approach writing about these issues and why did you choose to explore them? The thread that connects the themes you mention – religious corruption and the vulner- ability of women – is power. I have always been interested in how power is wielded and abused in society. The character of Tina Kanu in the novel, who happens to be a newspaper journalist, perfectly sums up the trifecta of power, pointing out that a rich man with religious and political influence is capable of doing almost anything, especially in African societies where faith is almost sacrosanct. Patriarchal structures also often glibly
present women as needing “special prayers” as a means of fulfilling stereotypical markers of validation such as child birth and marriage to a “good husband”, which unfortunately still heavily applies. This skewed and misguided mindset therefore makes women often open to abuse and exploitation, as is the case in the novel.
Focus Searching for answers
In 2022, Foday Mannah won the Mo Siewcharran Prize for his then-unpublished crime novel The Search for Othella Savage, set between Sierra Leone and Scotland. Mannah talked to The Bookseller about his journey, his dual role as a writer and teacher and the power of language to root a story in lived experience.
Your debut draws inspiration from a real crime. What attracted you to this story, and why did The foundation of the novel came from the harrowing case of a South African nurse living in Scotland, who was abducted from her house and locked in the boot of her car. Crime fiction is often a reflection of the darkest and most depraved aspects of life and the world, with human beings occasionally having a proclivity for unspeakable actions of cruelty and terror.
You have said that the novel is shaped by your personal experiences as part of the African diaspora in the UK. How did your own journey – from London to Sierra Leone, and now to Scotland – inform the characters and emotional landscape of the book? I was born in London but moved with my entire family to Sierra Leone when I was six years old, returning to the UK after completing university. I have lived in Scotland since 1997, which therefore provides me with an insightful vista of these two very special countries. Characters are drawn from my experience of these two culturally diverse settings. The immigrant experience within the context of the diaspora is a well-trodden path, especially in literary fiction. I therefore saw no reason for this to not also apply to crime fiction. After all, nobody has a monopoly on misery; crime is an intrinsic element of the human condition irrespective of race, creed, religion and ethnic- ity. A lovely workmate aptly described the novel as an example of “Diaspora Noir”, a classification I adore.
The novel delves into heavy themes such as religious corruption and the vulnerability of women in tight-knit communities. How did you
The immigrant experience within the context of the diaspora is a well-trodden path… I saw no reason for this to not also apply
You weave Sierra Leonean Creole and aphorisms into your dialogue, which bring such rich texture to the novel. Why was it important for you to keep those cultural elements intact, and how do you think readers will respond to that authenticity? Absolutely. I addressed the use of Sierra Leonean Krio expressions in an essay while doing my writing degree. Imagery especially is such a pure form of any language, adding such lustre and depth to creative writing. Krio, being heavily English based, has led to the creation of some amazingly original expressions, which I tried to incorporate in the novel. They were indeed intrinsic and essential to the novel, especially with regards to dialogue.
You are also a teacher of English – how has your Teachers of English are exceptional human beings, as I stated in the novel’s acknowledg- ments. Teaching English keeps your finger on the pulse since by sheer default you are in a constant state of flux, being introduced to differ- ent brands and genres of literature. We not only study literature but also teach pupils how to write. Can I also mention how non-fiction is also a massive part of my development as a writer? Articles in quality newspapers are a phenomenal source of both ideas and style when it comes to writing.
The Search for Othella Savage was published by Quercus on 22nd May
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GRAEME O'HARA
Black Publishing Focus Q&A
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