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Season of Crimson Blossoms
An affair between 55-year-old widow Binta Zubairu and 25-year-old weed dealer Reza was bound to provoke condemnation in conservative Northern Nigeria. Brought together in unusual circumstances, Binta and Reza faced a need they could only satisfy in each other. Binta - previously reconciled with God - now yearns for intimacy after the sexual repression of her marriage, the pain of losing her first son and the privations of widowhood. Meanwhile, Reza's heart lies empty and waiting to be filled due to the absence of a mother. The situation comes to a head when Binta's wealthy son confronts Reza, with disastrous consequences. This story of love and longing - set against undercurrents of political violence - unfurls gently, revealing layers of emotion that defy age, class and religion.
313 pages, Paperback
First published January 13, 2016
68 people are currently reading
2245 people want to read
About the author
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
14 books102 followersAbubakar Adam Ibrahim (born 1979) is a Nigerian creative writer and journalist.
His debut short-story collection The Whispering Trees was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature in 2014, with the title story shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing.
Ibrahim has won the BBC African Performance Prize and the ANA Plateau/Amatu Braide Prize for Prose. He is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013), a Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015). In 2014 he was selected for the Africa39 list of writers aged under 40 with potential and talent to define future trends in African literature, and was included in the anthology Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara (ed. Ellah Allfrey). He was a mentor on the 2013 Writivism programme and judged the Writivism Short Story Prize in 2014. He was chair of judges for the 2016 Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize.
His first novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, was published in 2015 by Parrésia Publishers in Nigeria and by Cassava Republic Press in the UK (2016). Season of Crimson Blossoms was shortlisted in September 2016 for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa's largest literary prize.[14] It was announced on 12 October 2016 that Ibrahim was the winner of the $100,000 prize. Ibrahim was the recipient of the 2016 Goethe-Institut & Sylt Foundation African Writer's Residency Award.
His debut short-story collection The Whispering Trees was longlisted for the inaugural Etisalat Prize for Literature in 2014, with the title story shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing.
Ibrahim has won the BBC African Performance Prize and the ANA Plateau/Amatu Braide Prize for Prose. He is a Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013), a Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015). In 2014 he was selected for the Africa39 list of writers aged under 40 with potential and talent to define future trends in African literature, and was included in the anthology Africa39: New Writing from Africa South of the Sahara (ed. Ellah Allfrey). He was a mentor on the 2013 Writivism programme and judged the Writivism Short Story Prize in 2014. He was chair of judges for the 2016 Etisalat Flash Fiction Prize.
His first novel, Season of Crimson Blossoms, was published in 2015 by Parrésia Publishers in Nigeria and by Cassava Republic Press in the UK (2016). Season of Crimson Blossoms was shortlisted in September 2016 for the Nigeria Prize for Literature, Africa's largest literary prize.[14] It was announced on 12 October 2016 that Ibrahim was the winner of the $100,000 prize. Ibrahim was the recipient of the 2016 Goethe-Institut & Sylt Foundation African Writer's Residency Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
June 10, 2016
Originally published in my blog, Read Diverse Books
Ibrahim’s Season of Crimson Blossoms is unapologetically non-western and shines as an authentic work of postcolonial Nigerian fiction. As I was reading it, I often thought to myself how different in tone and language it was from almost anything else I’ve read, even compared to other Nigerian writers.
This novel proved to be a refreshing and needed addition to my reading history because it’s a story centered around Nigerian Muslims. About half of the Nigerian population is Muslim, so I was a bit surprised that I hadn’t read any work that told the stories of such an important group of people. Season of Crimson Blossoms does a brilliant job telling a story that is both beautifully written and powerfully deconstructs stereotypes held by outsiders.
The language truly is one of my favorite aspects of this novel. Before I knew where the story was taking me, I was captivated by the language. The story opens thus:
Binta and Reza, the “rogue,” are the stars of the novel. Binta has been a widow for 10 years and has only been with one man all her life. Reza is a gang leader and weed dealer, certainly not the most reputable of characters. They live in northern Nigeria, which is ultra conservative and makes their illicit affair all the more dangerous and scandalous. They both have deeply troubled pasts and meet entirely by chance, after which their lives change irrevocably.
Initially, their affair made me uncomfortable, not because of the age difference, but because Reza reminds Binta of her dead son, whom she was not allowed to show any affection for due to her culture’s tradition, and Binta reminded Reza of his mother who abandoned him as a boy. They remind each other of people in their lives who were absent and thus had their natural feelings and affections suppressed. However, once I got over my initial knee-jerk discomfort at the implications of their relationship, I was able to enjoy the development of that relationship and the inevitable climax of their discovery.
Another aspect of the novel I enjoyed was how unconcerned Ibrahim was with the western gaze. It makes a lot of sense because Season of Crimson Blossoms was initially written for and published in Nigeria in 2015 and was only recently published by Cassava Republic Press for European and western audiences. The entire novel reads in an authentic voice that would have been lost or distorted if written from a different lens. This voice is most apparent in the language Ibrahim uses, because there are several phrases and sentences scattered throughout the novel written in the character’s native Hausa, sometimes several in every page. As a person who doesn’t speak Hausa and is unfamiliar with all aspects of Islam, I do admit that the foreign expressions slowed my reading quite a bit at times. But this is not a fault of the story, it is a failing on my part.
I appreciate the fact that a Nigerian Muslim would have a much easier time reading through the story because much of it would be intimately familiar to their experience. When I read a novel that uses Spanish phrases and sentences heavily, I feel a stronger connection to it and appreciate it more than non-Spanish speakers would. It’s precisely because I’m bilingual and understand that the world’s stories don’t have to cater to my western sensibilities, that I am able to enjoy a story such as Season of Crimson Blossoms.
Some readers may be turned off by how non-western the story and overall tone of this novel is. But they would be doing themselves a disservice by rejecting a story simply because it is foreign to their experience. I encourage westerners specifically to shift away from ethnocentrism because viewing the world through a familiar lens may hinder personal growth. We should all strive to expand our cognitive and intellectual boundaries beyond our areas of comfort. As readers, one easy way to do this is to pick up a book such as Season of Crimson Blossoms and read it with open minds and perhaps an open Google search. If you put in the effort, you will more than likely be rewarded with personal or intellectual enrichment.
Ibrahim’s Season of Crimson Blossoms is unapologetically non-western and shines as an authentic work of postcolonial Nigerian fiction. As I was reading it, I often thought to myself how different in tone and language it was from almost anything else I’ve read, even compared to other Nigerian writers.
This novel proved to be a refreshing and needed addition to my reading history because it’s a story centered around Nigerian Muslims. About half of the Nigerian population is Muslim, so I was a bit surprised that I hadn’t read any work that told the stories of such an important group of people. Season of Crimson Blossoms does a brilliant job telling a story that is both beautifully written and powerfully deconstructs stereotypes held by outsiders.
The language truly is one of my favorite aspects of this novel. Before I knew where the story was taking me, I was captivated by the language. The story opens thus:
Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of minuscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart.
Binta and Reza, the “rogue,” are the stars of the novel. Binta has been a widow for 10 years and has only been with one man all her life. Reza is a gang leader and weed dealer, certainly not the most reputable of characters. They live in northern Nigeria, which is ultra conservative and makes their illicit affair all the more dangerous and scandalous. They both have deeply troubled pasts and meet entirely by chance, after which their lives change irrevocably.
Initially, their affair made me uncomfortable, not because of the age difference, but because Reza reminds Binta of her dead son, whom she was not allowed to show any affection for due to her culture’s tradition, and Binta reminded Reza of his mother who abandoned him as a boy. They remind each other of people in their lives who were absent and thus had their natural feelings and affections suppressed. However, once I got over my initial knee-jerk discomfort at the implications of their relationship, I was able to enjoy the development of that relationship and the inevitable climax of their discovery.
Another aspect of the novel I enjoyed was how unconcerned Ibrahim was with the western gaze. It makes a lot of sense because Season of Crimson Blossoms was initially written for and published in Nigeria in 2015 and was only recently published by Cassava Republic Press for European and western audiences. The entire novel reads in an authentic voice that would have been lost or distorted if written from a different lens. This voice is most apparent in the language Ibrahim uses, because there are several phrases and sentences scattered throughout the novel written in the character’s native Hausa, sometimes several in every page. As a person who doesn’t speak Hausa and is unfamiliar with all aspects of Islam, I do admit that the foreign expressions slowed my reading quite a bit at times. But this is not a fault of the story, it is a failing on my part.
I appreciate the fact that a Nigerian Muslim would have a much easier time reading through the story because much of it would be intimately familiar to their experience. When I read a novel that uses Spanish phrases and sentences heavily, I feel a stronger connection to it and appreciate it more than non-Spanish speakers would. It’s precisely because I’m bilingual and understand that the world’s stories don’t have to cater to my western sensibilities, that I am able to enjoy a story such as Season of Crimson Blossoms.
Some readers may be turned off by how non-western the story and overall tone of this novel is. But they would be doing themselves a disservice by rejecting a story simply because it is foreign to their experience. I encourage westerners specifically to shift away from ethnocentrism because viewing the world through a familiar lens may hinder personal growth. We should all strive to expand our cognitive and intellectual boundaries beyond our areas of comfort. As readers, one easy way to do this is to pick up a book such as Season of Crimson Blossoms and read it with open minds and perhaps an open Google search. If you put in the effort, you will more than likely be rewarded with personal or intellectual enrichment.
April 13, 2024
What did I just read?
The book opens with 55-year-old widow Binta at home when a thief breaks in, 25-year old weed dealer Reza. He stole her electronics and other values and when she tried to defend herself he gave her a little mini scrape and breaks her glasses. Binta is a little shaken up by the incident and wonders about the thief. Reza, after leaving with his loot becomes drawn to Binta. A few days later Binta opens her door and sees all her valuables returned except for her cell phone. They talk and guess what… they had sex and they kept having it…. But a lot is getting in the way of their “relationship.”
Binta could be Reza’s mom but she can’t help himself around her. Binta knows what she is doing can cause a lot of judgement on her. She does her best to hide her affair from her friends and especially her family, but what happens when every thing blows up.
At the core of this book, it is about loneliness and companionship. I think that is why I find it so endearing. I did find the book a little drawn out and a little overwritten but the characters felt very real and you wanted them to win, even though you saw their demise coming. I am not sure I would call it a love story, did they actually love each other or was it a lust story?
What I really enjoyed most about this book see the representation of older women in literature. It was well done, I wish she had won a little more.
The book opens with 55-year-old widow Binta at home when a thief breaks in, 25-year old weed dealer Reza. He stole her electronics and other values and when she tried to defend herself he gave her a little mini scrape and breaks her glasses. Binta is a little shaken up by the incident and wonders about the thief. Reza, after leaving with his loot becomes drawn to Binta. A few days later Binta opens her door and sees all her valuables returned except for her cell phone. They talk and guess what… they had sex and they kept having it…. But a lot is getting in the way of their “relationship.”
Binta could be Reza’s mom but she can’t help himself around her. Binta knows what she is doing can cause a lot of judgement on her. She does her best to hide her affair from her friends and especially her family, but what happens when every thing blows up.
