Saturday 16 April 2016

And After Many Days by Jowhor Ile

At first I didn't think twice about the cover. It's a little indistinct, and seems to be a bit of an understatement.

The blurred and featureless face represents all the unnamed victims of Nigeria's war torn and politically corrupt landscape.

The more emotional personal story gets a wee bit buried by all the politics, but then that is and was the reality of Nigeria.

The corruption of government and the way they walk hand in hand with the oil companies. and now with terrorists. with no regard for people or landscape.

At the time of Paul's disappearance the country is in a state of unrest. People disappear into thin air without any trace.

In the end the solution and reason for his disappearance has become irrelevant. The family just need and want to know whether or not he is dead or alive. All the assumptions and theories they have tossed around over the years. The guilt, the despair and all the unanswered questions. The truth comes as a relief.

There seems to be a disconnect between the emotional side of the story and the bulk of factual information. It interferes with the flow of the story. I think if the author irons out this articular wrinkle he could produce a poignant and memorable piece of work.

Buy And After Many Days at Amazon UK or go to Goodreads for any other retailer.

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