Up-Country Girl

Book excerpt: Up-Country Girl is the story of an African girl from a rural farming community, and the notable achievements and developments in her life, which coincided with many national events. Nigeria moved from being a British colony to independence, and the new democracy was disrupted by a series of coups detat bringing decades of military rule, before a return to civilian rule in 1999. Interwoven into her story are the authors personal views from experience, on old and new polygamy, corruption, sex education, the upbringing of children, business partnerships, the problems of a pluralistic society, work ethics, and other issues. Up-Country Girl also affords the reader a truthful and accurate portrayal of African culture. As a creative writer, the author wrote Nothing So Sweet which won First Prize in a British Council competition; several short stories which were broadcast by the B.B.C; Folktales and Fables published by Penguin Books, and short stories included in two recent anthologies. As an educationist, she is best known as the co-author of secondary school textbooks: New Practical English by Ogundipe and Tregidgo, and Brighter Grammar. She lives in Charlotte, North Carolina.