At the core of this book, it is about loneliness and companionship. I think that is why I find it so endearing. I did find the book a little drawn out and a little overwritten but the characters felt very real and you wanted them to win, even though you saw their demise coming. I am not sure I would call it a love story, did they actually love each other or was it a lust story?
What I really enjoyed most about this book see the representation of older women in literature. It was well done, I wish she had won a little more.
January 1, 2017
I was drawn to this novel when I heard it was about a 55-year-old Muslim woman in conservative northern Nigeria who embarks upon a steamy affair with a 25-year-old weed dealer.
I'm incredibly fussy about prose. If I don't like the writing, I don't like the book; often, I don't finish the book. That said, I didn't much care for the writing here, but I really, really liked this novel. I'm as confused as all get out.
Ibrahim uses way too many adjectives, and some of them haven't been chosen precisely enough. He tends to overwrite a fair bit of the time. Yet this is an incredibly solid and compelling novel. His storytelling instincts and his characterization are fantastic. I will remember this tale and these characters for a long, long time.
In telling the story of the older woman Binta, her extended family, and the secret boyfriend Reza, Ibrahim paints a world of deeply relatable characters in a culture marred by political violence and religious fundamentalism, with ominous hints of the Boko Haram encroaching. I loved Binta so much; her yearnings, her sorrows, and her compassion kept me turning page after page, often anxiously. Reza is a sexy, troubled, loving young man; I'd have wanted to try to save him from himself too.
I suspect, but do not know for sure, that Ibrahim's first language is not English. I don't know what advice I would give him: to write in his native language and let the translators translate, or to work on improving his writing style. But man oh man, is he ever a talented novelist otherwise. I shall definitely be following his career.
I'm incredibly fussy about prose. If I don't like the writing, I don't like the book; often, I don't finish the book. That said, I didn't much care for the writing here, but I really, really liked this novel. I'm as confused as all get out.
Ibrahim uses way too many adjectives, and some of them haven't been chosen precisely enough. He tends to overwrite a fair bit of the time. Yet this is an incredibly solid and compelling novel. His storytelling instincts and his characterization are fantastic. I will remember this tale and these characters for a long, long time.
In telling the story of the older woman Binta, her extended family, and the secret boyfriend Reza, Ibrahim paints a world of deeply relatable characters in a culture marred by political violence and religious fundamentalism, with ominous hints of the Boko Haram encroaching. I loved Binta so much; her yearnings, her sorrows, and her compassion kept me turning page after page, often anxiously. Reza is a sexy, troubled, loving young man; I'd have wanted to try to save him from himself too.
I suspect, but do not know for sure, that Ibrahim's first language is not English. I don't know what advice I would give him: to write in his native language and let the translators translate, or to work on improving his writing style. But man oh man, is he ever a talented novelist otherwise. I shall definitely be following his career.
April 13, 2018
I first saw the cover on my social media timeline and was intrigued and went on to find out more about the author and his debut book. I loved what I read and was captivated by the opening line: "Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of miniscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart."
Season of Crimson Blossoms upset me so much. Here we had Hajiya, 55 year old widow, who should be out there maintaining a relationship with any man of her choosing but she can't because society says so. She literally falls for a 25 year old who is rough atound the edges but can't be with him because she IS and has to be a good Muslim woman. What does that even mean? Institutionalized patriarchy masquerading as religion placed the man first. It's not enough that women have to fight inequality especially in fanatical countries, they are also boxed in and dictated to by sexism, classism and racism. I guess Hajiya had no racial issues to contend with but classism and sexism were underpinning challenges too. I wonder had Reza been of a "Good stock" maybe, just maybe, Hajiya's son would've accepted him. Too much wishful thinking. In a Muslim community like that, Hajiya's son would've still gone ahead and defended his mother's honour. How medieval is that though? Who bestows honour to women and girls? Men. Again. Radical paradigm shift is needed here. The bible needs to accommodate the modern justice system.
Hajiya then has a dangerous liaison with Reza which saw her venturing out of her comfort zone, meeting him in clandestine places and doing all sorts of kinky things which she couldn't do with her husband. We see her, like a butterfly, slowly emerging out of her abaya-wearing cocoon, with spritly spring in her step. Dabbing a bit of perfume behind her ears, lightly kissing her lips with gloss and really looking at and seeing herself as a woman, for the first time in her life. Like Cinderella, at the end of all these trysts, she had to go back to her life. Whatever that means. Family ties. I understood her not sailing into the sunset with Reza. Much as she didn't have dependants, she was a care-giver to her 2 granddaughters and couldn't just up and leave. The oldest granddaughter suffered from post traumatic stress disorder of the severe kind and had to be watched so that she doesn't self-harm.
I was taken aback by her forcing her younger daughter to go back to her marital home. Again, institutionalized patriarchy rearing its ugly head. But I laughed so hard when said daughter couldn't wait to go home, after hearing of a new development with devastating consequences for her, having many weeks' hiatus lounging around her mother's house.
The ending was devastating for me. There will never ever be peace again in Hajiya's heart.
Brilliant delivery by Abubakar. Such a smooth narrative. Pitched just right. Paced just right. Toned just right.
5 huge stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Season of Crimson Blossoms upset me so much. Here we had Hajiya, 55 year old widow, who should be out there maintaining a relationship with any man of her choosing but she can't because society says so. She literally falls for a 25 year old who is rough atound the edges but can't be with him because she IS and has to be a good Muslim woman. What does that even mean? Institutionalized patriarchy masquerading as religion placed the man first. It's not enough that women have to fight inequality especially in fanatical countries, they are also boxed in and dictated to by sexism, classism and racism. I guess Hajiya had no racial issues to contend with but classism and sexism were underpinning challenges too. I wonder had Reza been of a "Good stock" maybe, just maybe, Hajiya's son would've accepted him. Too much wishful thinking. In a Muslim community like that, Hajiya's son would've still gone ahead and defended his mother's honour. How medieval is that though? Who bestows honour to women and girls? Men. Again. Radical paradigm shift is needed here. The bible needs to accommodate the modern justice system.
Hajiya then has a dangerous liaison with Reza which saw her venturing out of her comfort zone, meeting him in clandestine places and doing all sorts of kinky things which she couldn't do with her husband. We see her, like a butterfly, slowly emerging out of her abaya-wearing cocoon, with spritly spring in her step. Dabbing a bit of perfume behind her ears, lightly kissing her lips with gloss and really looking at and seeing herself as a woman, for the first time in her life. Like Cinderella, at the end of all these trysts, she had to go back to her life. Whatever that means. Family ties. I understood her not sailing into the sunset with Reza. Much as she didn't have dependants, she was a care-giver to her 2 granddaughters and couldn't just up and leave. The oldest granddaughter suffered from post traumatic stress disorder of the severe kind and had to be watched so that she doesn't self-harm.
I was taken aback by her forcing her younger daughter to go back to her marital home. Again, institutionalized patriarchy rearing its ugly head. But I laughed so hard when said daughter couldn't wait to go home, after hearing of a new development with devastating consequences for her, having many weeks' hiatus lounging around her mother's house.
The ending was devastating for me. There will never ever be peace again in Hajiya's heart.
Brilliant delivery by Abubakar. Such a smooth narrative. Pitched just right. Paced just right. Toned just right.
5 huge stars.🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 9, 2016
I have always admired this author from afar but after reading his first novel which I totally savoured and enjoyed except for the last two chapters which I really hated, my admiration for him brewed. Adams use of language, style irony, symbol and other well thought out literary devices in his book was very engaging. This book I must confess is literature in every sense of it. It reminds me of a good book I read in secondary school 'the last duty by isidore okpewho. I loved this book, it was worth the buy, time and read. African literature is becoming more interesting and it feels good to see more home based writers
March 15, 2018
Jesus! This guy is majestic! I admire writers who deliver such splendind debut novels. I want to see him write crime fiction. He's got the skill! He can do it. He will do it...
August 19, 2025
The quote from The Crucible, “cleave to no faith when faith brings blood”, resonates powerfully with Season of Crimson Blossoms. So many women, like Binta, suppress their needs and desires because of religion, culture, and societal judgment. Her inability to have a proper relationship with her son, not even being able to call him by his given name, shows how shame and rigid standards stripped her of her humanity reducing her to symbols of obedience and moral respectability rather than allowing her to exist as a full individual.
Her relationship with Reza, while taboo and symbolising intrusion and chaos, also becomes her awakening. It allows her to reclaim parts of herself long buried, even if only briefly. Yet, the tragic ending underscores the inevitability of structural violence: Reza cannot escape the trajectory of a youth trapped by poverty, crime, and systemic neglect. Similarly, Binta’s son reflects the destructive power of societal anger and expectations, suggesting that patriarchy damages men as much as it confines women.
My favourite line captures the novel’s message of resilience: “You know, someone said life is like a dress. Some are made fortunate, others not so. So when it gets torn or stained, all you can do is wash it, mend it or cut it up and make something new out of it.” It perfectly symbolises Binta’s late-life blossoming, showing that even within tragedy, there can be renewal.
Her relationship with Reza, while taboo and symbolising intrusion and chaos, also becomes her awakening. It allows her to reclaim parts of herself long buried, even if only briefly. Yet, the tragic ending underscores the inevitability of structural violence: Reza cannot escape the trajectory of a youth trapped by poverty, crime, and systemic neglect. Similarly, Binta’s son reflects the destructive power of societal anger and expectations, suggesting that patriarchy damages men as much as it confines women.
My favourite line captures the novel’s message of resilience: “You know, someone said life is like a dress. Some are made fortunate, others not so. So when it gets torn or stained, all you can do is wash it, mend it or cut it up and make something new out of it.” It perfectly symbolises Binta’s late-life blossoming, showing that even within tragedy, there can be renewal.
February 7, 2017
THE REVIEW
Set in post-colonial, conservative Nigeria, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's Season of Crimson Blossoms is a story that transcends cultural, social, religious and geographical boundaries.
Through Binta Zubairu, a 55 year old widow and Hassan Reza, the 25 year old Lord of San Siro, Ibrahim explores the social, cultural and religious constructs in a censorious Muslim Hausa society. Cross-generational relationships in literary fiction tend to be about older men and much younger women so it was refreshing to see this trope being subverted in Season of Crimson Blossoms. The two unlikely lovers discover their own selves, their buried guilt and their underlying grief in their relationship. Reza reminds Binta of the son she lost, Yaro while Binta reminds Reza of a mother he never had. Their highly complex and at times, dysfunctional relationship is sure to challenge most readers but as the story progresses you are able to set aside your own reservations about the relationship and simply, watch.
Female sexuality in the general Muslim community is often riddled with misogyny and double standards. I loved the fact that Ibrahim tackles issue this head on in his portrayal of Binta and the censorious responses to her choices. Through Binta we are given an idea of what daily life is like in a Muslim Hausa family - From the local madrasa and Hadiza wearing the niqab to Binta's copy of Az Zahabi's The Major Sins co-exiting with her copy of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Danielle Steele. Between Fa’iza's struggles, her love for soyayya novellas, Reza and his role in the corrupt political institutions, Binta's rejection of her suitor (because fuck the patriarchy) and her struggle with her faith and sexuality - There's a lot to unpack. And for this reason, Season of Crimson Blossoms is a book that's not meant to be rushed through but one to be savored.
