Mavis Braga Elias
Since the start of the year, I have read three books. Without realising that something in me was drawing me to books about bravery.
My greatest admiration is passion. Nothing gets me to tears faster than seeing someone live a life of pure passion. Seeing people love what they do and do what they love, is my favourite pastime.
When I met little Adunni in the pages of The Girl with the Louding Voice, I instantly felt true admiration for this beautiful human who lives between the pages written by Nigerian author Abi Dare. She is born a feminist even when she couldn’t label her resentment for the patriarchal system because all she knew was that she did not aspire to marriage and wanted to be educated so as to pass the knowledge back to her community. Her determination is almost tangible through the pages. She suffers great abuse at the hands of her keepers, yet the winds of change blow in her favour upon the end.
When I read stories of bravery, I am left wanting to brave my own life. To step beyond the confines of fear and do what my heart truly calls me to do. Starting with putting words to pages, finding the voice that wants to be heard and believing that bravery is mine to have.
eliasmavis@gmail.com