The Cabal

by Odafe Atogun

Bako Thomas lives a solitary life, a calm centre in an increasingly unstable world. The City outside his apartment is sliding towards a dystopia as a fuel crisis holds citizens to ransom. He is down to his final chance with Avé, his girlfriend of two years, and his relationships with his neighbours, The Law, Gebu and Mimi is fraught with anxiety and tension. When a tragedy forces him to go on the run, he soon finds himself being roped into the murky world of politics and corruption he thought he had left behind for good.

Genres: Nigeria

203 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2023

About the author

Born in Nigeria, Odafe Atogun is a writer who draws inspiration from his African society to create a unique and colourful world where humankind is consumed by a common desire for change. World rights to his debut novel, Taduno’s Song, were acquired by Canongate, who published the UK edition in 2016. It has also been published in the US by Penguin Random House, in Nigeria by Ouida Books and translated into several languages. Taduno’s Song was selected for the BBC Radio 2 Book Club and has received critical acclaim. His second novel, Wake Me When I’m Gone, is out. Now a fulltime writer, he is working on a new book.

Reviews

[Gracie Wandyte · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read but I think it’s mid
It talks about politics from different angles (the good, the ugly, the benefits, the sacrifices…)

The story started great but in the middle it kinda dragged and became predictable but the end was really good

I loved that Bako stood up and did what’s right, took revenge and accepted a new name.

“One day soon we’d see, that the paths we’ve chosen will all be worth it” - Othuke Ominiabohs

That quote ⬆️ says it all

[Kang-Chun Cheng · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read and i enjoyed it! I agree with the other reviewer, strong opening, and then padded around a bit before getting back on course. I would have liked some more depth into the relationship between Bako and his father.