Peppered with Hausa phrases and little idioms that I presume are native to the Nigerian vernacular, Season of Crimson Blossoms is raw and authentic. Since this book was initially written for a Nigerian audience, Ibrahim's narratives aren't watered down to pander to a Western audience. It is this unapologetic, authentic tone which remains unchanged throughout the book that resonated with me the most. It's hard not to fall in love with Nigeria, flaws and all.
Ibrahim's portrayal of his country is almost reverent despite his frustrations with its people and the rampant senseless violence that plagues the land. This is something that I can relate to very much as a Sri Lankan - As a country that's slowly finding its footing after a 25 year civil war, the underlying(now, outright) racism, the existing ethnic-religious conflicts and corrupt political atmosphere is a source of never ending frustration. And yet, you can't help but admire the strength and resilience of our people, the beauty of a land that's triumphed in the face of colonialism and brutality.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is an incredible storyteller. It's apparent in his unorthodox, powerful writing, in his heart rendering prose and in the details that he seamlessly weaves together. Season of Crimson Blossoms is resolute in its subversion of the ethnocentric image of the grinding poverty of Nigeria and instead chooses to portray Nigeria and its people in a fair light.
On winning the 2016 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature for Season of Crimson Blossoms, Ibrahim made a rousing speech, one that is sure to resonate wholly with marginalised communities -
There's no denying that Season of Crimson Blossoms succeeds on all accounts.
THE RATING
5 Stars
QUOTE-WORTHY
FINAL VERDICT:
Season of Crimson Blossoms is an eloquent and compelling adding to the Nigerian literary scene. This inherently political, multi-layered novel will remain a favorite of mine - Give this debut a chance and you can rave about it later.
Set in post-colonial, conservative Nigeria, Abubakar Adam Ibrahim's Season of Crimson Blossoms is a story that transcends cultural, social, religious and geographical boundaries.
Through Binta Zubairu, a 55 year old widow and Hassan Reza, the 25 year old Lord of San Siro, Ibrahim explores the social, cultural and religious constructs in a censorious Muslim Hausa society. Cross-generational relationships in literary fiction tend to be about older men and much younger women so it was refreshing to see this trope being subverted in Season of Crimson Blossoms. The two unlikely lovers discover their own selves, their buried guilt and their underlying grief in their relationship. Reza reminds Binta of the son she lost, Yaro while Binta reminds Reza of a mother he never had. Their highly complex and at times, dysfunctional relationship is sure to challenge most readers but as the story progresses you are able to set aside your own reservations about the relationship and simply, watch.
Female sexuality in the general Muslim community is often riddled with misogyny and double standards. I loved the fact that Ibrahim tackles issue this head on in his portrayal of Binta and the censorious responses to her choices. Through Binta we are given an idea of what daily life is like in a Muslim Hausa family - From the local madrasa and Hadiza wearing the niqab to Binta's copy of Az Zahabi's The Major Sins co-exiting with her copy of Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea and Danielle Steele. Between Fa’iza's struggles, her love for soyayya novellas, Reza and his role in the corrupt political institutions, Binta's rejection of her suitor (because fuck the patriarchy) and her struggle with her faith and sexuality - There's a lot to unpack. And for this reason, Season of Crimson Blossoms is a book that's not meant to be rushed through but one to be savored.
Peppered with Hausa phrases and little idioms that I presume are native to the Nigerian vernacular, Season of Crimson Blossoms is raw and authentic. Since this book was initially written for a Nigerian audience, Ibrahim's narratives aren't watered down to pander to a Western audience. It is this unapologetic, authentic tone which remains unchanged throughout the book that resonated with me the most. It's hard not to fall in love with Nigeria, flaws and all.
Ibrahim's portrayal of his country is almost reverent despite his frustrations with its people and the rampant senseless violence that plagues the land. This is something that I can relate to very much as a Sri Lankan - As a country that's slowly finding its footing after a 25 year civil war, the underlying(now, outright) racism, the existing ethnic-religious conflicts and corrupt political atmosphere is a source of never ending frustration. And yet, you can't help but admire the strength and resilience of our people, the beauty of a land that's triumphed in the face of colonialism and brutality.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is an incredible storyteller. It's apparent in his unorthodox, powerful writing, in his heart rendering prose and in the details that he seamlessly weaves together. Season of Crimson Blossoms is resolute in its subversion of the ethnocentric image of the grinding poverty of Nigeria and instead chooses to portray Nigeria and its people in a fair light.
On winning the 2016 NLNG Nigeria Prize for Literature for Season of Crimson Blossoms, Ibrahim made a rousing speech, one that is sure to resonate wholly with marginalised communities -
“I wanted to immortalize us, that despite the wars, the violence, the immeasurable harm we perpetrated, our resilience and strength and our humanity still shone through the dark mist.”
There's no denying that Season of Crimson Blossoms succeeds on all accounts.
THE RATING
5 Stars
QUOTE-WORTHY
“Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of miniscule anthills scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart.”
FINAL VERDICT:
Season of Crimson Blossoms is an eloquent and compelling adding to the Nigerian literary scene. This inherently political, multi-layered novel will remain a favorite of mine - Give this debut a chance and you can rave about it later.
August 21, 2024
The beginning of this novel seemed too simple and not very encouraging, but the backbone event of an affair between a fifty plus grandmother and a small time criminal in his twenties is not all what it is. We can discuss women's repression and how society judges woman with a different set of laws than it does men.
But as the book progresses we delve into a multi layered structure of political rivalry, corruption and a greed for easy money most probably stemming from poverty and constant unrest. Our merry widow herself is a victim of violent civil unrest that erupts as naturally and expectantly as the seasons change. We also live through her daily life as the benign matriarch of her family, and the edgy life of her lover, with it's astonishing balance of ruthlessness and compassion.
The writing is lovely: simple, clear and elegant, I was constantly googling recipes, items of clothing, and aspects of life. Their are no embellishments but just the right amount of details to keep the reader invested. I had a hard time getting a copy of this novel, but it was worth it.
But as the book progresses we delve into a multi layered structure of political rivalry, corruption and a greed for easy money most probably stemming from poverty and constant unrest. Our merry widow herself is a victim of violent civil unrest that erupts as naturally and expectantly as the seasons change. We also live through her daily life as the benign matriarch of her family, and the edgy life of her lover, with it's astonishing balance of ruthlessness and compassion.
The writing is lovely: simple, clear and elegant, I was constantly googling recipes, items of clothing, and aspects of life. Their are no embellishments but just the right amount of details to keep the reader invested. I had a hard time getting a copy of this novel, but it was worth it.
January 23, 2016
This is a story about Binta, a 55 year old widow, in conservative northern Nigeria, who begins an illicit love affair with 'Reza', a 26 year old thug, gang leader and marijuana dealer. Binta, who was still haunted by the tragic death of her first son, met Reza, who was abandoned by his mother as a child. What began as a clandestine affair eventually led to outcomes that would impact them in significant ways.
This story reveals different shades of human emotions and desires in the social and cultural context of Northern Nigeria. It explores the potency of our collective humanity in the face of religious conflicts that has often plagued parts of Northern Nigeria.
An excerpt about our collective humanity:
"Binta fiddled with her fingers. 'My husband, God rest his soul, was killed by some Christian boys he employed. They were people he called by their birth names and did business with. My sister's husband and her son were hacked to death by their Christian neighbours because a woman urged them to. But my sister and her daughters were saved from being raped and murdered by a Christian woman whose husband had been killed by some Muslim youths... I want you to understand why I have not given up on humanity, and why I won't give up on you' "
One thing that stands out for me is the way stereotypes are unbundled by the characters in the book. There are several examples of this, but one example I will highlight is that the family members of the Muslim characters in the book who were killed during riots in the north, were killed by Christians -and the Christian killers were not defending themselves. Most people who are familiar with religion-motivated riots in the North of Nigeria would agree that the dominant narrative of killings during the riots is that Christians are being killed. When killing by Christians is reported, more often than not the narrative is that they are doing so in self-defence. Some of the events in this story provides a counter-narrative.
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this book. I enjoyed the writer's use of language. I like the poetic way he shrouds some expressions, allowing its meaning to unfold in the mind of the reader. The fact that it is his debut novel makes it even more impressive. I believe Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is a writer to watch out for.
This story reveals different shades of human emotions and desires in the social and cultural context of Northern Nigeria. It explores the potency of our collective humanity in the face of religious conflicts that has often plagued parts of Northern Nigeria.
An excerpt about our collective humanity:
"Binta fiddled with her fingers. 'My husband, God rest his soul, was killed by some Christian boys he employed. They were people he called by their birth names and did business with. My sister's husband and her son were hacked to death by their Christian neighbours because a woman urged them to. But my sister and her daughters were saved from being raped and murdered by a Christian woman whose husband had been killed by some Muslim youths... I want you to understand why I have not given up on humanity, and why I won't give up on you' "
One thing that stands out for me is the way stereotypes are unbundled by the characters in the book. There are several examples of this, but one example I will highlight is that the family members of the Muslim characters in the book who were killed during riots in the north, were killed by Christians -and the Christian killers were not defending themselves. Most people who are familiar with religion-motivated riots in the North of Nigeria would agree that the dominant narrative of killings during the riots is that Christians are being killed. When killing by Christians is reported, more often than not the narrative is that they are doing so in self-defence. Some of the events in this story provides a counter-narrative.
I appreciate the opportunity to have read this book. I enjoyed the writer's use of language. I like the poetic way he shrouds some expressions, allowing its meaning to unfold in the mind of the reader. The fact that it is his debut novel makes it even more impressive. I believe Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is a writer to watch out for.
February 12, 2017
"Hayija Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of minuscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart."
That is how Season Of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim begins.
Hayija Binta, at all of fifty-five years old, and Reza, a twenty-five year-old drug-pushing gangster, fall in love. In their love of each other, they try their best to forget that:
Binta's youngest child, is older than her lover;
Reza's mother, is younger than his lover.
But how do you forget that as a religious person who exists in an environment where love is only to be made within a marriage and when you now have to sneak around like a school kid, in following your heart?
This is not all there is to the story obviously, otherwise it wouldn't have won the Nigerian Prize For Literature, which earns the author a cool one hundred thousand U. S. dollars.
Mental illness is explored from an angle which is often overlooked.
The politics of the day feature along with that stink of corruption.
Family bonds are drawn such that the reader cannot help but feel a sense of affectionate ownership towards the aunts, the uncles, the cousins, and even those odd bosom buddies of choice.
It is funny, and also reminds/informs one just how tediously oppressive religion can be.
Also shows loss, in all its violent forms.
And if you, like me, go absolutely maal over an author who dances like Somizi with words, then this book is a treat not only for that, but also because author tells a story that will bewitch you into 'voluntary' sleep deprivation and possibly even a public tear or two.
For me, it was the first time I visited the Hausa Muslims of northern Nigeria, having only previously heard about them from the Igbo Christians of the southern parts. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction, than this gem.
That is how Season Of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim begins.
Hayija Binta, at all of fifty-five years old, and Reza, a twenty-five year-old drug-pushing gangster, fall in love. In their love of each other, they try their best to forget that:
Binta's youngest child, is older than her lover;
Reza's mother, is younger than his lover.
