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The Cry of the Owl
Poetry· South Sudan

The Cry of the Owl

by Taban Lo Liyong
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1993English
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About This Book

Taban Lo Liyong's The Cry of the Owl (1993) stands as one of the most significant works of poetry of its era. Taban Lo Liyong, one of Africa's most renowned poets, presents 'The Cry of the Owl', a collection of poems that reflect on the social and political issues facing South Sudan. His work is known for its boldness and intellectual depth, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Liyong's poetry is a significant contribution to African literature, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the power of words to inspire change. Themes of social issues, political issues, truth run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorTaban Lo Liyong
Published1993
Country of Origin🇸🇸 South Sudan
LanguageEnglish
Category🌿 Poetry
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🌿 Poetry

Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

Explore all Poetry books →
Country of Origin

🇸🇸 South Sudan

This book is part of South Sudan's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from South Sudan →

Editorial Assessment

The Cry of the Owl by Taban Lo Liyong sits within the tradition of poetry that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1993 in South Sudan, it engages with social issues, political issues, truth, change in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. With an editorial score of 30/100 drawn from 0 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of The Cry of the Owl lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of social issues, political issues, truth, change is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Taban Lo Liyong's role in the literature of South Sudan is well established. The Cry of the Owl can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from multiple independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.
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About the Author
Taban Lo Liyong
South Sudan
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Taban Lo Liyong is a South Sudan author whose work in poetry has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Cry of the Owl about?

Taban Lo Liyong, one of Africa's most renowned poets, presents 'The Cry of the Owl', a collection of poems that reflect on the social and political issues facing South Sudan. His work is known for its boldness and intellectual depth, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. Liyong's poetry is a significant contribution to African literature, offering a unique perspective on the human condition and the power of words to inspire change.

Who wrote The Cry of the Owl?

The Cry of the Owl was written by Taban Lo Liyong, from South Sudan. First published in 1993.

What awards has The Cry of the Owl won?

The Cry of the Owl has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Cry of the Owl worth reading?

The Cry of the Owl is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in social issues, political issues, truth.

Where can I buy The Cry of the Owl?

You can buy The Cry of the Owl on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Cry of the Owl?

The Cry of the Owl is classified as Poetry. Collections of verse spanning lyric, epic, and experimental forms.

What country is The Cry of the Owl from?

The Cry of the Owl originates from South Sudan's literary tradition. Explore more books from South Sudan on our country page.

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