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Let Me Call You Back
Samora isn't unlike any man who suddenly finds himself in a pickle.
A man with a young family. A man who pursues honour and dignity, striving to do right but failing, always failing. And that's the thing with finding oneself in a hole - you can't stop digging, it's a natural reflex. And Samora digs and digs and digs because he has the heart (and arms) for it but also because he's a bit of an idiot.
Even when his tide has obviously turned, he doesn't notice because his head is in the sand.
This is not a story about redemption, sacrifice or any of those things we want to read about.
This is about idiocy and working one's way between a rock and a wife.
A man with a young family. A man who pursues honour and dignity, striving to do right but failing, always failing. And that's the thing with finding oneself in a hole - you can't stop digging, it's a natural reflex. And Samora digs and digs and digs because he has the heart (and arms) for it but also because he's a bit of an idiot.
Even when his tide has obviously turned, he doesn't notice because his head is in the sand.
This is not a story about redemption, sacrifice or any of those things we want to read about.
This is about idiocy and working one's way between a rock and a wife.
- GenresFiction
133 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2023
20 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Jackson Biko
4 books3 followersYou will never find me standing in the middle of the room. I’m that guy who stalks the borders of a room. I belong in the darkened embrace of the shadows. The problem with standing in the middle of the room is that you become part of the narrative and there the power to tell the story of that room is perpetually stripped off you.
And so I’m the guy who relishes watching that narrative unspool from those borders of the room. Then capture it in words; the best seat in the room is where there are no seats.
I love music, food, travel, children (even those that don’t belong to me), clothes, cars, gadgets, whiskey and watching someone hula-hoop. There is something defeatist about that thing, like a dog trying to bite its own tail. But more than loving all the aforementioned, I love to write about these things.
However, am I an authority on any of these things? Hardly. But I have an opinion. And I prefer to share it. Let’s agree that you have your own and it might not be compatible with mine, but let’s agree that we can at least be civilised about it. I think the universe demands that of us.
My name is Jackson Biko. I’m a writer with the Business Daily, True Love magazine and The Saturday Nation. I also edit Msafiri Magazine, Safaricom Foundation’s Msingi Magazine and a scattering of other writing jobs that keep writers like me afloat.
Welcome to my world, to my room, but it’s not really mine when you occupy the middle of it, is it?
And so I’m the guy who relishes watching that narrative unspool from those borders of the room. Then capture it in words; the best seat in the room is where there are no seats.
I love music, food, travel, children (even those that don’t belong to me), clothes, cars, gadgets, whiskey and watching someone hula-hoop. There is something defeatist about that thing, like a dog trying to bite its own tail. But more than loving all the aforementioned, I love to write about these things.
However, am I an authority on any of these things? Hardly. But I have an opinion. And I prefer to share it. Let’s agree that you have your own and it might not be compatible with mine, but let’s agree that we can at least be civilised about it. I think the universe demands that of us.
My name is Jackson Biko. I’m a writer with the Business Daily, True Love magazine and The Saturday Nation. I also edit Msafiri Magazine, Safaricom Foundation’s Msingi Magazine and a scattering of other writing jobs that keep writers like me afloat.
Welcome to my world, to my room, but it’s not really mine when you occupy the middle of it, is it?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 15, 2024
It's always good to remember that rock bottom has a basement....
This is not an honest review. I am a big fan of Biko's writing, I always get the Tuesday email for a new posting on his website and so it was a question of when not if I will read this book. For reasons known to my local bookshop and Biko's publishers the book kept being out of stock when I went to look for it. The gods were kind one day and I found it in stock when passing by to look for something else.
This is a relatively small book and you can finish it in an afternoon if you want to. I prefer not to, even in short stories I usually take a day or two just to give the book the benefit of a different perspective. I read this in short sections and took long breaks some deliberate others due to circumstance and in the end it felt like I accompanied Samora [the main character] in his journey to the dark side of the moon.
There are no plot lines or short summaries in this review. Its better for you to go read the book. It's my favorite Biko book so far, if you've read Biko's stories you'll know he went through some of the events described here and it's always better to write from experience than imagination....but Biko, why always sad books with minimal to no redemption?