But how do you forget that as a religious person who exists in an environment where love is only to be made within a marriage and when you now have to sneak around like a school kid, in following your heart?
This is not all there is to the story obviously, otherwise it wouldn't have won the Nigerian Prize For Literature, which earns the author a cool one hundred thousand U. S. dollars.
Mental illness is explored from an angle which is often overlooked.
The politics of the day feature along with that stink of corruption.
Family bonds are drawn such that the reader cannot help but feel a sense of affectionate ownership towards the aunts, the uncles, the cousins, and even those odd bosom buddies of choice.
It is funny, and also reminds/informs one just how tediously oppressive religion can be.
Also shows loss, in all its violent forms.
And if you, like me, go absolutely maal over an author who dances like Somizi with words, then this book is a treat not only for that, but also because author tells a story that will bewitch you into 'voluntary' sleep deprivation and possibly even a public tear or two.
For me, it was the first time I visited the Hausa Muslims of northern Nigeria, having only previously heard about them from the Igbo Christians of the southern parts. I couldn't have asked for a better introduction, than this gem.
January 17, 2019
This debut is quite promising and the author writes well.
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It is a story of an affair between Binta, a 55 year old woman who already has grand kids and Reza, a local gang leader and drug dealer. I loved the blurb. When I saw it was an affair between a 55 year old Hajiya and a 25 year old drug dealer. I was really curious and excited, but my excitement collapsed half way through the book. Why?
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1. Reza reminded Binta of her first son who had died in the police hands and Binta reminded Reza of his mother who had left him as a kid, so the relationship to me was a way for both of them to deal with a longing, a grief. I just wished the relationship was natural, like real love natural, you know. Like I love you 25 year old Boy, I just love you and not because you remind me of my son who I couldn't show love to. .
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2. Over description and I felt there were many scenes that did nothing to the plot.
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3. The end of the book seemed forced, like the author after he started the story didn't know how to end it and just settled for a very cliché end . Not like I'm against clichés, I just don't like regular 😋. I'm still annoyed o, like the end could have been better. The story line was too good to end that way. .
.
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The story was set in Abuja and Jos, Nigeria and in the background, the author explored the violence in Jos, Politics, Mental Health, Election wahala, Motherhood, Grief and painted vividly the North Central Nigeria.
What I really like about the book is the vividness of the characters.
.
It is a story of an affair between Binta, a 55 year old woman who already has grand kids and Reza, a local gang leader and drug dealer. I loved the blurb. When I saw it was an affair between a 55 year old Hajiya and a 25 year old drug dealer. I was really curious and excited, but my excitement collapsed half way through the book. Why?
.
1. Reza reminded Binta of her first son who had died in the police hands and Binta reminded Reza of his mother who had left him as a kid, so the relationship to me was a way for both of them to deal with a longing, a grief. I just wished the relationship was natural, like real love natural, you know. Like I love you 25 year old Boy, I just love you and not because you remind me of my son who I couldn't show love to. .
.
2. Over description and I felt there were many scenes that did nothing to the plot.
.
3. The end of the book seemed forced, like the author after he started the story didn't know how to end it and just settled for a very cliché end . Not like I'm against clichés, I just don't like regular 😋. I'm still annoyed o, like the end could have been better. The story line was too good to end that way. .
.
.
The story was set in Abuja and Jos, Nigeria and in the background, the author explored the violence in Jos, Politics, Mental Health, Election wahala, Motherhood, Grief and painted vividly the North Central Nigeria.
What I really like about the book is the vividness of the characters.
June 3, 2016
So well written...using dreams and flashbacks seamlessly. Amazing debut by the author. The story captures taboo subjects in such a relatable way.
October 8, 2019
When a debut novel starts with this line ‘Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of miniscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart,’ you know there is going to be heartbreak ahead and some characters that will linger long in your mind.
This story following a 55 year old widow who ends up in a torrid relationship with 25 year old weed dealer Reza bursts with the violence in the socio political backdrop of Abuja in Nigeria and situates it with the personal violence that civilians face in times of living under the shadow of guns, drugs, political instability and corruption. Binta’s life mirrors that of countless women who live with the loss of loved ones and the forced loyalty to a dead husband who treated her only as a body. Reza’s story mirrors that of the youth ofNigeria caught in the chaos of turbulence and how life can careen off track and take one to pointless journeys.
This is a book of a desire to live, to feel amidst the despair and the loss. It is a story about the trauma that bloodletting brings to people and communities. I would say, go read this one!
This story following a 55 year old widow who ends up in a torrid relationship with 25 year old weed dealer Reza bursts with the violence in the socio political backdrop of Abuja in Nigeria and situates it with the personal violence that civilians face in times of living under the shadow of guns, drugs, political instability and corruption. Binta’s life mirrors that of countless women who live with the loss of loved ones and the forced loyalty to a dead husband who treated her only as a body. Reza’s story mirrors that of the youth ofNigeria caught in the chaos of turbulence and how life can careen off track and take one to pointless journeys.
This is a book of a desire to live, to feel amidst the despair and the loss. It is a story about the trauma that bloodletting brings to people and communities. I would say, go read this one!
March 26, 2020
More than 10 years ago, Binta, a 55 year old Muslim woman lost her husband. She was one of those that had been in arranged marriages, where there was no love, just sex as and when the man wants and he would get it the way he wanted it. Never allowed to explore anything.
As a widow, she stayed with her granddaughters as her children were all grown up and married.
When one day a young man, Reza, a 25 year old broke into her house everything about her life changed as she knew it. Reza, a leader of the gang and weed smoker evoked feelings that Binta never thought she had. When she saw him, he reminded him of his late son that she was never allowed to show her affection to. When Reza saw Binta, she reminded him of her mother that abandoned him at a very young age.
It is because of these factors that drew both Binta and Reza together. It was unfortunate that though both of them were free to fall for anyone they wanted, the society was watching. There are standards sets for a Muslim woman to maintain. It does not matter her loneliness, her feelings. She cannot love whomever she wants. She is a whore, that is the label she gets. No one understands her needs, not even her children.
Because she knew that society will talk, she hides her relationship with Reza. Reza makes her happy, he does things to her that no man has ever done, not even her late husband. Reza is also a “damaged goods” because all he ever wanted to do was to survive. Is he not allowed to fall for anyone, just because the realities of life threw him to the streets?
It is so unfortunate their relationship came out to the public and Binta had to lose her son. But why was the damn stupid son against happiness of his mother. Couldn’t he at least discuss with his mother than thinking for the humiliation that his mother was bringing to them and to herself, pity that did end well for him as well. When men think they own women- it never ends well.
A beautifully written book by Ibrahim, a page turner that will make you boil with anger when you see how most societies/religions oppress women. How society and religion dictates how women are supposed to live their lives. How are they not to have feelings unless they turn-on those feelings themselves as if women have on and off buttons that they can switch anytime they want.
I am sad that Reza and Bintu’s relationship ended the way it did. I wonder if Bintu will ever recover after all this. But I loved the fact that even when those mamgobhozi’s who labelled her as a whore because they have their own husbands found out, Binta continued and did what made her happy, and that was Reza
To the author- well done-I loved this though it made me angry and sad most of the time
As a widow, she stayed with her granddaughters as her children were all grown up and married.
When one day a young man, Reza, a 25 year old broke into her house everything about her life changed as she knew it. Reza, a leader of the gang and weed smoker evoked feelings that Binta never thought she had. When she saw him, he reminded him of his late son that she was never allowed to show her affection to. When Reza saw Binta, she reminded him of her mother that abandoned him at a very young age.
It is because of these factors that drew both Binta and Reza together. It was unfortunate that though both of them were free to fall for anyone they wanted, the society was watching. There are standards sets for a Muslim woman to maintain. It does not matter her loneliness, her feelings. She cannot love whomever she wants. She is a whore, that is the label she gets. No one understands her needs, not even her children.
Because she knew that society will talk, she hides her relationship with Reza. Reza makes her happy, he does things to her that no man has ever done, not even her late husband. Reza is also a “damaged goods” because all he ever wanted to do was to survive. Is he not allowed to fall for anyone, just because the realities of life threw him to the streets?
It is so unfortunate their relationship came out to the public and Binta had to lose her son. But why was the damn stupid son against happiness of his mother. Couldn’t he at least discuss with his mother than thinking for the humiliation that his mother was bringing to them and to herself, pity that did end well for him as well. When men think they own women- it never ends well.
A beautifully written book by Ibrahim, a page turner that will make you boil with anger when you see how most societies/religions oppress women. How society and religion dictates how women are supposed to live their lives. How are they not to have feelings unless they turn-on those feelings themselves as if women have on and off buttons that they can switch anytime they want.
I am sad that Reza and Bintu’s relationship ended the way it did. I wonder if Bintu will ever recover after all this. But I loved the fact that even when those mamgobhozi’s who labelled her as a whore because they have their own husbands found out, Binta continued and did what made her happy, and that was Reza
To the author- well done-I loved this though it made me angry and sad most of the time
November 14, 2023
மலரும் மலரும் என்று அதற்காக உடல் வருத்தி , நிலத்தை செம்மைப் படுத்தி, விதைத்து, நீரூற்றி, காத்து, காத்திருந்த வலி முழுதும், பூவாகி, கனியாகி சிறக்கும் கணத்தில் மனம் பூத்து மகிழ்வது விதைத்தவர் இயல்பு. அந்த கணத்தில் அவன் தொழிலாளி என்ற நிலையில் இருந்து படைப்பாளியாக மிளிர்கிறான். அந்த உணர்வு தான் அவனை மேலும் மேலும் உழைக்கத் தூண்டுகிறது.
உழவுக்கு மட்டும் அல்ல வாழ்வுக்கும் அப்படித்தான். நாம் தேடிப் படைக்கும் ஒவ்வொரு விஷயத்தையும் நாம் மிக விரும்பி, அதற்காக பாடுபட்டு பின் அந்தப் படைப்பு முழுமைபெற்று மிளிரும்பொழுதில் அடையும் மன நிறைவு ஈடில்லாதது.
மாறாக நாம் வெகு காலமாக எதிர்பார்த்து காத்திருந்த ஒன்று, கனிந்து வரும் போது, நம் எதிர்பார்ப்புக்கு நேரெதிராக, ஒரு கணத்தில் விரும்பத்தகாத நிலைக்கு மாறிப்போனால், அதனால் ஏற்படும் ஏமாற்றமும் வலியும் மிக அதீதமாகவே இருக்கும்.
சாதாரணமாக இருக்கும் கானகம் தீக்கொன்றை மலரும்போது, திடுமென தீப்பற்றியது போல் அழகாக மாறிவிடுகிறது. அது போலத்தான் காதலும், சாதாரண மனித வாழ்வை அழகாக மாற்றுகிறது. பருவம் தவறாமல் மலரும் காதலும் தீக்கொன்றையும் இயல்பாக நிகழ்வது.
