A Swamp Full Of Dollars

I know this is not a work by a Nigerian writer. It's all about Nigeria, though. Michael Peel's book, A Swamp Full of Dollars, systematically peels off (is this by chance or design?) the layers of self-deceit in which Nigeria has clothed itself all the while. If I see this guy, I bet I gonna punch him (lightly, friendly) in the face because he did what I have been planning to do: he went to our own Niger Delta and witnessed the extent of Nigeria's collective decay there. Peel exposes a lot about us Nigerians. Bravo, bro.

by the way this is the REVIEW!

The Trial of Robert Mugabe A review of Chielo Zona Eze’s new novel Dobrota Pucherova

Dobrota Pucherova believes that The Trial of Robert Mugabe can contribute to Zimbabwe's "collective healing." I don't know about that. It would be nice, though. I think she is an informed reader. What appeals to me in her review of this small book is her understanding of its literary and philosophical world. Her analysis could be informative when she gives reasons for her observations.
ENJOY

Book Review: The Trial of Robert Mugabe by Chielo Zona Eze

Liam Sullivan says of this book: "This novel is not going to cheer you up but it offers important insight into the state of the world."

ENJOY

The Making of Habila’s 'Waiting For An Angel' - A Review

Isaac Attah Ogezi thinks that Helon Habila's much acclaimed novel, Waiting for An Angel, isn't indeed a novel, but a string of loosely connected short stories. He may have a point here. What I love, though, is his painstaking analysis of the "novel" and his recognition of the novelist as a conscientious writer. I am sure that if Habila reads this piece he will take one or two helpful hints. It's great that the young and younger generation of Nigerian intellectuals are beginning to take seriously the job of engaging with ideas and with excellence. Isaac Atta Ogezi, to me, has got more up his sleeve.
ENJOY

Welding worlds with words: Globetrotter & Hitler's Children

Uzor Maxin Uzoatu loves Amatoritsero Ede's latest offering, Globetrotter and Hitler's Children. "Amatoritsero Ede has travelled the continents carrying his native Nigeria along like a hunchback; his heady career including a spell as a Hindu monk with the Hare Krishna sect."
What a beautiful expression, one that underlines Uzoatu's poetic soul. Oh, well, Uzoatu is not one to celebrate himself unduly. He let us know that on the strength of this collection, "Amatoritsero Ede deserves celebration."
I look forward to more of his reviews and to having my copy of Ede's work.
Enjoy

In search of our own voice

Ikhide Ikheloa has this to say about the role of literature and writers in Nigeria.
"Wherever we are, we should turn Nigeria into one great theatre that fosters audience participation. Instead, I detect an unnerving disconnect; even more troubling, sometimes this disconnect is worn as a badge of courage.

It is not too late for us to find our voices. I propose that more than ever, now is the time for Nigerian writers to marshal their formidable gifts to speak up against the mayhem that is unfolding in Nigeria as we speak."

I really love this even though some purists might argue that literature should not meddle with politics or even with everyday life. But I love how Ikhide repackages Sartre's core ideas in his seminal essay, which now bears the title of a book, What is Literature?
Good job, Ikhide.
Friends, ENJOY

The Trial of Robert Mugabe

And by the way, my novel, to be published on September 15, has garnered some reviews. Ikhide Ikheloa, most of whose reviews I have always read with relish, doesn't seem to love the book. He qualifies it as "Eurocentric" and considers the trial as having taken place in a "kangaroo court," largely because only Mugabe was tried. He thinks that the God in the trial is white. I wish he was!
Well, read his REVIEW.
You might also place your order by Amazon.

On Black Sisters' Street

It's been a while since I posted anything on my blog. I went to one of the most interior part of Nigeria, where I stayed for four weeks and half with my dear mother. There in that lovely village there is no electricity and no telephone connection. My connected to the world was minimal.
I'm back to the US.

Now, here are some of the things going on around the Nigerian literary globe. Chika Unigwe's brilliant novel, On Black Sister's Street, has been out for a while now. I forgot to announce it. I chanced on a very good review by Bernadine Evaristo, who sees the novel as "important and accomplished."
ENJOY