It's dark in here, I hope the light that you carry within will light you to the end.
This is not an honest review. I am a big fan of Biko's writing, I always get the Tuesday email for a new posting on his website and so it was a question of when not if I will read this book. For reasons known to my local bookshop and Biko's publishers the book kept being out of stock when I went to look for it. The gods were kind one day and I found it in stock when passing by to look for something else.
This is a relatively small book and you can finish it in an afternoon if you want to. I prefer not to, even in short stories I usually take a day or two just to give the book the benefit of a different perspective. I read this in short sections and took long breaks some deliberate others due to circumstance and in the end it felt like I accompanied Samora [the main character] in his journey to the dark side of the moon.
There are no plot lines or short summaries in this review. Its better for you to go read the book. It's my favorite Biko book so far, if you've read Biko's stories you'll know he went through some of the events described here and it's always better to write from experience than imagination....but Biko, why always sad books with minimal to no redemption?
It's dark in here, I hope the light that you carry within will light you to the end.
April 5, 2024
When I first saw the title of this book, I assumed it was about something else. Well, until I picked it up. This book is something and more. Hands down Biko's best work, yet.
Biko has this thing with writing. It's like words come to him begging to be put together and he knows what to do with them. He then throws in the humor. It's a book to read in one sitting, but I did it three, because it's therapy. It was speaking to me.
The first thing that Biko brings out is how much we tie our dignity and humanity to what we do, rather than who we are. Most of us explain what we do to answer the question of who we are. When Samora loses his job, he loses his dignity and identity. As the ghost of unemployment strips him naked, it takes away what he also thought he was and what he had: friendships, relationships, family..and a marriage. In the words of Bitange Ndemo "when you lose your job, your phone literally stops ringing".
Secondly, and probably the key thing, is therapy. And especially men and therapy. Male friendships too. When life does a number on us, we get angry and start asking questions. We get angry with ourselves and suddenly, everything and everyone is irritating to you. Because of his ego, Samora deems it fit to live a lie for months rather than lose his dignity as a "man" and ask for help. A female friend is brutally honest with him but a male friend is better off taking him out for drinks and talking about anything but the elephant in the room. It takes real courage, especially for a man, to take up therapy. We all need therapy.
"Lies catch up. It's easier and less costly to tell the truth, even your truth"
PS: Your day ones will always ride with you. Rain or shine.
Biko has this thing with writing. It's like words come to him begging to be put together and he knows what to do with them. He then throws in the humor. It's a book to read in one sitting, but I did it three, because it's therapy. It was speaking to me.
The first thing that Biko brings out is how much we tie our dignity and humanity to what we do, rather than who we are. Most of us explain what we do to answer the question of who we are. When Samora loses his job, he loses his dignity and identity. As the ghost of unemployment strips him naked, it takes away what he also thought he was and what he had: friendships, relationships, family..and a marriage. In the words of Bitange Ndemo "when you lose your job, your phone literally stops ringing".
Secondly, and probably the key thing, is therapy. And especially men and therapy. Male friendships too. When life does a number on us, we get angry and start asking questions. We get angry with ourselves and suddenly, everything and everyone is irritating to you. Because of his ego, Samora deems it fit to live a lie for months rather than lose his dignity as a "man" and ask for help. A female friend is brutally honest with him but a male friend is better off taking him out for drinks and talking about anything but the elephant in the room. It takes real courage, especially for a man, to take up therapy. We all need therapy.
"Lies catch up. It's easier and less costly to tell the truth, even your truth"
PS: Your day ones will always ride with you. Rain or shine.
January 21, 2024
The story of a man who will truly get under your skin and crawl deep into your nerves. He unbelievably fails and somehow still keeps on falling. Oh, how livid he made me.
He lives in deceit ,covers himself in lies, lives in those lies until he buries himself in them.
He is an idiot, this man Samora. And somehow it’s still an understatement to call him that.
This is not the book with the happy ending and a forever happy ever after. It is one filled with pain and struggle and lies. Full of suffering.
