African & Caribbean Folktales, Myths & Legends

by Wendy Shearer

Genres: Short Stories, Fantasy, Folklore, Mythology, Research

Unknown Binding

Published September 2, 2021

Reviews

[Sophie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story book, with tales that transport your mind and heart. Skilfully written, you can tell these are crafted by a traditional oral storyteller - the exquisite descriptions, and the stories that grip you from start to finish. A wonderful story book, as much for adults as for children.

[Anika · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this in the adult section of a bookstore, so I assumed it was written for adults, but the language in this book is quite juvenile and reminds me of bedtime stories for kids. So I'm a little disappointed. I also wasn't a fan of the categorisation of the stories.

[mitch · Rating 3 out of 5]

had so much fun reading these stories. Imagine a kind lady sitting in the middle of the library reading stories sweetly to a bunch of kids. That's how I felt reading this book. As an adult I felt like the writing was easy and verrry simple, almost animated. However, if I were to read this book to my niece or nephews who are under 12, I would make several adjustments, as there were some stuff mentioned in the book that I personally wouldn't say to a kid (mentioned: decapitation, people burning,). Not all stories, but this book started pretty strong on that aspect.

On the other side, I'm glad to get to learn more about African and Caribbean tales. There is author's note in each of the story explaining which version it is, where it originates from, and some significant key points. This was undoubtedly educative and the moral lessons were intact. Above all, my inner child was entertained.

[Morag Forbes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shearer is a professional story teller and her skills come to life in this book. This is a middle grade book but I think it could appeal to any age, particularly if you have never read or heard any of these stories before. You can read all the way through or drop in and out story by story. A couple were familiar to me and brought back very happy memories of travels in Southern Africa as a young child being told stories by locals. Some of the language was a bit overly childish. I also would have liked a bit more context to each story. Information about society, culture, knowledge sharing and so on though.

[Francinexice · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed this little book. I bought it during a trip to Amsterdam, because i couldnt leave empty handed. Ive always loved the idea of fairytales but never quite how they were told, where women were a price to be won or a damsel in distress needing a strong man to be rescued. Ive loved these myths and folktales about how the cheeta got its spot, or hos the monkey outsmarted the crocodile and other interesting story. Ive loved learning from these other cultures and am excited to see these countries for myself one day.

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75⭐

A nicely presented anthology of stories, suitable for both adults and kids. I especially enjoyed the "Magic and Mystery" and the "Myths and Legends" chapters, as they went into more detail in terms of how the world was created and how it developed according to these cultures.

Some of these stories reminded me of different motifs encountered in fables or other stories that I have heard of before. This perfectly showcases the fact that cultures relate a lot to each other and that ideas are repeated under many forms in different parts of the world.

[Suzanne Bhargava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really wonderful stories, told expertly by a really wonderful storyteller. As I read, I could hear Wendy’s voice in my head. If you ever have a chance to sit in on one of her storytelling events, do. It’s a joyous thing!

[Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful stories full of culture (it reminded me of home❤️)

[Janne Van Dongen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eens iets anders! Heel leuk om te lezen, mooie verhalen van mooi beschreven plekken.

[Meesh Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨

[Lui · Rating 5 out of 5]

A nice read. Triggered some faint memories of similar stories I heard as a child.

[The Sagittarian Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and interesting stories. However, I am Jamaican and I have never heard the myth of Soliday and the Bird of Darkness that is supposedly from my island, so that was interesting. Still an enjoyable read.

[Lisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely read about the many folktales, myths and legends that live through the oral, and this way, written telling. This book is definitely for children. But that does not mean it is not enjoyable for an older audience. Overall I enjoyed every story in this book! I would definitely recommend it to people who want to get to know more about African and Caribbean culture! And who want a fast read.