அப்படி இயல்பாக மலரும் ஒன்று ஏதொவொரு அசாதாரண நிகழ்வால், மலராமல் தப்பிப்போனால்? அது மலரவேண்டும் என்று ஏங்கிக் வெகு காலமாக காத்திருக்கும் போது தீக்கொன்றைக்கு பதிலாக சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு ஒரு முறை அரிதாக மலரும், அகோரமாக பெரிதான(grotesquely large ), அழுகிய பிண வாடை அடிக்கும் பிணக்கொன்றை மலர்ந்தால்?!…
அப்படி ஒரு நிகழ்வை படம்பிடித்துக்காட்டும் புத்தகம் தான் “தீக்கொன்றை மலரும் பருவம்”. பிரச்சனைகள் நிறைந்த காலகட்டத்தில் நைஜீரிய நாட்டின் வடபகுதியில், நிகழும் சம்பவங்களின் அடிப்படையில் பிண்ணப்பட்ட அருமையான கதை இது. இதன் முக்கிய களம், பேத்திகளும் மகன்களும், மகள்களும் கொண்ட விதவையான ஹஜியா பிந்தா என்னும் பேரிளம் பெண்ணுக்கும், அவளுடைய மகன் வயதிலான வழிதவறிய, கரடு முரடான ரெஸா என்னும் இளைஞனுக்கும் ஏற்படும் பற்றியெரியும் உறவு.
சொல்ல வந்த விஷயம் மிக நாசுக்காக கையாளவேண்டிய ஒன்று. கொஞ்சம் தவறினாலும் அது தாளம் தப்பிபோகக்கூடிய ஒன்று. ஆனாலும், அது சொல்லப்பட்ட விதத்தாலும், அதன் களத்தை விரித்துக்காட்டும் சம்பவம் மற்றும் பாத்திரக்கோர்வைகளாலும் மிக அருமையாக விரிகிறது. மொழிபெயர்ப்பு என்ற உணர்வின்றி ஏதோ தமிழிலே நேரடியாக வடித்தது போல் ஒரு நேர்த்தி.
இதில் பிந்தா, அவள் பேத்தி, ரெஸா என அனைவரின் வாழ்வும், நாட்டில் நிலவும் மத அடிப்படையிலான கலவரங்களால் ஏற்கனவே புரட்டிப் போடப்பட்ட பின்னணி மிக அருமையாக விரிகிறது. அதில் அவரவர், செயல்களும் , அதற்கான நியாயங்களும் மிக நேர்த்தியாக விரிகிறது. மத அடிப்படையிலான என்று கூறினாலும், உள்ளே ஒளிந்திருப்பது, இன ரீதியான வெறுப்பே.. சந்தர்ப்பவாத அரசியல், ஊழல் மலிந்த அரசமைப்பு, இனவாத வெறுப்பு என ஆப்பிரிக்க நாடுகளில் பலவற்றிலும் வழிந்தோடும் பிரச்சினைகளே இதிலும்.
காதல் வாழ்க்கை சீக்கிரமே கருகிப்போன பிந்தாவுக்கு, இளவயதில் கலவரத்தால் மாண்டு போன தன மகன் மீதான ஏக்கம் கரு நிழல் போல் படர்ந்து அழுத்திவந்தது. எப்போதும் தன்னிடம் இருந்து பிடுங்கப்பட்ட மகன் மீதான தாபம், அவளுடைய வறண்ட வாழ்வில், கனவில் குளிர்ச்சி தரும் கானலாக ஊறிவந்தது.
மறுபுறம், மிக சராசரியான, ஆனால் அன்பான தன் தந்தையையும் தன்னையும் கைவிட்டு விலகி வசதியான வாழ்வைத் தேடிப்போன தன் தாயின் மீதான கோபமும் ஏக்கமும் ரெஸாவின் மீது ஒரு சாபமாக அவனை அலைகழிக்கிறது. ஒரு தாயை தேடிய அவனுக்கு, அந்த தேடலே ஒரு தாபமாக உள்ளார்ந்து முகிழ்ந்து, மறைந்திருந்தது.
இருவரின் உணர்வுகளும் எடிபஸ் காம்ப்லெக்ஸ் ( Oedipus complex) என்ற ஒன்றாக வெளிப்பட, எதிர்பாராத, அசாதாரண சந்திப்பு ஒன்று தேவைப்பட்டது. அந்த நிகழ்வு என்ற ஒற்றைப் புள்ளியில் சந்தித்து, இருவரின் உணர்வுகளும், பெரு நெருப்பாக கனன்று எரிந்து தகித்தது.
அவனுடைய முதுகைத் தட்டிக்கொடுத்து அவன் மீது சாய்ந்து கொண்டாள். அந்த உணர்வு எப்படி இருக்கும் என்று பல சமயங்களில் நினைத்து வியந்து போவாள். எந்த முன்னேற்பாடுகளுமின்றி, அப்படியே கதவைத் திறந்து வெளியேறிச் செல்வது. பறவையொன்று கூண்டிலிருந்து தப்பிச் செல்வதைப் போல. அப்படிச் சென்றுவிட வேண்டுமென்று அவ்வப்போது உணர்ந்ததுண்டு. ஆனால் மனவலிமை போதாமையால் அந்த எண்ணத்தைக் கைவிட்டு விடுவாள். அவனுடைய முதுகில் தலை சரித்து அமர்ந்திருக்கும் அந்த வேளையிலும் அப்படித்தான் உணர்ந்தாள். அர்த்தமற்ற கற்பனையாயினும், அவனுடன் வெளியேறி, எந்த விதமான சமூக நிர்ப்பந்தங்களுமற்ற, குடும்பப் பொறுப்புகளற்ற வேறொரு மாய உலகத்துக்குச் சென்று, தடைகளேதுமின்றி அன்பு செய்து கொண்டே வாழ்ந்து விடலாம் என்று மனதில் தோன்றியது. ஆனால் அது சாத்தியமில்லை என்பது அவளுக்குத் தெரியும். ஏனென்றால், நீண்ட வாழ்நாட்காலம் அவன்
முன்னே காத்திருக்கிறது. தவிர்க்க முடியாத இழப்புக்கு, அவளிடம் அவன் சலிப்படையப் போகும் அந்த நாளுக்கு அவள் தயாராகத்தான் வேண்டும். பெருமூச்சுடன் படுக்கையில் விழுந்தாள்.
இந்த சந்திப்பின் தொடர்ச்சியாக நடந்தேறும் நிகழ்வுகளும் அதில் உலவும் பாத்திரங்களும் நம் கண் முன்னே அழுத்தமாக அப்பிக்கொள்கின்றனர். ஆரம்பத்தில் பெயர்களை ஞாபகம் வைத்துக்கொள்வது சிரமமாக இருந்தாலும், அவர்களின் தனித்தன்மையான படைப்பு, அவர்களை ஞாபகம் வைத்துக்கொள்வதை மிக எளிதாக்குகிறது.மாலம் ஹரூணா, ஃபைஸா, முன்கைலா, ஸாதியா என்று அனைவரும் வாசித்து முடித்த பின்பும் நம் மனதை விட்டு விலகாமல் வாழ்கின்றனர்.
குறிப்பாக, ரெஸா தன் தாயை பிரிந்து போகும் துயரமான சம்பவமும், பிறிதொரு சமயத்தில் அவனைத் தேடி வரும் தாயை அவன் சந்திக்கும் கணங்களும் கவிதைகள்!
நான் உன் அம்மா அல்லவா, அதனால்..."
மரத்தின் பட்டைகளை விரல்களால் நோண்டிக் கொண்டிருந்தவன் சட்டென்று கொத்தாக ஒரு பட்டையை உரித்தெடுத்தான். அதனடியில் தங்கியிருந்த எறும்புக் கூட்டத்தின் மீது மங்கலான சூரிய வெளிச்சம் சட்டெனப் பாய்ந்ததால் பயந்து போன எறும்புகள் அங்குமிங்கும் திக்கற்று ஊர்ந்தன. அவனால் முற்றிலுமாக உரித்துப் பிய்த்தெறிந்து வீசிய மரப்பட்டைச் சிராய்கள் காலடியில் சிதறின.
"இப்போது நான் போக வேண்டும், எங்கிருந்து வந்தீர்களோ, அங்கேயே நீங்களும் போகலாம், புரிகிறதா?"
"தயவு செய்து இன்னும் கொஞ்ச நேரம் இருக்கிறாயா?”
அவள் குரலின் பிரயாசைக்குப் பின்னால் இருந்த வெறுமையே அவளை பாலைவனத்தைத்தாண்டி அவனைக் காணத் துரத்தியிருக்கிறதென உணர்ந்தான். ஆனால், அவளுடைய ஜில்பாபை நம்பிக்கையுடன் பற்றியிருந்த தனது பிஞ்சு விரல்களை இரக்கமின்றி எப்போது விடுவித்துச் சென்றாளோ அப்போதிலிருந்து அவனுள் பற்றி எரிந்துகொண்டிருக்கும் சினம் அவள் பாலிருந்த பச்சாதாபத்தை விழுங்கிச் செரித்திருந்தது.
எதையோ சொல்ல வாயெடுத்த அவள் உதடுகளைக் குரோதத்துடன் பார்த்தான். ஏதோ முக்கியமான ஒன்றைச் சொல்ல விரும���புகிறாளென்று கண்ணீர் நிரம்பிய அவள் கண்களிலிருந்து அறிந்து கொண்டான். ஆனால் அது என்னவென்று தெரிந்து கொள்வதில் அவனுக்கு அக்கறையில்லை இனிமேல் எப்போதும் இருக்கப்போவதில்லை..
"நீ வருவாயென்று தெரிந்திருந்தால் அந்த சனியன் பிடித்த மோதிரத்தை எடுத்துக் கொண்டு வந்திருப்பேன்."
அவன் வேகமாக நகர்ந்தபோது அவள் சத்தமாக அவன் பெயரைச் சொல்லி அழைக்கும் சப்தம் கேட்டது. அந்தக் குரல் அவன் இதயத்தைப் பின்னோக்கி இழுத்தது, அவன் வேகமாக ஓடினான். அவள் குரலில் இருந்த தவிப்பை, வெறுமையை, நீண்ட காலமாக அவன் மனதில் சுழன்று கொண்டிருக்கும் அந்த நறுமணம் அனைத்தையும் விட்டு எவ்வளவு தூரம் விலகிச் செல்ல முடியுமோ அவ்வளவு தூரம் விலகி வேகமாக ஓடிக்கொண்டிருந்தான்.
அப்படியே மகேந்திரனின் ஜானி என் கண் முன் நிழலாடினான்!
என்னதான் கூடா உறவின் விளைவாக விளைந்த உணர்வை வெளிப்படுத்தினாலும் பிந்தாவும், ரெஸாவும், தங்கள் ஈரத்தையும், மனிதத்தையும் தொலைக்காமல் ஊசலாடும் நிலையையும், வரிகள் வாசிப்பவரின், நெஞ்சில் வடித்துவிடுகின்றன.
அவள் இங்கிருந்து உயிரோடு திரும்பிச் சென்றால், என்றாவது ஒரு நாள் அவனது எலும்புகளைத் தோண்டி பிரிட்டிஷ் மியூஸியத்தில் வைக்கப் போகிறாள் அல்லது இப்போதே ஆடை போர்த்தியிருக்கும் தொல் படிமத்தின் களைத்த உயிரணு போல இருக்கும் அவன் அப்பாவைக் கூட வைக்ககூடும் என்று கற்பனை செய்தான்.