Biko says ‘This is not a story about redemption, sacrifice or any of those things we want to read about.
This is about the idiocy and working one’s way between a rock and a wife.’
I have said here before that biko would write a blank book and i would read it. He could write of a rock or a pen and i will read that book like my life depends on it.
His writing is impeccable and beautiful and nothing short of intriguing.
The book is such an easy and beautiful read and you can easily get through it in a day or two.
He lives in deceit ,covers himself in lies, lives in those lies until he buries himself in them.
He is an idiot, this man Samora. And somehow it’s still an understatement to call him that.
This is not the book with the happy ending and a forever happy ever after. It is one filled with pain and struggle and lies. Full of suffering.
Biko says ‘This is not a story about redemption, sacrifice or any of those things we want to read about.
This is about the idiocy and working one’s way between a rock and a wife.’
I have said here before that biko would write a blank book and i would read it. He could write of a rock or a pen and i will read that book like my life depends on it.
His writing is impeccable and beautiful and nothing short of intriguing.
The book is such an easy and beautiful read and you can easily get through it in a day or two.
January 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book. This book is a polite reminder that Adulting is a beast that could take you out. Also, since we are in a therapist era, I liked the structure of the questions, more reflective than deflective.
March 12, 2025
The burden of performance, the shoulders that carry pressure and the constant weight of responsibilities that face the man. The discourse between the engineer and the Doc reveals a lot about how men feel, handle and struggle with keeping their families, in the face of loss of income. 5/5 recommended read.
December 13, 2023
I enjoyed how Biko was able to bring out the characters so well. I was sad to see the book end so quickly though
July 25, 2024
I saw the WhatsApp status of One of our distinguished gentlemen in The Men’s Book Breakfast, Victor Mailu from Atlas Copco. He shared a photo he had taken in the book. I got interested in the book, and I promised to campaign to men to purchase the book and read it.
When I first saw the title of this book, it got my attention and I first laughed because I was a culprit of telling my fellow men “Let Me Call You Back” and most time I forgot to call back.
Well, until I picked it up. This book is a masterpiece work of Biko's best work, yet.
Biko has this thing with writing. It's like words come to him begging to be put together and he knows what to do with them. He then throws in the humor. It's a book to read in one sitting, but I did it in 10 days because it's therapy. It was speaking to me. I had a lot of mixed reactions and feelings as I read each page.
The first thing that Biko brings out is how much we tie our dignity and humanity to what we do in terms of professional careers, rather than who we are. Most of us explain what we do to answer the question of who we are.
When Samora loses his engineering job, he loses his dignity and identity. As the ghost of unemployment strips, him naked, it takes away what he also thought he was and what he had: friendships, relationships, family, and marriage.
In the words of Professor Bitange Ndemo "When you lose your job, your phone literally stops ringing".
Secondly, the key thing is therapy. And especially men and therapy. Our definitions of friendships too as men. When life changes, we get angry and start asking questions. We get angry with ourselves and suddenly, everything and everyone is irritating to you.
Because of his ego, Samora deems it fit to live a lie for months rather than lose his dignity as a "man" and ask for help. A female friend is brutally honest with him, but a male friend is better off taking him out for drinks, rather than talking about anything but the elephant in the room. It takes real courage, especially for a man, to take up therapy. We all need therapy.
𝐀𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐝𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 “𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬” 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧?
Lies catch up. It's easier and less costly to tell the truth, even your truth. It's always good to remember that rock bottom has a basement.
The story of Samora truly got under your skin and crawled deep into my nerves. He unbelievably failed and somehow kept on falling. Oh, how livid he made me. He lived in deceit, covered himself in lies, and lived in those lies until he buried himself in them.
But at some point, I related to Samora's fear of shame. You know, when you hit rock bottom, mortification is a cloth that brands your inner being, the foundation of who you are as a human being is rocked!
'𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤' will not give you the happy ending that we all desire in books, it gives you an ending that leaves you contemplating, the question, 'What the heck is this life?’. oscillating your belief system, relationships, friendships, and values that have informed your existence. This book will make you laugh, it will make you empathize (not mostly with Samora) but with the reality it seeps.
