Urichindere

by Dikeogu Chukwumerije

It's the 1990s. And Nigeria is a country in turmoil. Decades of military dictatorship clashing with a rising demand for a return to democracy. In these uncertain times, Urichindere is a student in an elite secondary school in Lagos. This is his story; of how that dangerous, treacherous world was also a funny one, full of adventure. He learns to survive in boarding school, befriends the charismatic Mac Jimmy, makes an enemy of Temlong, and discovers love and heartbreak along the way. But all the time his world is threatened by wider socio-political events. Soon, his activist Uncle drags him and his entire family into the very heart of the swirling storm. And, there, Urichindere finds his deepest relationships severely tested.

322 pages, Paperback

First published May 25, 2012

Reviews

[Susan Anyanwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an amazing representation of what the Nigerian culture, most especially, the trials people face when they are in a boarding school, how they tend to grow, conform and adapt to their environment. It brought out a vivid representation of how the system of the Nigerian Economy functioned and also the trials citizens faced during these crises. And the most amazing thing was that It portrayed all these in just the life of our protagonist, 'Urichindere' which made most screaming out loud, "Finally! someone understands what we went(are going) through" because this book did exceptionally well in showing the exact trials that almost everyone in this economy has faced most especially in the boarding school system. This book left me laughing in some chapters when I saw the similiarities of what(the trials) Urichindere faced to what I also faced too or rather, what others are facing(something I never did while experiencing it). This leaves reader astonished and saying, "Even though its fiction, it's incredibly realistic and relatable."

[Fadomon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Severely underrated gem

[Omolewa Adedipe · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Nigerian story that every Nigerian can relate to. Whoever you are and whatever your station in life, there's a portion of the book that resonates with you. And for such a dark theme, Urichindere was very lighthearted and hilarious.

[Aisha Mai · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed it. Quite hilarious!

[Beverley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a very real coming of age novel. If this is the way life is like in Nigerian boarding school students would have to be pretty tough to survive. Funny in parts. Could be in library. Could use as a book report option for an African literature class.

[Kelechi Ogbonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

What ever the Lord has destined must come to pass.