வஞ்சனை நிறைந்த ஒருத்தியின் மீது, நிபந்தனையற்ற ஒருதலை காதலைச் செலுத்தியதிலேயே, அவர் காலங்கள் கரைந்து இப்போது தொன்மத்தின் மீதங்களே உள்ளன.
லைலாவின் வேதனை தாங்கிய கண்களைப் பார்த்தான் ரெஸா. அது,தன்னைச் சந்திக்க வந்திருந்த அன்னையைக் கண்டு வெறுப்புடன் முகத்தைத்
திருப்பிக் கொண்டபோது அவள் முகத்தில் படர்ந்திருந்த வேதனையை அவனுக்குக்கு நினைவூட்டியது.
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அவளுடைய விரல்களிலிருந்து பார்வையை உயர்த்தி அவன் கண்களைப் பார்த்தாள்.
"ஏனென்றால், நான் ஏன் மனிதாபிமானத்தை விட்டுத்
தருவதில்லை, ஏன் உன் விஷயத்தில் இன்னும் விட்டுக் கொடுக்கவே மாட்டேனென்கிறேன் என்பதையும் நீ புரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும்.”
இறுதியில், அதீதமான முடிவு என்றபோதும், இந்தப் பிணக்கொன்றை வாசம் கூட மனதில் ஏதோ ஒரு மெல்லிய உணர்வை அழுத்தமாக எழுப்பிவிட்டே செல்கிறது.
உழவுக்கு மட்டும் அல்ல வாழ்வுக்கும் அப்படித்தான். நாம் தேடிப் படைக்கும் ஒவ்வொரு விஷயத்தையும் நாம் மிக விரும்பி, அதற்காக பாடுபட்டு பின் அந்தப் படைப்பு முழுமைபெற்று மிளிரும்பொழுதில் அடையும் மன நிறைவு ஈடில்லாதது.
மாறாக நாம் வெகு காலமாக எதிர்பார்த்து காத்திருந்த ஒன்று, கனிந்து வரும் போது, நம் எதிர்பார்ப்புக்கு நேரெதிராக, ஒரு கணத்தில் விரும்பத்தகாத நிலைக்கு மாறிப்போனால், அதனால் ஏற்படும் ஏமாற்றமும் வலியும் மிக அதீதமாகவே இருக்கும்.
சாதாரணமாக இருக்கும் கானகம் தீக்கொன்றை மலரும்போது, திடுமென தீப்பற்றியது போல் அழகாக மாறிவிடுகிறது. அது போலத்தான் காதலும், சாதாரண மனித வாழ்வை அழகாக மாற்றுகிறது. பருவம் தவறாமல் மலரும் காதலும் தீக்கொன்றையும் இயல்பாக நிகழ்வது.
அப்படி இயல்பாக மலரும் ஒன்று ஏதொவொரு அசாதாரண நிகழ்வால், மலராமல் தப்பிப்போனால்? அது மலரவேண்டும் என்று ஏங்கிக் வெகு காலமாக காத்திருக்கும் போது தீக்கொன்றைக்கு பதிலாக சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு ஒரு முறை அரிதாக மலரும், அகோரமாக பெரிதான(grotesquely large ), அழுகிய பிண வாடை அடிக்கும் பிணக்கொன்றை மலர்ந்தால்?!…
அப்படி ஒரு நிகழ்வை படம்பிடித்துக்காட்டும் புத்தகம் தான் “தீக்கொன்றை மலரும் பருவம்”. பிரச்சனைகள் நிறைந்த காலகட்டத்தில் நைஜீரிய நாட்டின் வடபகுதியில், நிகழும் சம்பவங்களின் அடிப்படையில் பிண்ணப்பட்ட அருமையான கதை இது. இதன் முக்கிய களம், பேத்திகளும் மகன்களும், மகள்களும் கொண்ட விதவையான ஹஜியா பிந்தா என்னும் பேரிளம் பெண்ணுக்கும், அவளுடைய மகன் வயதிலான வழிதவறிய, கரடு முரடான ரெஸா என்னும் இளைஞனுக்கும் ஏற்படும் பற்றியெரியும் உறவு.
சொல்ல வந்த விஷயம் மிக நாசுக்காக கையாளவேண்டிய ஒன்று. கொஞ்சம் தவறினாலும் அது தாளம் தப்பிபோகக்கூடிய ஒன்று. ஆனாலும், அது சொல்லப்பட்ட விதத்தாலும், அதன் களத்தை விரித்துக்காட்டும் சம்பவம் மற்றும் பாத்திரக்கோர்வைகளாலும் மிக அருமையாக விரிகிறது. மொழிபெயர்ப்பு என்ற உணர்வின்றி ஏதோ தமிழிலே நேரடியாக வடித்தது போல் ஒரு நேர்த்தி.
இதில் பிந்தா, அவள் பேத்தி, ரெஸா என அனைவரின் வாழ்வும், நாட்டில் நிலவும் மத அடிப்படையிலான கலவரங்களால் ஏற்கனவே புரட்டிப் போடப்பட்ட பின்னணி மிக அருமையாக விரிகிறது. அதில் அவரவர், செயல்களும் , அதற்கான நியாயங்களும் மிக நேர்த்தியாக விரிகிறது. மத அடிப்படையிலான என்று கூறினாலும், உள்ளே ஒளிந்திருப்பது, இன ரீதியான வெறுப்பே.. சந்தர்ப்பவாத அரசியல், ஊழல் மலிந்த அரசமைப்பு, இனவாத வெறுப்பு என ஆப்பிரிக்க நாடுகளில் பலவற்றிலும் வழிந்தோடும் பிரச்சினைகளே இதிலும்.
காதல் வாழ்க்கை சீக்கிரமே கருகிப்போன பிந்தாவுக்கு, இளவயதில் கலவரத்தால் மாண்டு போன தன மகன் மீதான ஏக்கம் கரு நிழல் போல் படர்ந்து அழுத்திவந்தது. எப்போதும் தன்னிடம் இருந்து பிடுங்கப்பட்ட மகன் மீதான தாபம், அவளுடைய வறண்ட வாழ்வில், கனவில் குளிர்ச்சி தரும் கானலாக ஊறிவந்தது.
மறுபுறம், மிக சராசரியான, ஆனால் அன்பான தன் தந்தையையும் தன்னையும் கைவிட்டு விலகி வசதியான வாழ்வைத் தேடிப்போன தன் தாயின் மீதான கோபமும் ஏக்கமும் ரெஸாவின் மீது ஒரு சாபமாக அவனை அலைகழிக்கிறது. ஒரு தாயை தேடிய அவனுக்கு, அந்த தேடலே ஒரு தாபமாக உள்ளார்ந்து முகிழ்ந்து, மறைந்திருந்தது.
இருவரின் உணர்வுகளும் எடிபஸ் காம்ப்லெக்ஸ் ( Oedipus complex) என்ற ஒன்றாக வெளிப்பட, எதிர்பாராத, அசாதாரண சந்திப்பு ஒன்று தேவைப்பட்டது. அந்த நிகழ்வு என்ற ஒற்றைப் புள்ளியில் சந்தித்து, இருவரின் உணர்வுகளும், பெரு நெருப்பாக கனன்று எரிந்து தகித்தது.
அவனுடைய முதுகைத் தட்டிக்கொடுத்து அவன் மீது சாய்ந்து கொண்டாள். அந்த உணர்வு எப்படி இருக்கும் என்று பல சமயங்களில் நினைத்து வியந்து போவாள். எந்த முன்னேற்பாடுகளுமின்றி, அப்படியே கதவைத் திறந்து வெளியேறிச் செல்வது. பறவையொன்று கூண்டிலிருந்து தப்பிச் செல்வதைப் போல. அப்படிச் சென்றுவிட வேண்டுமென்று அவ்வப்போது உணர்ந்ததுண்டு. ஆனால் மனவலிமை போதாமையால் அந்த எண்ணத்தைக் கைவிட்டு விடுவாள். அவனுடைய முதுகில் தலை சரித்து அமர்ந்திருக்கும் அந்த வேளையிலும் அப்படித்தான் உணர்ந்தாள். அர்த்தமற்ற கற்பனையாயினும், அவனுடன் வெளியேறி, எந்த விதமான சமூக நிர்ப்பந்தங்களுமற்ற, குடும்பப் பொறுப்புகளற்ற வேறொரு மாய உலகத்துக்குச் சென்று, தடைகளேதுமின்றி அன்பு செய்து கொண்டே வாழ்ந்து விடலாம் என்று மனதில் தோன்றியது. ஆனால் அது சாத்தியமில்லை என்பது அவளுக்குத் தெரியும். ஏனென்றால், நீண்ட வாழ்நாட்காலம் அவன்
முன்னே காத்திருக்கிறது. தவிர்க்க முடியாத இழப்புக்கு, அவளிடம் அவன் சலிப்படையப் போகும் அந்த நாளுக்கு அவள் தயாராகத்தான் வேண்டும். பெருமூச்சுடன் படுக்கையில் விழுந்தாள்.
இந்த சந்திப்பின் தொடர்ச்சியாக நடந்தேறும் நிகழ்வுகளும் அதில் உலவும் பாத்திரங்களும் நம் கண் முன்னே அழுத்தமாக அப்பிக்கொள்கின்றனர். ஆரம்பத்தில் பெயர்களை ஞாபகம் வைத்துக்கொள்வது சிரமமாக இருந்தாலும், அவர்களின் தனித்தன்மையான படைப்பு, அவர்களை ஞாபகம் வைத்துக்கொள்வதை மிக எளிதாக்குகிறது.மாலம் ஹரூணா, ஃபைஸா, முன்கைலா, ஸாதியா என்று அனைவரும் வாசித்து முடித்த பின்பும் நம் மனதை விட்டு விலகாமல் வாழ்கின்றனர்.
குறிப்பாக, ரெஸா தன் தாயை பிரிந்து போகும் துயரமான சம்பவமும், பிறிதொரு சமயத்தில் அவனைத் தேடி வரும் தாயை அவன் சந்திக்கும் கணங்களும் கவிதைகள்!
நான் உன் அம்மா அல்லவா, அதனால்..."
மரத்தின் பட்டைகளை விரல்களால் நோண்டிக் கொண்டிருந்தவன் சட்டென்று கொத்தாக ஒரு பட்டையை உரித்தெடுத்தான். அதனடியில் தங்கியிருந்த எறும்புக் கூட்டத்தின் மீது மங்கலான சூரிய வெளிச்சம் சட்டெனப் பாய்ந்ததால் பயந்து போன எறும்புகள் அங்குமிங்கும் திக்கற்று ஊர்ந்தன. அவனால் முற்றிலுமாக உரித்துப் பிய்த்தெறிந்து வீசிய மரப்பட்டைச் சிராய்கள் காலடியில் சிதறின.
"இப்போது நான் போக வேண்டும், எங்கிருந்து வந்தீர்களோ, அங்கேயே நீங்களும் போகலாம், புரிகிறதா?"
"தயவு செய்து இன்னும் கொஞ்ச நேரம் இருக்கிறாயா?”
