'Literature Can Be Both Purposeful and Enjoyable'
In Conversation with Agnes Oyedokun
Writer and reader, Agnes Oyedokun, believes that while classic books are important, contemporary African literature deserves more attention: “There’s so much happening in contemporary African literature that deserves attention, and it’s time the classroom reflected that.”
Welcome to episode two of the In Conversation with… series!
Our first episode featured a book review with AnikeBeloved, but today, we’re learning about a book lover's reading life. This episode’s guest is my lovely friend and school twin, Agnes. I adore her, not just because we share a name, but because of her incredible love for books and writing. She’s my favorite CJ (campus journalist), and I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside her as an editor.
I truly enjoyed having this conversation with her. I hope you’ll love reading it as much as we loved having it.
Guest's Profile:
Agnes Tioluwanimi Oyedokun is a 21-year-old graduate of English from the University of Ibadan, with a passion for storytelling and communication. As a digital marketer and brand strategist, she combines her background in language with expertise in SEO and social media management to create impactful content. Agnes is also a dedicated reader who enjoys exploring literature, from classics to contemporary works. When she's not developing content strategies or refining brand narratives, you'll likely find her immersed in a book.
Agnes Ajadi: Welcome to Words Worth Reading. Let's start with you. How would you introduce yourself beyond your bio?
Agnes Oyedokun: My name is Agnes Tioluwanimi Oyedokun. Beyond my bio, I am a person who has somehow mastered the fine art of balancing life, work, and a dangerously tall book stack (thanks to my dad), and yes, I actually finish most of them. I recently finished my final year exams as an undergraduate in the Department of English, so I’m officially a graduate.
During my time in school, I was deeply involved in campus journalism, chasing stories, editing drafts, and questioning my life choices at 2 a.m. Apart from wondering why people eat fried plantain, I am also a bit curious about how people spell and say "Tioluwanimi," because 'Toluwanimi' somehow keeps making guest appearances.
God, growth, creativity, and convincing myself that ‘just one more chapter’ won’t ruin my sleep schedule, that’s my brand.
If this will make you glad, I saved your second contact as Agnes Tioluwanimi. I'm so big on getting names right.
Thank you very much.
What made you fall in love with books? Was there a specific book or moment that did it for you?
Honestly, I don’t think I ever stood a chance of not falling in love with books. My dad reads a lot, the kind of person you’ll casually find sitting with a book like it’s one of the most important things in the world. (Well, I think it is). All the houses I have lived in always had either a library or a room packed with boxes of books, and whenever someone at home couldn’t find one, they’d call me first.
Whenever my dad bought new books, my younger sister and I would almost fight over who got to read them first. It was never that serious, but we definitely had our moments. My teacher in primary 1-2 made things even more interesting, she’d reward us with gifts, chocolates, or storybooks if we finished a text on time, so I always had extra motivation to keep reading.
One of my neighbours back then also played a part. She would read the dictionary with her brother and me, and while that sounds boring, we somehow made it fun. We'd test each other on words and laugh whenever someone completely butchered a pronunciation.
With books everywhere, at home, in class, and even during those dictionary challenges, falling in love with reading just sort of happened.
Same, same. I got my love for books from my dad also.
Seems like we were destined to cross paths.
I'm curious, what kind of books did you read growing up?
Growing up, I read just about anything that had words on it. My dad’s books were a big part of that, both Christian fiction and nonfiction and I would read them like I had a deadline to meet. Somehow, I also found myself going through my parents' old secondary school notes. I can’t explain why, but something about those faded pages and random scribbles felt interesting at the time.
My dad also had a habit of buying illustrative books, especially Christian-based and didactic ones, for me probably to make reading more appealing to me as a kid. And it worked! Those colourful pages always grabbed my attention.
And then there were the storybooks, lots of them. Moral lessons, folktales, dramatic twists.
I still remember reading Julius Caesar and Lord of the Flies in primary school. I didn’t fully understand everything, but I knew people were dying, and that felt serious enough to keep reading. By secondary school, I had moved on to bigger volumes, no more illustrations, just text, and at that point, I knew I was in too deep.
I read my dad's Weep Not, Child when I was in junior class, and I can relate with the part of the book feeling serious enough to keep reading. I could not understand what was going on in the book.
You'd either piece things together eventually, or at least, feel smart for finishing it.
It eventually paid off though. My government teacher used the book as an illustration in one of his classes, and I mentioned that I've read it. He was surprised, and to be honest, I felt so smart at that moment. I re-read it when I was 18, I think, and it's one of my favorite African classics now.
