Blind Bartimaeus

by Victor Thorpe

Set in Cross River State, Nigeria, in the recent past, Blind Bartimaeus is a sensitively drawn picture of the area, its people and its customs, woven around the story of Edem. Edem is a sympathetic and touching figure, fighting against his near blindness. But neither his integrity nor his religious faith can protect him or his friends from the evil in the community. In the aftermath of the festival of Ekpe manifestations, the story is brought to its tragic close.

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Victor Thorpe was in Calabar in 1919. After completing his secondary education, he served in the Army as a signaler, clerical officer, method instructor and physical training instructor. He joined the British Council in Ibadan in 1948 and worked as a library assistance and clerk before being promoted to Administrative Assistant. He retired in 1975 and was recalled in 1977 to serve as Acting Librarian. He was the Nigerian Chairman of the Society of Metaphysicians, leader of the Efik community in Ibadan and President of the Calabar Welfare Association. He died in 1994.

Reviews

[Henry Ozogula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful. Isn't the book reminiscent of Gabriel Okara's classic, THE VOICE?