‘Ancient Greek fable reflects modern South Sudan’

Prominent writer and scholar Prof Taban Lo Liyong’s latest publication finds parallels between ancient Greece and his home of South Sudan.

After Troy is a book-length poem about two classical Greek texts, Homer’s Odyssey and Aeschylus’s Oresteia. Professor Lo Liyong says Homer’s story of the fall of Troy and the long quest to get home is a story that always resonated with him.

The new book focuses on the homecoming from the Trojan war of two hero-kings, Odysseus and Agamemnon.

The philosophical enquiry into retribution and justice is connected to South Sudan in some ways. The author says the ancient Greek story that pre-dates the written word is a fable that “reflects a modern South Sudan”. He added:

Quote Message: After Troy is because South Sudan had two wars, the Greeks had one and ours still dragging its feet on. But at least the Greeks brought theirs to an end after 20 years. Ours is also going to come to an end, but we hope that it comes to an end quickly.”
After Troy is because South Sudan had two wars, the Greeks had one and ours still dragging its feet on. But at least the Greeks brought theirs to an end after 20 years. Ours is also going to come to an end, but we hope that it comes to an end quickly.”

Although he has written and published over 30 books, After Troy is the first book Prof Lo Liyong has launched in his country. It is printed and distributed both in South Africa and in South Sudan.

The 84-year-old says there are still some books that he hopes to finish revising and to publish. Some of the books are in the Acholi language and his mother tongue of Kuku.