Ah, that’s the best feeling, when all the confusion pays off, and you get to feel like the smartest person in the room.
You said you've moved on to bigger volumes, how would you describe your reading taste now? Do you read across genres, or do you have a favourite genre?
I’d say my reading taste is pretty mixed. I don’t really stick to one genre; I just go wherever the story takes me. Sometimes I’m deep into fiction, other times I’m exploring nonfiction. I can enjoy a lighthearted read today and dive into something intense or thought-provoking the next.
But since I enjoy African texts a lot, I’m probably on the intense side more often than not. Those stories have a way of pulling you in, strong themes, deep emotions, it’s rarely ever just a breezy read.
One rule I stick to, though? I avoid anything that can haunt me. I learnt that the hard way in 2022 while reading a trilogy about American witchcraft. I read two of the books, and you know how American authors write, they make it feel like it’s just harmless tricks at first. Then suddenly, I started to hear voices and feel figures around me. And to make it worse, this was during the lockdown when everything was quiet, so there was no one to distract me from whatever I was feeling. Let’s just say I didn’t need any extra suspense in my life, so I dropped that book fast.
I see you love African literature. How do you feel about the way African literature is evolving today? Do you think African authors are getting enough global recognition?
I think African literature has come a long way, and it’s exciting to see more African authors gaining global recognition. Writers are telling our stories in fresh, powerful ways, and the world is paying more attention. But there’s still room for growth, some incredible voices are yet to get the spotlight they deserve.
One thing I’ve noticed, though, is that contemporary African writers aren’t being brought into the classroom enough. I studied English, and I can count the number of authors that wrote from 2020 onward that we read, offhand, and that’s saying something.
I agree with that. I took an elective course Literature and Society from your department, and we didn't study books by contemporary African writers. It's time we moved on from studying classics only.
Exactly. The classics are important, but there’s so much happening in contemporary African literature that deserves attention too, and it’s time the classroom reflected that. That's one of the reasons I didn't choose Literature as my major. Everyone expected me to choose it but nahhh.
I expected you to choose Literature too. Now I know your reason for not choosing it.
Are there any underrated or emerging African writers you think deserve more attention?
One writer that comes to mind is Yomi Adegoke. Her novel The List dives into themes of relationships, social media, and public scrutiny, a sharp, timely story that explores how one viral moment can unravel lives. What makes her work stand out is how relatable and relevant it feels, especially in today’s digital age. She's definitely a voice that deserves more attention.
I'm not familiar with her work, but now, I know a new writer. Thank you.
How does your reading influence your writing? Are there any books or authors that have shaped your style?
My reading has definitely shaped my writing, especially during my time as a campus journalist. Spending so much time with books influenced how I approached language, structure, and storytelling. Writers like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Chinua Achebe, and Ama Ata Aidoo taught me the power of simplicity, how you won’t always need elaborate words to create something impactful.
Chigozie Obioma also stands out for me, the way he describes scenes and emotions feels so vivid that you can almost see, hear, or feel what’s happening. I once read a text by an author I can’t quite remember, but their storytelling technique was so on point that it left a lasting impression. That kind of writing, clear yet powerful is something I try to reflect in my own work.
Do you have a comfort book, one you keep coming back to no matter how many times you've read it?
I think Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series would be my closest thing to a comfort read. No matter how many times I’ve read it, it still makes me laugh. Then there is The Power Trip. I’ve read it three times now, and it still keeps me hooked. There’s just something about those books that feels familiar and enjoyable, like revisiting an old friend.
What's a popular book you still haven't read, and why?
I honestly can’t remember a specific popular book I haven’t read yet, but I do remember putting off Things Fall Apart for a long time. I didn’t read it until 200 level because the noise around it was a bit much, and I didn’t want to rush through it or miss anything important.
Same with most of Chimamanda’s books, I held off on reading them for the same reason. There was so much buzz, and I wanted to wait until I could really sit with her stories and take them in properly.
I held off on reading The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo for a long time, too. If not for my curiosity about the hype, it would probably still be on my TBR list.
I get that, actually. Sometimes the hype is what finally pushes you to read a book.
What's a random book-related opinion you have that might be a bit controversial? (Dog-earing pages, reading the last page first, reading reviews first, DNF-ing books, annotating books…?)
I don't think reading the last page first is as wild as people make it out to be. Sometimes, knowing how things end makes you appreciate the journey even more. It’s like seeing a puzzle’s final picture before piecing it together- you notice the details better.
