In this episode of Boring Conversations, Nigerian poet Sarah Adeyemo discusses her book 'The Shape of Silence,' exploring the inspiration behind its title and the themes of silence in her poetry. She reflects on her experiences as a writer in Nigeria, the impact of the Sprinng Writing Fellowship on her craft, and the challenges posed by inadequate infrastructure in the country. Sarah shares personal stories that shape her writing, emphasizing the role of poetry in social commentary and healing.
The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural identity in literature and the potential for poetry to serve as a form of resistance against societal issues.
00:00 The Shape of Silence: Inspiration Behind the Title
03:26 Navigating the Nigerian Literary Landscape
06:13 The Spring Writing Fellowship Experience
10:39 Infrastructure Challenges in Nigeria
14:03 Personal Experiences Shaping Poetry
18:01 The Role of Poetry in Social Commentary
25:30 Poetry as Resistance and Healing
31:50 The Future of Nigerian Literature and Identity
