O
Ondjaki
50quotes
Ondjaki: A Life of Literary Passion and Social Activism
Full Name and Common Aliases
Ondjaki is the pen name of José Luís Neto, a Mozambican writer born in 1977. He is often referred to simply as Ondjaki.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on July 8, 1977, Ondjaki is still active in his writing career today.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Ondjaki is a Mozambican national and identifies as a writer, novelist, and social activist. His work encompasses multiple genres, including fiction, poetry, and essay.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the coastal town of São Tomé e Príncipe, Ondjaki's early life was marked by exposure to the rich cultural heritage of his island nation. The son of a musician and a teacher, he developed an appreciation for literature from a young age. Ondjaki's experiences during Mozambique's civil war had a profound impact on his writing, as he drew inspiration from the struggles and triumphs of his people.
Major Accomplishments
Ondjaki's breakthrough novel, "Benfica: O Último Jogo" (2001), is considered one of the most important works of Mozambican literature in recent decades. His writing has been praised for its vivid portrayal of life in Africa and its exploration of themes such as colonialism, identity, and social justice.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of Ondjaki's notable works include:
"Benfica: O Último Jogo" (2001) - A coming-of-age novel set during Mozambique's civil war.
"Os Meus Amigos de Sodoma" (2002) - A collection of short stories exploring themes of identity and belonging.
* "Terra Sonâmbula" (2014) - A novel that delves into the lives of women in Mozambique during times of war.
Impact and Legacy
Ondjaki's writing has resonated with readers worldwide, offering a unique perspective on the African experience. His commitment to social activism has inspired countless young writers and thinkers across the continent.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Ondjaki is widely quoted and remembered for his thought-provoking prose, which continues to captivate audiences with its raw emotion and unflinching portrayal of life in Africa. His dedication to telling stories that might otherwise go untold has left an indelible mark on the literary world.
By exploring Ondjaki's remarkable life and body of work, readers can gain a deeper understanding of his enduring legacy as a writer and social activist.
Quotes by Ondjaki
Ondjaki's insights on:

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Era um beijo num baile solto de línguas, coqueirosa que dançavam no vai-e-vir das ondas com algas bonitas e o mar em nós também.Um beijo todo salgado, sem nenhumas palavras de explicação.

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Mas toda a distracção tem olhimites: e Sr. Tuarles nem era cego como as filhas oculizadas.

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Vi que chovia.desconheço os meandros da poesia que faz uma chuva cair devagar.(...)Quantas imagens me traz esta chuva repentinamente lenta! Sei que existe chuvisco. Pingo. Molha-parvos. Chuva torrencial. Cacimbo. Geada. Mas isto é chuva lenta. Talvez a minha preferida. Talvez.

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A sede morreu, fácil, mas a senhora mantinha a torneira da ternura virada para ele, masngueirando-lhe os olhos enormes, belos, que mexiam de tanta encabulação.

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jangada: sítio sem explicamento. onde pondo os pés se sente uma picada de sonho. ponte de levar pessoa para outros mundos, nem sempre tão aquáticos. madeirume. mansa maneira de tirar férias da existência mundhumana.

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Era, no fundo, o que trazia todas as pessoas àquele local: a magia de renovaro ógão primeiro, o bombeador de sensações, a casa mais íntima de um ser humano.

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Esperar, no fundo, não passa de um exercício pouco próprio aos humanos. Já as árvores suportam melhor esse estádio.

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Quase no fim, o soldado disse-me: deixa-me morrer, tou muito cansado já. Eu respondi: já te deixo morrer, deixa-me só salvar-te primeiro.

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A liberdade, sim - sobre os cascos, sobre os dias, sobre as futuras travessias de águas irrequitas chamadas rios.
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