அவள் குரலின் பிரயாசைக்குப் பின்னால் இருந்த வெறுமையே அவளை பாலைவனத்தைத்தாண்டி அவனைக் காணத் துரத்தியிருக்கிறதென உணர்ந்தான். ஆனால், அவளுடைய ஜில்பாபை நம்பிக்கையுடன் பற்றியிருந்த தனது பிஞ்சு விரல்களை இரக்கமின்றி எப்போது விடுவித்துச் சென்றாளோ அப்போதிலிருந்து அவனுள் பற்றி எரிந்துகொண்டிருக்கும் சினம் அவள் பாலிருந்த பச்சாதாபத்தை விழுங்கிச் செரித்திருந்தது.
எதையோ சொல்ல வாயெடுத்த அவள் உதடுகளைக் குரோதத்துடன் பார்த்தான். ஏதோ முக்கியமான ஒன்றைச் சொல்ல விரும���புகிறாளென்று கண்ணீர் நிரம்பிய அவள் கண்களிலிருந்து அறிந்து கொண்டான். ஆனால் அது என்னவென்று தெரிந்து கொள்வதில் அவனுக்கு அக்கறையில்லை இனிமேல் எப்போதும் இருக்கப்போவதில்லை..
"நீ வருவாயென்று தெரிந்திருந்தால் அந்த சனியன் பிடித்த மோதிரத்தை எடுத்துக் கொண்டு வந்திருப்பேன்."
அவன் வேகமாக நகர்ந்தபோது அவள் சத்தமாக அவன் பெயரைச் சொல்லி அழைக்கும் சப்தம் கேட்டது. அந்தக் குரல் அவன் இதயத்தைப் பின்னோக்கி இழுத்தது, அவன் வேகமாக ஓடினான். அவள் குரலில் இருந்த தவிப்பை, வெறுமையை, நீண்ட காலமாக அவன் மனதில் சுழன்று கொண்டிருக்கும் அந்த நறுமணம் அனைத்தையும் விட்டு எவ்வளவு தூரம் விலகிச் செல்ல முடியுமோ அவ்வளவு தூரம் விலகி வேகமாக ஓடிக்கொண்டிருந்தான்.
அப்படியே மகேந்திரனின் ஜானி என் கண் முன் நிழலாடினான்!
என்னதான் கூடா உறவின் விளைவாக விளைந்த உணர்வை வெளிப்படுத்தினாலும் பிந்தாவும், ரெஸாவும், தங்கள் ஈரத்தையும், மனிதத்தையும் தொலைக்காமல் ஊசலாடும் நிலையையும், வரிகள் வாசிப்பவரின், நெஞ்சில் வடித்துவிடுகின்றன.
அவள் இங்கிருந்து உயிரோடு திரும்பிச் சென்றால், என்றாவது ஒரு நாள் அவனது எலும்புகளைத் தோண்டி பிரிட்டிஷ் மியூஸியத்தில் வைக்கப் போகிறாள் அல்லது இப்போதே ஆடை போர்த்தியிருக்கும் தொல் படிமத்தின் களைத்த உயிரணு போல இருக்கும் அவன் அப்பாவைக் கூட வைக்ககூடும் என்று கற்பனை செய்தான்.
வஞ்சனை நிறைந்த ஒருத்தியின் மீது, நிபந்தனையற்ற ஒருதலை காதலைச் செலுத்தியதிலேயே, அவர் காலங்கள் கரைந்து இப்போது தொன்மத்தின் மீதங்களே உள்ளன.
லைலாவின் வேதனை தாங்கிய கண்களைப் பார்த்தான் ரெஸா. அது,தன்னைச் சந்திக்க வந்திருந்த அன்னையைக் கண்டு வெறுப்புடன் முகத்தைத்
திருப்பிக் கொண்டபோது அவள் முகத்தில் படர்ந்திருந்த வேதனையை அவனுக்குக்கு நினைவூட்டியது.
…
அவளுடைய விரல்களிலிருந்து பார்வையை உயர்த்தி அவன் கண்களைப் பார்த்தாள்.
"ஏனென்றால், நான் ஏன் மனிதாபிமானத்தை விட்டுத்
தருவதில்லை, ஏன் உன் விஷயத்தில் இன்னும் விட்டுக் கொடுக்கவே மாட்டேனென்கிறேன் என்பதையும் நீ புரிந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும்.”
இறுதியில், அதீதமான முடிவு என்றபோதும், இந்தப் பிணக்கொன்றை வாசம் கூட மனதில் ஏதோ ஒரு மெல்லிய உணர்வை அழுத்தமாக எழுப்பிவிட்டே செல்கிறது.
April 18, 2019
This is a moving story about forbidden love that is constrained by culture norms. It's a story about family dynamics when gender roles are starting to be tested. It's a story about trying to make it in a developing economy, and so much else. Binta, an older Muslim widow, begins an affair with Reza, an up-and-coming drug dealer (it's much better than that sentence makes it sound). We see Binta struggling with the tension between her desire for Reza and the piety required by her religion (which is enforced by the near constant surveillance by family and neighbors). The reader is an observer of relationships between Binta and her successful son, between Binta and a rejected suitor, between Reza and a corrupt politician, teen friendships, etc. These are all nuanced and (along with vivid physical descriptions of place) provide the reader with something truly tangible to grasp. Definitely something to savor rather than speed through. I read this a little over a year ago and I still enjoy thinking about it. Recommended for anyone who likes a good book.
March 10, 2021
வித்தியாசமான கதைக்களம், அறியாத தேசம், நல்ல எழுத்து, சுவாரசியமான மொழிபெயர்ப்பு. உலகமெல்லாம் பெண்கள் ஒன்று போலவே. அல்லது ஒன்று போலவே conditioned. இதுதான் உன் கோடு, இப்படித்தான் உன் வாழ்க்கை அமைந்திருக்க வேண்டும். அதைத் தாண்டி நீ உனக்கென்று எதையும் தேடக் கூடாது. தேடும் பட்சத்தில் நீ குற்ற உணர்ச்சியை சுமக்க வேண்டும். விளைவுகள் இப்படியெல்லாம் இருக்கக் கூடும். பின் அதற்காக நீ மீதியிருக்கும் நாளெல்லாம் வருந்திக் கழிக்க வேண்டும். ஆகவே இப்படி ஒரு தென்றல் உன் வாழ்வில் வீசினால் வேகமாக உன் ஜன்னலை சார்த்தி விடு. வியர்த்தாலும் சரி. முழு வாழ்க்கையும் அப்படி ஒரு சுகம் அனுபவிக்க முடியாமல் போனாலும் பரவாயில்லை. இதையெல்லாம் நீ செய்யக் கூடாது.
எஸ்... காலம் மாறுகிறது. வாழ்க்கை முறைகளும் மாறுகிறது. இதில் இத்தனை காலமாக கட்டி நிறுத்தியதை யாரும் மறந்து விடக் கூடாது. அதற்காகவாவது இப்படியான கதைகள் எழுதப் பட வேண்டும். பெண்கள் அவர்கள் வந்த பாதையை மறந்து விடாமல் கட்டிக் காக்க வேண்டியதை காத்துக் கொண்டே இருக்க வேண்டும். முக்கியமாக குற்ற உணர்ச்சியை.
எஸ்... காலம் மாறுகிறது. வாழ்க்கை முறைகளும் மாறுகிறது. இதில் இத்தனை காலமாக கட்டி நிறுத்தியதை யாரும் மறந்து விடக் கூடாது. அதற்காகவாவது இப்படியான கதைகள் எழுதப் பட வேண்டும். பெண்கள் அவர்கள் வந்த பாதையை மறந்து விடாமல் கட்டிக் காக்க வேண்டியதை காத்துக் கொண்டே இருக்க வேண்டும். முக்கியமாக குற்ற உணர்ச்சியை.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2016
It's set in Northern Nigeria a very conservative place and it's about this older Muslim woman who meets this thug and they end up having an illicit affair.
this book is diverse because it explores how older women (in northern Nigeria) have feelings and desires and also how society impacts relationships.
there were some great lines in the book and some profound moments and it deals with various issues as the different characters deal with their own demons. This book also made me hungry to try Nigerian food because there was a lot of mention of food and it all sounds really delicious.
If you want to read a book set in northern Nigeria featuring an old Muslim woman having an affair with a crook then yeah this is the book for you. Also if you like books about doomed relationships then read this.
this book is diverse because it explores how older women (in northern Nigeria) have feelings and desires and also how society impacts relationships.
there were some great lines in the book and some profound moments and it deals with various issues as the different characters deal with their own demons. This book also made me hungry to try Nigerian food because there was a lot of mention of food and it all sounds really delicious.
If you want to read a book set in northern Nigeria featuring an old Muslim woman having an affair with a crook then yeah this is the book for you. Also if you like books about doomed relationships then read this.
January 5, 2019
That wonderful feeling after reading a lovely story! 😺
Oh I LOVED this book! A story about a tragic but endearing love affair between Hajiya Binta, a middle aged widow with adult children and Reza, a 26 year old weed dealer and school drop out. Their passion is intense, defying her religious inhibition and sense of morality. A lot of head hoping and switching POVs but still didn’t reduce my enjoyment of this very interesting book. I highly recommend.
Oh I LOVED this book! A story about a tragic but endearing love affair between Hajiya Binta, a middle aged widow with adult children and Reza, a 26 year old weed dealer and school drop out. Their passion is intense, defying her religious inhibition and sense of morality. A lot of head hoping and switching POVs but still didn’t reduce my enjoyment of this very interesting book. I highly recommend.
September 9, 2016
heartbreakingly beautiful
August 19, 2022
I loved a lot of things with this book, but first off, I'd like to applaud Abubakar (the author) for his gift of weaving in subtlety, especially with themes.
• I like how for most of the characters introduced, we get vignettes of their lives, so while they might not be present in the story in the long run, I have a piece of their background story to take with me.
• The sprinkling of Hausa/Arabic phrases? Divine! That's how you write a conversation, because that's how real people talk in real life.
• The depiction of religion as regards to trauma and therapy. Hureira (representing most people) interpreting trauma and grief to demon possession was spot-on. (bless Sadiya's heart for the therapy suggestion. I really wish Fa'iza went along with it)
• Religion and hypocrisy. All the aunties and community people were so quick at crucifying Binta for her relationship with Reza that they glossed over how their own lives aren't even as perfect. Again, this is how most real life religious people act.
• Even though a part of me can't reconcile with the way Reza ended, I hope he finally got to see the sea. :,-)
• I like how for most of the characters introduced, we get vignettes of their lives, so while they might not be present in the story in the long run, I have a piece of their background story to take with me.
• The sprinkling of Hausa/Arabic phrases? Divine! That's how you write a conversation, because that's how real people talk in real life.
• The depiction of religion as regards to trauma and therapy. Hureira (representing most people) interpreting trauma and grief to demon possession was spot-on. (bless Sadiya's heart for the therapy suggestion. I really wish Fa'iza went along with it)
• Religion and hypocrisy. All the aunties and community people were so quick at crucifying Binta for her relationship with Reza that they glossed over how their own lives aren't even as perfect. Again, this is how most real life religious people act.
• Even though a part of me can't reconcile with the way Reza ended, I hope he finally got to see the sea. :,-)
March 16, 2022
A good writer can make the reader love a villain. I had so much love and empathy for Reze, a 25 year old gang leader with blood on his hands but love in his heart. Reze feel in love with Hajiya Binta, a 55 year old widow old enough to be his mother. Bintu became a vault for his money and his emotions.
