Close-up of the character of the great writer and passionate fighter for Angolan freedom, Luandino Vieira. After spending many years in prison in Tarrafal, Cape Verde, he left an indelible mark on the history of Angolan and world literature. Felento Eliseo and Zito Cunha Gonçalves, recognized poets and scholars, trace his life and extraordinary contribution to literature.
Dulce Araujo – Vatican News
Luandino Vieira composed most of his literary works in prison, at the Tarrafal establishment in Cape Verde. Like other authors who were arrested there for fighting the Portuguese fascist regime and for having fought for the independence of the Portuguese colonies, Vieira left an important literary legacy. Angolan poet Zetho Cunha GonçalvesThese works must be recognized as the intangible heritage of mankindUnfortunately, he says,The value of Vieira’s work, which forms a cornerstone of the literature and history of Angola, Africa and the world, is not yet fully recognized“.
Felento Eliseo, poet and editor at Rosa de Porcelana Editora, describes Luandino Vieira as “Founder of contemporary Angolan literature“He commends Vieira.”The unique linguistic manifestation resulting from the hybrid languages and their multicultural contacts, which escapes the grammatical rigidity of the Portuguese language.“.
Zetho Cunha Gonçalves, Vieira’s friend and countryman, reveals the writer’s own writing methodology. It also discusses the motives that led Vieira to decline the prestigious Camões Literary Prize. Gonsalves insists that Vieira embodies the living testimony of the epic liberation struggle, a subject that remains of great importance to world literature.
Luandino Vieira’s contribution to contemporary Angolan literature is undeniable. His works and literary legacy deserve further celebration, not only in Angola but all over the world. The efforts of Vilento Eliseo and Zetho Cunha-Gonçalves to highlight Vieira’s work are important steps in this direction.
