7-year-old Cameroonian writer publishes first book

A young Cameroonian writer has released his first book at the age of seven.

Enoh Eyong Gill-Racine Besong, who lives with his parents in Yaounde -Cameroon, took many by surprise — after the publication of his book titled ‘A Toast To My Experiences.’

The book which is a collection of poems, was launched virtually in Cameroon today May 25, 2023.

Talking to MMI, his father said he started writing at the age of five. “He was inspired by the things happening around him. He started tapping inspiration from the awards I [the father] received as a poet,” the young writer’s father told MMI.

“…He then started penning his thoughts and activities in collections and showed me to see,” Enoh’s father told MMI.

The collection he said includes “What he does in school and during holidays in my absence.”

“It is true children are not [as ignorant as] many think. They are pregnant with deep thoughts. It takes an observant parent to discover these and guide them into realising these dreams,” he noted.

Enoh Besong is arguably the youngest author/poet in Cameroon in recent times.

He joins the ranks of 15-year-old Stacy Fru who started writing at a very tender age and today has so many publications to her name.

By David Atangana