"You keep worrying about these things and they make you sick with worry; they invade your body like a disease. But when all of these worries come to pass, you are struck by how disappointing it is that all these things you worry about don't kill you."
𝐈 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 6-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
Thank you to Nuria Bookstore, for the book (https://nuriakenya.com/product/let-me...)
When I first saw the title of this book, it got my attention and I first laughed because I was a culprit of telling my fellow men “Let Me Call You Back” and most time I forgot to call back.
Well, until I picked it up. This book is a masterpiece work of Biko's best work, yet.
Biko has this thing with writing. It's like words come to him begging to be put together and he knows what to do with them. He then throws in the humor. It's a book to read in one sitting, but I did it in 10 days because it's therapy. It was speaking to me. I had a lot of mixed reactions and feelings as I read each page.
The first thing that Biko brings out is how much we tie our dignity and humanity to what we do in terms of professional careers, rather than who we are. Most of us explain what we do to answer the question of who we are.
When Samora loses his engineering job, he loses his dignity and identity. As the ghost of unemployment strips, him naked, it takes away what he also thought he was and what he had: friendships, relationships, family, and marriage.
In the words of Professor Bitange Ndemo "When you lose your job, your phone literally stops ringing".
Secondly, the key thing is therapy. And especially men and therapy. Our definitions of friendships too as men. When life changes, we get angry and start asking questions. We get angry with ourselves and suddenly, everything and everyone is irritating to you.
Because of his ego, Samora deems it fit to live a lie for months rather than lose his dignity as a "man" and ask for help. A female friend is brutally honest with him, but a male friend is better off taking him out for drinks, rather than talking about anything but the elephant in the room. It takes real courage, especially for a man, to take up therapy. We all need therapy.
𝐀𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧, 𝐝𝐨 𝐨𝐮𝐫 “𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬” 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫? 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐝𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧?
Lies catch up. It's easier and less costly to tell the truth, even your truth. It's always good to remember that rock bottom has a basement.
The story of Samora truly got under your skin and crawled deep into my nerves. He unbelievably failed and somehow kept on falling. Oh, how livid he made me. He lived in deceit, covered himself in lies, and lived in those lies until he buried himself in them.
But at some point, I related to Samora's fear of shame. You know, when you hit rock bottom, mortification is a cloth that brands your inner being, the foundation of who you are as a human being is rocked!
'𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤' will not give you the happy ending that we all desire in books, it gives you an ending that leaves you contemplating, the question, 'What the heck is this life?’. oscillating your belief system, relationships, friendships, and values that have informed your existence. This book will make you laugh, it will make you empathize (not mostly with Samora) but with the reality it seeps.
"You keep worrying about these things and they make you sick with worry; they invade your body like a disease. But when all of these worries come to pass, you are struck by how disappointing it is that all these things you worry about don't kill you."
𝐈 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 6-𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰.
Thank you to Nuria Bookstore, for the book (https://nuriakenya.com/product/let-me...)
October 12, 2024
Most of us are not ready for the uncertainty that life throws our way occasionally. I don’t know what optimism complex we are ingrained in. Or do individuals who have faced their demons intentionally hold on to the allure of bouncing back even when all has been lost at Waterloo?
Come to think of it, most men shield the world from their problems believing that all will be well. In the end, you’re left wondering are all these networks filled with “cosmetic friends”? Friends for the glitz and glam and no one for the rainy and sunny days? Or is it that men’s self – preservation instinct is active when compared to the female gender? The other question that most people would ask Samora if they met today is whether their optimistic tendencies overpowered their pessimistic shadow with a web of lies.
Ada was a beautiful woman, submissive and with the ability to make a home out of a house. Their son made their relationship much better as it held the family unit filled with love and warmth. All these were a requirement for a man to “open – up”, but are men taught to open up in the African setting? Through the book's therapeutic sessions, we learn that Samora was not ready to reveal to his wife the financial predicament he was in. He started with the lie to his wife Ada that the company’s jeep had broken down and was being fixed. From here, his entrepreneurial skills were revitalized with his mind concocting a different lie for each situation.
