Indigo

by Richard Wiley

The principal of an international school in Africa, American widower Jerry Neal becomes involved with a group of Nigerian dissidents planning a coup, a relationship that leads to his transformation into a hunted rebel.

Genres: Fiction

137 pages, ebook

First published September 1, 1992

Reviews

[Bug! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indigo reads completely differently than the other novels I have read by Richard Wiley (namely, Commodore Perry's Minstrel Show and Soldier in Hiding). This novel is something of an intriguing mystery that seems to be slowly unraveled by the main character, but which really ends up unraveling him (in a character growth kind of way). Wiley's work, however, no matter the uniqueness of each novel, are exemplary works on humanity. That is, he creates such genuine characters and weaves the tales of their lives in such a way that is illustrative of what it is to be human-- so rare in the modern world of writing which is so obsessed with good vs evil, victory vs defeat. I say 'Bravo!' to Prof. Wiley.

[Chrystal Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this a very long time ago...I'm not sure when...at least 15 years ago. I liked it enough to give to my Mom, and she never read it. She recently gave it back...I did not recognize it immediately. We agreed I had probably given it to her.
I really enjoyed what turned out to be a re-reading of the novel. It's interesting to learn what I remembered and what I forgot. This has some tones of magical realism, and history...enough that my adult self felt it was authentic.
It's fun...a bit of a mystery with comic elements. I enjoy the main character...a quirky, self-depreciating man. It deserves the awards it received.

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Widowed principal of an international school in Nigeria gets wrapped up in a coup attempt. Compelling at times but slow at other times. Interesting images of Africa, but overall not a memorable story.

[Chuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

The principal of an American school in Nigeria is falsely accused of a serious crime, and finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue that challenges his perspectives on the world and himself. A lyrical, redemptive novel that beautifully captures the oneness of humanity.