The Only Son

by John Okechukwu Munonye

1967. Reprinted. 202 pages. Paperback book with pictorial cover. Pages and binding are presentable with no major defects. Minor issues present such as mild cracking, inscriptions, inserts, light foxing, tanning and thumb marking. Paper cover has mild edge-wear with light rubbing and creasing. Some light marking and tanning. Damp staining to covers.

Genres: Africa, Nigeria, African Literature

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published June 1, 1966

About the author

An important important Igbo writer and one of the most important Nigerian writers of the twentieth of century. Educated at the University of Ibadan and the Institute of Education, London. He retired as the head of the Advanced Teacher Training College, Owerri.

John Munonye, unlike some of his contemporaries professed a love for optimism in the face of colonial onslaught on traditional values. To him, the dialectical environment of African and western tradition can be seen in both a positive light and outcome for the common Igbo or Nigerian man or woman. An overriding theme in his novels is the focus on the common man. Munonye sometimes view the common man as being born into a position whereby he is already at a disadvantage, both historically and presently, He sees little difference to the fate of the common man who could be manipulated at the whims of elites and chiefs in both pre- and post-colonial Nigeria and during colonialism.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I stumbled upon it at the college library and I noticed it hadn't been taken out for a while. Sadly, this is symptomatic of may college students these days: their curiosity is moribund. But I am happy I read this book.

It produced in me the same sense of tragedy and sadness that J.M. Coetzee's "Waiting for the Barbarians" did in that an outside/foreign influence (in this case, the church) makes inroads into breaking the cultural traditions and norms of Nade, the setting where this story takes place. Just like in "Waiting for the Barbarians," there is a place where the cultural intrusion and indoctrination takes place--'the school' (in Coetzee's book it is 'the fortress.').

A heroic woman fights to maintain her cultural identity and protect her young son from the influence of the church. To learn more, read the book!

This book, written in 1966 is as relevant now as it was then. Unfortunately, not many people know who John Munonye is, prefering to cite the name of China Achebe instead. It is sad that this very insightful author is not more well-known.

[Faithwin Orji · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational I love it

[Nonye Ogbonna · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do I access it

[Success Uchechi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in high school and I'm still craving to read it over again

[Ritah Nakyeyune · Rating 5 out of 5]

you dont call a puppy a big name ...you lead to its down fall