By Raphael Mokoena
Perhaps we
do not ordinarily acknowledge symbolic devices as integral to Chief O Bolaji's
writing; or perhaps this is my own impression of this new Mystery book. No
matter. Here it seems the author is sending trenchant messages intermittently,
starting from the first chapter, Bra Uriah.
At least here is a familiar message
in Bolaji's works; the reference to copious literary allusions, books etc.
Hence it is no surprise to see the haunted, beleaguered Bra Uriah delivering a
short "homily" on books, reeling off works written by the likes of
George Eliot, Gabriel Okara, and Hadley Chase.
And what about the motif of "mamugari" (handcuffs)
late on in the narrative? The culprit is rendered immobile, harmless and
hapless once the bracelets he never reckoned with are clamped on him! Hence the
killer of the young lady in question here is at last apprehended, thanks to
Tebogo.
And in the very last chapter, what do we make of the inclusion of the
"Mannequin Challenge"? Indeed it is rather strangely and awkwardly
brought in. Note that the "Challenge", with its frozen, statuesque
implications, presages all the action in this work also abruptly drawing to a
close.
Tebogo the sleuth has triumphed - but there is no triumphalism
here...(reminds one of a bit of the much earlier Tebogo Fails ). We feel at the end
here - coerced as it were - a combination of weariness, languor and ennui,
which might be symptomatic of the author himself.
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* This book is published by Eselby Jnr Publications of South Africa. The work is dedicated to Richard "Skietreker", and Obafemi Fasanmi.
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* This book is published by Eselby Jnr Publications of South Africa. The work is dedicated to Richard "Skietreker", and Obafemi Fasanmi.