I love the beautiful writing, quotes and references to other books. I loved an the older character being shown as passionate. The character development was really good. Especially the explanation Fa’iza’s (one of the minor characters) mental health.
Themes in this book include politics, class, mental health and therapy, religion and sexuality, religious riots, family dynamics, gang culture and family.
There are no permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests. We see this play throughout the book.
Set in Northern Nigeria, this book has many Hausa words and phrases thrown in for good measure.
An example of beautiful writing in the book:
“Binta would reflect later, that the petals of her life, like a bud that had endured half a century of nights, began to unfurl.”
I love the beautiful writing, quotes and references to other books. I loved an the older character being shown as passionate. The character development was really good. Especially the explanation Fa’iza’s (one of the minor characters) mental health.
Themes in this book include politics, class, mental health and therapy, religion and sexuality, religious riots, family dynamics, gang culture and family.
There are no permanent friends in politics, only permanent interests. We see this play throughout the book.
Set in Northern Nigeria, this book has many Hausa words and phrases thrown in for good measure.
An example of beautiful writing in the book:
“Binta would reflect later, that the petals of her life, like a bud that had endured half a century of nights, began to unfurl.”
December 23, 2025
1.5 stars. After burgling and threatening an older woman, Reza returns for Binta and they fall for each other — the beginning of an affair that carries throughout the book.
Ok. I have to say that 70% of my dislike of this book was for the reader. She was absolutely terrible! Easily one of the worst audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. When she wasn’t yelling (though this was often), she spoke in a single tone of voice with no drama included. She did not do a single different voice for anyone, and as such, all the dialogue ran together and you couldn’t tell who was speaking - or who was even in the room. I honestly had a really hard time following at first, especially with names that I’m not familiar with. Her accent was also quite thick, but that didn’t bother me at all — the words, at least, were mostly understandable. Certainly there are better Nigerian voice actors, please!
And the other 30% of my dislike is for the book itself. Due to the audiobook, I have a hard time parsing out if I liked the writing at all — it seemed to have some good nuggets of phrasing (the chapter titles were definitely a highlight), but it mostly seemed pretty common (though maybe that was the point?). The larger thing, though, was that I did not love the plot. Why Reza and Binta were into each other baffled me. And all the other B plots were just everywhere. I honestly just stopped caring halfway through.
Overall, I wouldn’t really take my review as a definitive review of this book. I would have abandoned it early if not for book club. Clearly people like it — just avoid the audiobook like the plague. This just really wasn’t a book for me.
Ok. I have to say that 70% of my dislike of this book was for the reader. She was absolutely terrible! Easily one of the worst audiobooks I’ve ever listened to. When she wasn’t yelling (though this was often), she spoke in a single tone of voice with no drama included. She did not do a single different voice for anyone, and as such, all the dialogue ran together and you couldn’t tell who was speaking - or who was even in the room. I honestly had a really hard time following at first, especially with names that I’m not familiar with. Her accent was also quite thick, but that didn’t bother me at all — the words, at least, were mostly understandable. Certainly there are better Nigerian voice actors, please!
And the other 30% of my dislike is for the book itself. Due to the audiobook, I have a hard time parsing out if I liked the writing at all — it seemed to have some good nuggets of phrasing (the chapter titles were definitely a highlight), but it mostly seemed pretty common (though maybe that was the point?). The larger thing, though, was that I did not love the plot. Why Reza and Binta were into each other baffled me. And all the other B plots were just everywhere. I honestly just stopped caring halfway through.
Overall, I wouldn’t really take my review as a definitive review of this book. I would have abandoned it early if not for book club. Clearly people like it — just avoid the audiobook like the plague. This just really wasn’t a book for me.
December 10, 2023
Un super moment de lecture
Les thèmes : Histoire d'amour atypique, Tradition, Religion, mensonge.
Style très addictif
Les thèmes : Histoire d'amour atypique, Tradition, Religion, mensonge.
Style très addictif
October 31, 2017
It’s been a while since I picked up a book that gets me right from the first paragraph. In most cases I have to wait for the story to build up to the 2nd or 3rd chapter for me to be completely engrossed. Not with this book!!
“Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark lipped rogue with short spiky hair, like a field of miniscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart.”
Binta, 55 years old, a widow, mother of 4 adults and grandmother of a few meets Hassan ‘Reza’ Babale, a 25 year old rogue, weed dealer and petty criminal when he scales her fence and attacks her with a knife. It is from this encounter that sparks fly and they begin a relationship. Binta, who has been widowed for 10 years and has only ever been with her husband who not even her choice, discovers passion and her sexuality. And so begins this clandestine, illicit and steamy love affair that was bound to cause a ruckus once discovered.
So what’s wrong with this relationship you may ask? How about EVERYTHING! 1) Binta is 30 years older than Reza. Infact, Binta’s youngest child is older than him. 2) They are muslims living in the very religious Northern Nigeria and this kind of relationship is completely frowned upon and 3) what was more disturbing for me was that Reza reminded Binta of her eldest son, Yaro, and Binta reminded Reza of his own mother who abandoned him as a child. Talk about full throttle Oedipus Complex!
With love scenes scattered throughout the book, I couldn’t help but visualise and picture this 55 year old woman and 25 year old man in heated romance and cringe every time the book went into elaborate vivid descriptions. But maybe these are just my own prejudices. Aren’t older women allowed to have sexual desires and enjoy frolicking about like teenagers?
This book touches on so many themes: Sexuality, depression, politics, religion, violence and marriage; all so beautifully intertwined making this book a masterpiece. I absolutely loved it. 5/5 stars.
“Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark lipped rogue with short spiky hair, like a field of miniscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart.”
Binta, 55 years old, a widow, mother of 4 adults and grandmother of a few meets Hassan ‘Reza’ Babale, a 25 year old rogue, weed dealer and petty criminal when he scales her fence and attacks her with a knife. It is from this encounter that sparks fly and they begin a relationship. Binta, who has been widowed for 10 years and has only ever been with her husband who not even her choice, discovers passion and her sexuality. And so begins this clandestine, illicit and steamy love affair that was bound to cause a ruckus once discovered.
So what’s wrong with this relationship you may ask? How about EVERYTHING! 1) Binta is 30 years older than Reza. Infact, Binta’s youngest child is older than him. 2) They are muslims living in the very religious Northern Nigeria and this kind of relationship is completely frowned upon and 3) what was more disturbing for me was that Reza reminded Binta of her eldest son, Yaro, and Binta reminded Reza of his own mother who abandoned him as a child. Talk about full throttle Oedipus Complex!
With love scenes scattered throughout the book, I couldn’t help but visualise and picture this 55 year old woman and 25 year old man in heated romance and cringe every time the book went into elaborate vivid descriptions. But maybe these are just my own prejudices. Aren’t older women allowed to have sexual desires and enjoy frolicking about like teenagers?
This book touches on so many themes: Sexuality, depression, politics, religion, violence and marriage; all so beautifully intertwined making this book a masterpiece. I absolutely loved it. 5/5 stars.
April 8, 2018
On the surface, this novel is about the story between Binta, a 55-year-old grandmother, and Reza, a 20-something drug dealer criminal. Set in northern Nigeria, this affair is really a representation of the repressiveness of the culture of Muslim Hausa society. Binta is grieving the loss of her son, Yaro, and finds maternal redemption in her love for Reza. In turn, Reza finds solace in loving Binta, who reminds him of his mother who abandoned him when he was a child. I found this Oedipus/ Jocasta relationship quite distasteful at first, but I accepted it to learn the reasons behind it.
There are themes of unfulfilled dreams, repression of grief and loss, and how violence only begets violence. Ibrahim is critical of these societal mores and presents a sad story against the background of political upheaval and misogynistic religious oppression. Other characters in the Binta / Reza orbit are suffering from PTSD and feelings of betrayal from society’s lack of sympathy to violence and encouragement of sexism. It affects everyone, and eventually the discovery of the affair causes an explosion in this cultural crucible.
Though the setting and characters are interesting, the story was at times repetitive and in the middle became tiresome. The ending was powerful. It’s a complicated story with an important message, and is definitely worth your time.
There are themes of unfulfilled dreams, repression of grief and loss, and how violence only begets violence. Ibrahim is critical of these societal mores and presents a sad story against the background of political upheaval and misogynistic religious oppression. Other characters in the Binta / Reza orbit are suffering from PTSD and feelings of betrayal from society’s lack of sympathy to violence and encouragement of sexism. It affects everyone, and eventually the discovery of the affair causes an explosion in this cultural crucible.
Though the setting and characters are interesting, the story was at times repetitive and in the middle became tiresome. The ending was powerful. It’s a complicated story with an important message, and is definitely worth your time.
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June 15, 2017– Hajiya Binta Zubairu was finally born at fifty-five when a dark-lipped rogue with short, spiky hair, like a field of minuscule anthills, scaled her fence and landed, boots and all, in the puddle that was her heart. –
– Binta envied [this mother's] liberty she enjoyed, this luxury of calling her first child by its name and holding it and treating it like one's beloved. Such affection she, Bita, had never experienced from her mother, nor dispensed to her late son Yaro. –
– She dreamt in sepia. –
– After growing wings through indiscretion, Hajiya Binta, contrary to her expectation, did not transform into an eagle, but an owl that thrived in the darkness. –
– For the loss of a loved one, tragic as it is, dose not, in any way, compare to the loss of the memory of who they were. –
– When surrounded by vultures, try not to die. –
December 2, 2017
The depth of this book sneaks up on the reader, masked in the light, page-turning language of the trashy romance novels its teenagers cloak from parental view under their hijabs. Big topics: post-traumatic stress in children, ethnic and communal violence, drug (ab)use, corruption, patriarchal ownership and well-meaning control of women's bodies, relationships to God and worldly religion, the subtle ways powerful people can be gentle or coercive or not subtle: brutal. Sex and love across age and class and taboo. Sexuality. The Nigerian hustle.
An old woman is widowed in terrible violence, but perhaps, maybe, God forbid, it sets her free. Abubakar Adam Ibraham gently teases the edges of her inner voice and lets us in as reluctantly-- and later, immersively-- as she looks into herself. This is a rich and overripe novel. I really loved it.
An old woman is widowed in terrible violence, but perhaps, maybe, God forbid, it sets her free. Abubakar Adam Ibraham gently teases the edges of her inner voice and lets us in as reluctantly-- and later, immersively-- as she looks into herself. This is a rich and overripe novel. I really loved it.
June 3, 2017
I thought it was an interesting storyline especially for one set in Northern Nigeria; a much older widow and a younger weed dealer. The author conveys sensuality and heartbreak really well and highlights the condition of Nigerian politics/politicians.
However, I was unsurprised by the arc of the story and felt like a few of characters' were not developed adequately. It felt incomplete and very predictable. I also really disliked the fact that the Reza character kept saying "you understand" at the end of every sentence. I didn't think it was necessary to include that at all.
Overall, OKAY read. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.
However, I was unsurprised by the arc of the story and felt like a few of characters' were not developed adequately. It felt incomplete and very predictable. I also really disliked the fact that the Reza character kept saying "you understand" at the end of every sentence. I didn't think it was necessary to include that at all.
Overall, OKAY read. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either.
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