A Study of Helen Oyeyemi’s Novels from the Perspective of Diaspora

Abstract

Helen Oyeyemi’s novels are rich in connotation and profound in meaning. Written by a writer with a cross-cultural background, her works not only show a robust African personality but also reflect a profound European and American literary attainment. As an African diaspora writer, Oyeyemi vividly expresses a complex state of mind in the cultural gaps. As a female writer, she focuses on the vigoroso power of women under the barriers of male discourse, showing the world the spiritual outlook of women writers in the third world. As a writer of children’s literature, her works also revisit various issues about race, gender, culture from the perspective of children. The diversity and comprehensiveness of Oyeyemi’s works show the unique feature of African literature in terms of plots, writing techniques, and aesthetic style.