Feigning appearances is the ruin of most men. This is true as they believe the world will adapt to their current situation and bend to their whims if all is well. This is not the case. Most people in their quest for survival mode are choked up with debts. These debts are accumulated to pay school fees for their kids, fuel their cars and hide the reality from their families that they are no longer at work. As they borrow to survive, their debt – hole grows further. The moment these debts are due is when the cat and mouse games begin with promises being given faster than their fulfilments. Finally, the ugly part reaches whereby Samora starts to borrow from Paul to pay Peter and when he can’t pay anymore, he shuts down.
This is the reality of men in our world today. The belief that we can surmount any challenge given the circumstance is what builds or destroys most of them. The other issue that is a foreign topic given the way Samora is finally cornered, and his can of worms is broken for all the world to see – his wife, son and in-laws when the auctioneers come to claim the house for the consistent non-payment of the mortgage. This is the last stroke that broke the camel’s back. This was hard!
Come to think of it, most men shield the world from their problems believing that all will be well. In the end, you’re left wondering are all these networks filled with “cosmetic friends”? Friends for the glitz and glam and no one for the rainy and sunny days? Or is it that men’s self – preservation instinct is active when compared to the female gender? The other question that most people would ask Samora if they met today is whether their optimistic tendencies overpowered their pessimistic shadow with a web of lies.
Ada was a beautiful woman, submissive and with the ability to make a home out of a house. Their son made their relationship much better as it held the family unit filled with love and warmth. All these were a requirement for a man to “open – up”, but are men taught to open up in the African setting? Through the book's therapeutic sessions, we learn that Samora was not ready to reveal to his wife the financial predicament he was in. He started with the lie to his wife Ada that the company’s jeep had broken down and was being fixed. From here, his entrepreneurial skills were revitalized with his mind concocting a different lie for each situation.
Feigning appearances is the ruin of most men. This is true as they believe the world will adapt to their current situation and bend to their whims if all is well. This is not the case. Most people in their quest for survival mode are choked up with debts. These debts are accumulated to pay school fees for their kids, fuel their cars and hide the reality from their families that they are no longer at work. As they borrow to survive, their debt – hole grows further. The moment these debts are due is when the cat and mouse games begin with promises being given faster than their fulfilments. Finally, the ugly part reaches whereby Samora starts to borrow from Paul to pay Peter and when he can’t pay anymore, he shuts down.
This is the reality of men in our world today. The belief that we can surmount any challenge given the circumstance is what builds or destroys most of them. The other issue that is a foreign topic given the way Samora is finally cornered, and his can of worms is broken for all the world to see – his wife, son and in-laws when the auctioneers come to claim the house for the consistent non-payment of the mortgage. This is the last stroke that broke the camel’s back. This was hard!
January 8, 2024
Gather ye!! When you read a good story you want to shout from the top of the mountain, "gather ye and get this book!" Biko is a wordslinger. He takes one subject in a story and braids your mind with anticipation that would leave the Kenyan in me gasping 'ehe what next? alafu?'
I almost threw this book because Samora was really getting into my nerves! But at some point I related to his fear of shame. You know, when you hit rock bottom, mortification is a cloth that brands your inner being, the foundation of who you are as a human being is rocked!
'Let me Call you back' will not give you the happy ending that we all desire in books, it gives you an ending that leaves you contemplating, with the question, 'what the heck is this life?' .. oscillating your belief system, relationships, friendships and values that have informed your existence. This book will make you laugh, it will make you empathise (not mostly with Samora) but with the reality it seeps.
"You keep worrying about these things and they make you sick with worry, they invade your body like a disease. But when all of these worries come to pass, you are struck by how disappointing it is that all these things you worry about don't kill you."
Definitely ranking this as his best book yet!!
5/5
I almost threw this book because Samora was really getting into my nerves! But at some point I related to his fear of shame. You know, when you hit rock bottom, mortification is a cloth that brands your inner being, the foundation of who you are as a human being is rocked!
'Let me Call you back' will not give you the happy ending that we all desire in books, it gives you an ending that leaves you contemplating, with the question, 'what the heck is this life?' .. oscillating your belief system, relationships, friendships and values that have informed your existence. This book will make you laugh, it will make you empathise (not mostly with Samora) but with the reality it seeps.
