A quite
engaging work of African fiction which is unique, also because of the language.
But the language and ideas are familiar to African readers who speak (an)
African language. What I just want to stress here is the charming naivety that
runs through this book - a naivety that however ends in the death of Okolo the
main character, and Tuere, the so called witch. Okolo eg is essentially naive,
though good hearted enough to want to shelter a young woman from the rain, and
allows her to share his "coat" as it were, an action interpreted as
wrong and even lascivious by those around - all they can understand is that the
young lady has cuddled close to a man! In the village, Tuere is branded a witch
for tenuous reasons...and the society really believes she is evil; hence on the
occasion when she tells the people that she is coming out to them...everybody
runs for their life!! It is such simple, naive touches that add to the charm of
this short novel.
Review by K. ADIELE
The great bard - Pa Okara - died a few weeks ago. But we remember his special works.
ReplyDeleteOne of the great literary pioneers...remarkably expressive poet.
ReplyDeleteThe denizens of Okolo’s village behave as if they belong to centuries ago – it’s embarrassing. Incredibly, one of the people closest to the king (Abadi) is said to be a phd holder. Yet he is so narrow minded and shockingly ready to please the king at all costs. Maybe the message – after decades – is that Africans need to radically alter their way of thinking, and philosophy
ReplyDelete