Bolaji’s new
book, Sorry you've been troubled (2017) looks very much like his last work,
Cognoscenti book. (2016) - as both books
essentially focus on literature generally, reviews of books and literary
profiles. The main difference is that in this new book the author includes the text
of a speech on literature he delivered in a Nigerian university (incidentally
titled "Sorry you've been troubled"). Otherwise, as I have stated
this new work, and the previous one are similar. However, whilst Bolaji reviews
some ten different books in "Cognoscenti", he has doubled the number
of book reviews in the new work - to twenty. Here he also briefly profiles
three African writers – Lauri Kubuitsile, Ngugi, and Matshidiso Taleng...and
the work ends with an "Appendix; general overview" of Bolaji's
literary works himself. I must say that I found some of the book reviews here
quite brilliant, especially the one on Soyinka's Brother Jero, and the review
of prof Palmer's An Introduction to the African novel. Not many average people might
appreciate literary reviews of books and authors, but Bolaji's appraisal of
Palmer's work clearly shows that it is a superb, informative early book of
literary appreciation. As for the Bolaji overview at the end, it is a very fine
introduction to Bolaji's work in itself; and "Other writings by
Bolaji" include his other contributions to literature published elsewhere,
mainly his short stories in magazines around the world; and
Introductions/Foreword to other writers' published books. All those who
appreciate African literature in particular must read this new book.
Review by Henry Ozogula
Review by Henry Ozogula
Mr Ozogula is a fine reader, reviewer and critic...direct, makes a lot of sense
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