"You keep worrying about these things and they make you sick with worry, they invade your body like a disease. But when all of these worries come to pass, you are struck by how disappointing it is that all these things you worry about don't kill you."
Definitely ranking this as his best book yet!!
5/5
March 1, 2024
‘This is not a story about redemption, sacrifice or any of those things we want to read about.
This is about the idiocy and working one’s way between a rock and a wife.’
When I read that book blurb on Biko’s book, I was like okay…However, I was not prepared for Samora’s therapy sessions. This is a book of toxic masculinity, the unbelievable story of a man who literally got into my nerves. He says that he is the kind of husband who is the last to check if the front door is locked at night, yet, by his wholeself endangered, humiliated and confused the wife, son and himself. He dug his hole deeper and deeper with lies and manipulations.
Along the way, I kept hoping he will redeem himself, makes himself vulnerable to Ada, but noooo. Other than Gispy, all the significant others were in the dark. Even the mother (almost confessed)???
As the end was nearing, I was super excited about the re-inventing until…’two weeks before reopening, a plane from London arrived at JKIA’ and boom, pandemic…damn, this beyond tragedy.
I really loved this book and it takes the day, among Biko’s books. It kept me interested and engaged and anticipatory.
This is about the idiocy and working one’s way between a rock and a wife.’
When I read that book blurb on Biko’s book, I was like okay…However, I was not prepared for Samora’s therapy sessions. This is a book of toxic masculinity, the unbelievable story of a man who literally got into my nerves. He says that he is the kind of husband who is the last to check if the front door is locked at night, yet, by his wholeself endangered, humiliated and confused the wife, son and himself. He dug his hole deeper and deeper with lies and manipulations.
Along the way, I kept hoping he will redeem himself, makes himself vulnerable to Ada, but noooo. Other than Gispy, all the significant others were in the dark. Even the mother (almost confessed)???
As the end was nearing, I was super excited about the re-inventing until…’two weeks before reopening, a plane from London arrived at JKIA’ and boom, pandemic…damn, this beyond tragedy.
I really loved this book and it takes the day, among Biko’s books. It kept me interested and engaged and anticipatory.
January 25, 2024
In a world that believes a man is his job, even though he would prefer to believe that he is more than what he does, the gods started pissing on Samora the day he lost his job. He consistently lied to his wife until the storm rolled to his doorstep. The thing with lies is that half of the time, they are directed towards yourself.With every regret email after that, he lost his identity, his self-confidence, his erections, his friends and his will to live.Samora is somewhat an intelligent liar, but Ada could really tell the signs if she was keen. The book gives no happy ending that I really desired for Samora. I mean, the man had hit rock bottom of rock bottoms. He deserved one good thing to happen to him.
In the words of Biko, a good book should be flirty without going the whole way. It keeps you interested and engaged and anticipatory. Let Me Call You Back was all that and then some more. Choosing to write the book as therapy sessions was genius. The therapist's sense of humour was dark. I dare say this is the best book he has written yet.
In the words of Biko, a good book should be flirty without going the whole way. It keeps you interested and engaged and anticipatory. Let Me Call You Back was all that and then some more. Choosing to write the book as therapy sessions was genius. The therapist's sense of humour was dark. I dare say this is the best book he has written yet.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2024
Biko has been my intro into Kenyan writing that takes fiction in a modern humorous way.
I was lucky enough to meet him for a book signing and his personality is reflective of his style of writing. However, this book carried heavy emotions of anxiety and worry which is unexpected from such an author which made me indulge in it even more.
Here come the spoilers -but as a fairly new adult, it has really given me a wider financially literate perspective and somehow motivated me to strive even harder so as to get employment in the future.
Furthermore ,as Samora deceived his wife on such sensitive matters, it forced me to reflect on my white lies that may seem to be harmless, but this has proven that it will catch on for sure!