That said, I’m not a fan of dog-earing pages. I can’t bring myself to fold a book like that, it just feels wrong. If I see someone doing that to his/her book, I make a mental note to never lend the person my book.
I'm not a fan of dog-earing pages either. But I like annotating. Neat annotations, though.
Do you believe literature should always have a purpose, or can it just exist for enjoyment?
I think literature can be both purposeful and enjoyable. Some stories are written to challenge ideas, spark conversations, or reflect society, while others are simply there to entertain and offer an escape. Both are valid.
That said, Africans hardly write art for art’s sake, and subconsciously, it’s a part of us. I mean, we have a lot of problems to solve, so even when we’re just telling a story, there’s often a deeper message woven in.
What do you think about book adaptations? Do they ever do justice to the original work?
I don’t think adaptations ever truly do justice to the original book. Books have the luxury of time and space to explore details, characters' thoughts, and emotions in a way that movies just can't. The depth of a story often gets lost when it's condensed into a couple of hours. While some adaptations can be visually stunning or offer a fresh take, they usually miss the emotional impact and the subtleties that make the book special. For example, I’ve realised that when books with complex characters or detailed world-building are adapted, much of that richness is lost in translation.
I love your perspective. Books definitely have the space to explore characters' thoughts and emotions in a way that films often can't. I'm not an advocate for book adaptations, but I do think some adaptations manage to capture the essence of a book, even if they have to leave things out.
Sometimes, visual storytelling adds depths that words alone can’t. Like an actor’s expression conveying emotions that might take pages to describe. I think adaptations like Little Women and The Fault in Our Stars, to mention a few, came close to doing justice to the book.
You're right. While adaptations can't capture every detail, some, like the ones you mentioned, manage to bring the essence of the book to life through powerful visual storytelling.
Let's talk about the price of books now. Do you think book pricing affects how much people read? What do you think can be done to make books more affordable without undervaluing authors and publishers?
Book prices these days can make you wonder whether you're buying a book made of gold or a plot of land. You have to think twice before pulling out your purse.
To make books more affordable, maybe we could get more local publishers dropping paperbacks or cheaper editions, anything that won’t make you feel like you’re buying a mansion. E-books could work too, as long as they’re not priced like a designer handbag. And, of course, community book swaps could save lives (and pockets). That's if some people won't spill oil on the books. But we still need to make sure the authors aren’t starving while we’re trying to read on a budget.
What's one thing you've learned about yourself through reading and writing?
Through reading and writing, I've learnt how much I value the power of expression. Reading exposes me to different perspectives, while writing helps me refine my own voice, shaping thoughts into something clear and meaningful. I have been taught that there’s always more to uncover beneath the surface, both in the words I read and the ones I write. Writing, especially, has helped me discover the importance of vulnerability, as it often reveals things I didn’t realise I was thinking or feeling.
Can you share three books you think everyone should read once? Convince me to read them in few sentences.
The Girl with the Louding Voice by Abi Dare – This one will pull at your heartstrings. It follows Adunni, a Nigerian girl determined to fight for an education and a voice, even when the world around her wants to silence her. It’s about resilience, hope, and the power of education, and it’ll stay with you long after you’ve read it.
Dork Diaries – If you're in the mood for something fun and light-hearted, this book is the perfect pick. It follows the awkward yet hilarious journey of growing up and navigating the ups and downs of adolescence. With its quirky humour and relatable characters, it’ll have you laughing while reminding you of the universal challenges of being a "dork." I mean, I can slightly relate to that.
The List by Yomi Adegoke talks about the themes of relationships, social media, and public scrutiny, a sharp, timely story that explores how one viral moment can unravel lives. It’s a gripping, thought-provoking story about accountability, the complexities of modern relationships, and the impact of social media on personal lives.
A fun question before we wrap up this interview. Imagine you're throwing a dinner party and can invite three fictional characters, who's on your guest list?
Adunni from The Girl with the Louding Voice, Sasha from The Burnout and Ezeulu from Arrow of God.
If you could add one more question to this interview, what would it be?
If you could challenge any fictional character to a dance-off, who would you pick? My answer would be Nikki from Dork Diaries because she's an even worse dancer than me.
I would love to read about her.
Yes, you should.
Thank you so much for chatting with me, Agnes. I really enjoyed reading your answers.
Thank you for having me, Agnes. I enjoyed doing this.
Currently reading: Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Currently watching: The Before Trilogy. Rewatching is the right word, I think.
Music: Chill Lofi music
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Love always,
Agnes.
👏🏾👏🏾