The Shadow of a Smile

by Kachi A. Ozumba

Torn from his father and a loving sister, the young student Zuba is imprisoned for a crime he has not even thought about committing. His misfortune: to live in a world where corruption is rife and honest and law-abiding people are crushed by the wheels of a blind, unscrupulous bureaucracy. What seems at first to be an irksome judiciary misunderstanding gradually becomes a journey through the hell of Nigerian prisons. Only by showing the utmost daring and integrity will Zuba be able to regain his freedom.

320 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2012

Reviews

[Richard Nye · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of a young Nigerain man falsely imprisoned. I found it to be a depressing account of the effects of institutionalised corruption in a society and accounts of horrors inflicted, often on the innocent. The author paints graphic pictures of prison life, the individuals and the surroundings. For me an absorbing although not fun read!

[Joel Wong · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather bleak novel exposing the dark side of a weak judicial system in Africa. One really feels for the protagonist but redemption and vindication come a little late in the novel for the reader to feel any sense of relief

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful and gripping portrayal of endemic corruption in Nigeria.