I really liked the style of writing being a dialogue between us as the therapist and Samora too. It gives as a wider scope and connectedness to his character which makes it all-rounded
I was lucky enough to meet him for a book signing and his personality is reflective of his style of writing. However, this book carried heavy emotions of anxiety and worry which is unexpected from such an author which made me indulge in it even more.
Here come the spoilers -but as a fairly new adult, it has really given me a wider financially literate perspective and somehow motivated me to strive even harder so as to get employment in the future.
Furthermore ,as Samora deceived his wife on such sensitive matters, it forced me to reflect on my white lies that may seem to be harmless, but this has proven that it will catch on for sure!
I really liked the style of writing being a dialogue between us as the therapist and Samora too. It gives as a wider scope and connectedness to his character which makes it all-rounded
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2025
Biko writes for you who grew up with the suburban secrets of Nairobi. You who understood what it feels like to be the 'other' who visits 'ushago' during Christmas.
He writes for you who knows Westlands, not because you lived there, but because you grew up 2 matatu rides away, and by the time we were 16, you understood that Westi meant something. I cannot tell you, all these years later, what Westi means really, but when you're 16 and your big sister tells you she bought a walkman from Westi, you'll get it.
Biko writes like this.
He writes for me.
So this 5 stars is unashamedly biased.❤️
Read at your own risk.
He writes for you who knows Westlands, not because you lived there, but because you grew up 2 matatu rides away, and by the time we were 16, you understood that Westi meant something. I cannot tell you, all these years later, what Westi means really, but when you're 16 and your big sister tells you she bought a walkman from Westi, you'll get it.
Biko writes like this.
He writes for me.
So this 5 stars is unashamedly biased.❤️
Read at your own risk.
January 29, 2024
Jackson Biko is such an amazing storyteller. His style of writing, the relatability to the characters, the prose, the wit, the humor. I could go on and on. A mostly melancholic story that depicts the reality of many, but truly an enjoyable read with the way he shows how introspective the protagonist is by way of telling the story through therapy sessions. I wish we saw more of the main character a few years post pandemic, however I also understand that not many stories will have a happy ending. Enjoyable, all in all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2024
The book is incredibly captivating, urging me to read on eagerly to discover what unfolds next. Biko possesses a talent for keeping readers engrossed in the narrative. His skillful use of language and vivid expression allows you to visualize the events in the book effortlessly. Through its pages, the book portrays the journey of a man grappling with life's adversities, yet unable to overcome them. It's a poignant reminder that our choices inevitably shape our destinies. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed delving into this book.
August 19, 2024
This was a fun, easy, short read sprinkled with humor. It's about the holy trinity of marriage that consists of the husband, the wife, and the lies they tell each other. Samora (husband) loses his job and jumps through hoops to keep this information from his clueless wife (Ada). In doing so, he drives the family into insurmountable debt, and his mental health suffers the brunt of keeping up the facade. You keep reading all the time wondering when this man will come to his senses and come clean if only to save his family from going into even more debt.
August 22, 2025
4 ⭐️s, Biko as always hits the spot and it feels good to finish a book in one afternoon. But to also relate to the character deeply and emotively has been soothing. It’s like he wrote what I’ve been going through for months.
The words to describe my state he penned and I’ve connected with it. It feels like what has been happening around me has a voice and explained something I’ve tried to figure out for so long if I’m the only person going through this.
All in all 10/10 would highly recommend.
The words to describe my state he penned and I’ve connected with it. It feels like what has been happening around me has a voice and explained something I’ve tried to figure out for so long if I’m the only person going through this.
All in all 10/10 would highly recommend.
April 8, 2024
Loved the conversational setting and the unexpected turn of events in the end.
I am a big fan of Biko's writing:the witty lines, the humour , the vivid description. I like that the book is pocket size and the story itself is like a cookie, I want to bite it all but I don't want to finish it.
I agree with Gipsy, Samora should have come clean in the beginning if it was in the real world . I hope this was purely fiction.
I am a big fan of Biko's writing:the witty lines, the humour , the vivid description. I like that the book is pocket size and the story itself is like a cookie, I want to bite it all but I don't want to finish it.
I agree with Gipsy, Samora should have come clean in the beginning if it was in the real world . I hope this was purely fiction.
