By Isidore Okpewho Call Me by My Rightful Name [Paperback]

by Isidore Okpewho

A young African American (Otis Hampton) falls into periodic spasms and chants a text nobody understands. His troubled family seeks help. The text, recorded by a psychiatrist and deciphered by linguists, is found to be a corrupted family chant from the Yoruba of Nigeria. The doctor advises a trip to that ethnic region. The spiritual voices that have been summoning Otis finally bring him, after some alarming experiences in the journey from America through the Nigerian hinterland, to the very spot where his ancestor was enslaved over a century before. The recorded chant helps to locate the man’s surviving kin nearby. Otis is persuaded to remain in the village for nearly two years, during which, despite the resurgence of old antagonisms towards his family, he learns the language and culture of the place and joins in completing the rites his ancestor was performing when he was captured by slavers. Armed with a recovered identity and a chastened wisdom in African culture, Otis finally returns to the U.S. to play his part in the civil rights struggle of the time (the 1960s).

Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Nigerian novelist and critic, born in Abraka in midwestern Nigeria, educated at the University of Ibadan and the University of Denver, Colorado.

He has taught at the State University of New York at Buffalo (1974-76), University of Ibadan (1976-90), Harvard University (1990-91), and Binghamton University (since 1991). In 1992 he was appointed Professor of Afro-American and African Studies at Binghampton University, New York.

Reviews

[Madolyn Chukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author was one of the most brilliant minds Africa ever produced, a wonderful novelist and world class academic. His specialties included oral literature (Africa) and myths (mythology?). This was reflected in his own creative works, including this novel. Another example of a black man born or weaned overseas who finds himself coming "home" to Africa to learn about life, history, awareness and the like. One is of course reminded of Alex Haley and Roots. The protagonist finds himself in an African village, a real culture shock, but apparently all this is destined. He is in Africa where the supernatural is part of life. A brilliant creative work which should certainly be more popular, and a very enlightening story. The late Okpewho was a real gem and his works are there for us all.

[Kathleen Furey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is fantastic. It flawlessly combines supernatural elements with a story everyone can relate to--finding your identity. Although people in any era have their struggles, I like that Okpewho set the story in the mid-sixties, when race relations in America were awful, and many people were questioning who they were and where they came from.

[Elizabeth Theriot · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick read. Plot-wise the story is very engaging, but the prose is not the strongest I've ever read...certainly not the strongest prose Nigeria has to offer. The book picked up a lot in the second half, when [SPOILER] the POV changes from third omniscient to first person through Otis's letters home. An honest portrayal of African diaspora with an almost magical-realism style twist. There was a really poignant scene that made me cry, and the characters are endearing.

This is one of the few examples of a book that might have been more successful as a film.

[Yvette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was decent. It did a good job of combining african and black american cultures it was interesting for the most part. However at some parts it felt as though book dragged on and other parts seemed a bit rushed. Aside from the pace of the book at some points it was alright.

[Emmanuella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an amazing book. I read it as an assigned book for a course and honestly, I was surprised I enjoyed it soo much. The language was initially a bit challenging since, for instance, there were barely any distinctions between the character's thoughts and what they said (which is why I removed a star).
The plot of the book is a common one, it's about connecting to your roots. However the author's take on this plot was excitingly new, nothing I've ever read before!
I 💯 recommend Call Me By My Rightful Name!

[Alexandra cash · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mom said she likes this book and it sounds thrilling

[Purpleaekua Bobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a favourite