"The Forger's Tale"

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how Stephanie Newell's "The Forger's Tale: The Search for Odeziaku" studies the complex life of poet John Moray Stuart-Young that encompasses British and African history and the study of homosexuality and gender among many other things. It discusses how Newell looks at British imperialism in Nigeria and the local reaction to it while at the same time addressing the connection between colonized people and colonizers. The book records the life of Stuart-Young and his move from being poor in Britain to being a successful trader in Nigeria, which was part of the British colony.

From the Paper:

"This publication illustrates one mans journey of producing multiple identities in order to find acceptance within West African Igbo society. He developed a new identity as a wealthy palm oil trader and became a well-respected and educated author, known to Nigerians as Odeziaku meaning 'arranger of wealth'. He was well received because he was not an imperialist, although "there were occasional complaints against his racially superior attitude, rarely was he perceived to be anti-African." Kwaansa, one of his many defenders supported him and acknowledged that Stuart-Young was pro-African and promoted the brotherhood of man. As he developed supporters more of his poetry was published and some of which less-than-subtly demonstrated his sexual orientation. Throughout his literature he was never disrespectful of Igbo culture and he did not practice indecent behaviour or parade his sexuality and therefore was accepted as a great author. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Newell, Stephanie. The Forger's Tale: The Search for Odeziaku. Ohio: Ohio University Press, 2006.

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