before it split), she had a collection of poems and short stories giving insight into aspects of life in that troubled part of Africa.
As with a number of TSL authors, Amna had a clear idea on how her books were to feel – it was more than crafting the words. Through the process, we both learnt much on many fronts. And in particular, I discovered what an incredible life she’d led (and still does). Amna’s work is a testamony to tenacity and finding ways to have minority voices heard. Whilst she hasn’t published anything further with TSL, she has been exploring more accessible means of getting her work into Africa, where books are expensive to buy once other hurdles have been navigated, including languages.
She also has a short story in the TSL compilation Where Mental Health and Human Rights Align.
While I might be biased because of my African heritage, I do believe that Amna’s publications do not get the readership they deserve (and I can say that about most of our authors) – they break the mould and don’t always follow the currently approved ‘rules’ for writers. If you’re looking for an authentic voice, or something to challenge your current status quo, I recommend Amna’s two books… and that you consider some others in the TSL catalogue…