GOWON. By J. Isawa Elaigwu

This book is marvellously well researched and written, focusing on a former leader of Nigeria who was in power during the civil war (Yakubu Gowon). The author (biographer) has a lot of respect for Gowon's wife, Victoria, as he commends her character, and her support for her husband (now for like 5 decades in marriage!). He sums her up: " Generally she is a straightforward and frank lady". Yet one would have appreciated it more if the author had managed to write more about how the couple met, their feelings whilst young... although hopefully, the lady herself can tell the "juicy" story in a book too (eg there is a famous book written about Obasanjo, former Nigerian President, by his first wife, Oluremi) But of course the main focus of this particular book is General Gowon himself.

- Madolyn Chukwu

SAFER DEAD. By James Hadley Chase

I have never really been a fan of Chase books, but accept that so many male readers in Africa love the author. I can read him sometimes, like now, but it seems the author believed women are always dangerous, and he often exaggerated their attractions.

And in the process he often contradicted himself I think. In this novel eg the young "Madame", Cornelia Van Blake is depicted as a femme fatale. Yet it is clear throughout the work that she is very cold, hostile, and never smiles. Yet she is incredibly attractive! How? 

Even the way she is described rings false to me: "She was around 26, small, compact...there was a flame burning within her that made her more than a beautiful woman...it made her alive, desirable seductive and feminine (like) Helen of Troy..."

Really? A small, compact, cold woman with an irresistible burning flame? Please!!

- Lupna Avery