What a great writer Ekwensi was! He had it all, excitement, pace, suspense, and yes melodrama, which is an integral part of life, no matter what some critics might claim. A short extract from this novel shows the zippy nature of his books. Here, Sunsaye, whilst rushing along in the woods on his horse suddenly sees two naked children:
"From his robes he tore some cloth and used it to cover the naked bodies. As soon as his hands touched them, the forest shook with a resounding roar. He heard a crash through the woods. His horse shrieked wildly and broke away pursued by a lion. In one bound both beasts disappeared up the stream.
"He heard them struggle and when his horse shrieked wildly he knew what had happened. Now that his horse was dead, the lion would come rushing back at him. He looked about him for a means of escape. He saw none..."