April 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. This is definitely my favorite Bikozulu book. I liked the setting of the storyline - Samora in therapy and us learning about how he got there. I loved how the therapist wasn’t really centered in the story but was there to just ask questions as Samora answered them elaborately. It was a quick and easy ready about how one lie can ultimately change the course of your life.
October 21, 2024
To be honest, Samora frustrated me! However, I love how Biko incorporates humor into his writing, even when dealing with difficult themes, and with that, it helped me have a sense of compassion for Samora and why he had to make so many bad decisions :(
I can't say much more without spoiling this but I loved that therapy was a big part of Samora's journey and how he was able to be honest and discover himself in the process.
I highly recommend this!
I can't say much more without spoiling this but I loved that therapy was a big part of Samora's journey and how he was able to be honest and discover himself in the process.
I highly recommend this!
June 5, 2025
This book was truly amazing. It was one of those stories where you think things can’t possibly get worse — and then they do. The emotional rollercoaster was intense, but in the best way. It really pulled me out of my comfort zone and made me reflect on my own struggles. For the first time in a while, I found myself reaching out and asking for help. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.
January 17, 2024
I like how Jackson always brings the plights of people close enough for one to stop and think about them in 1st person.
This one in particular hits very close to home because a lot of people have been let go from different companies in the recent times and how are they dealing with that? Can one actually be prepared to face termination? How do people's lives change after such a sudden change?
This one in particular hits very close to home because a lot of people have been let go from different companies in the recent times and how are they dealing with that? Can one actually be prepared to face termination? How do people's lives change after such a sudden change?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2024
A reminder of how rough adulting can get. The writing prose is very Biko; dry and dark humour. Samora, the protagonist is not easy to hate despite his life choices when he finds himself stuck between a rock and a hard place. The cliffhanger at the end was a nice touch, I’d like to think Samora eventually dug out of his hole. Overall nice, easy read. Would recommend.
June 1, 2024
After reading Biko's blog for years, you notice some things, like, why is there always a woman smoking, Biko??
This was a great read, it's one of those you can't quite put down till you're done...Samora truly went through it, and as much as he pissed me off, it's hard to not empathise with the guy. Life can really kick your butt sometimes.
This was a great read, it's one of those you can't quite put down till you're done...Samora truly went through it, and as much as he pissed me off, it's hard to not empathise with the guy. Life can really kick your butt sometimes.
August 12, 2024
As someone who is currently dealing with the same situation as the main character, this book was written very real it was upsetting. The reality of where to go next and choosing to go nowhere but down. The book gave me numerous wake up calls as well as grace. It was a very worthwhile read and I am grateful to have read it during this time of my life.
April 21, 2025
This book took me through a roller coaster of emotions, I kept rooting for Samora and hoping that he would come clean to his wife, family and friends. This just goes to show that we never know what people are going through, we should reach out to our family and friends and get to know how they're really faring on.
I really hope he got back on his feet and got back his family.
I really hope he got back on his feet and got back his family.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed reading this book. Despite it being brief, it is loaded with important themes that make you pause and reflect. I also loved the humor and relatability.
I am looking forward to reading more of Biko's books.
I am looking forward to reading more of Biko's books.
April 24, 2024
I really enjoyed the read. It can get very emotional at times especially if you relate with the happenings. When you start reading, make sure you have your day cleared because you will want to complete it in one sitting.
June 30, 2024
It was intense, but I wish he’d have spoken up from the beginning. Every day you utter a lie, you dig a deeper hole. Tomorrow you won’t be able to come out of it. Covid messed people up though. Tough! Anyway, men are only men if they have money. It’s a sad fact, yet true.
February 13, 2025
Adulting can be hard, it is ok not to be ok. Always face your challenges first hand and avoid postponing issues.
The book highlights the impact of Samora’s lies and his inability to be honest as central to his downfall.
Let’s embrace therapy sessions and avoid Societal pressures.
The book highlights the impact of Samora’s lies and his inability to be honest as central to his downfall.
Let’s embrace therapy sessions and avoid Societal pressures.
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