Toads for Supper

by Vincent Chukwuemeka Ike

Genres: African Literature

192 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1970

Reviews

[Henry Ozogula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was published well over 50 years ago. A re-reading even now shows how very well written the book is, excellent in so many ways.

Whether as an excellent, absorbing, straightforward novel, a relevant realistic work, a brilliant insight into the lives and wiles of undergraduates...the book excels in every conceivable manner.

It is also filled with elements of mystery, thrills and spills, twists and turns... the whole work, throughout. For example the major revelation here is perhaps the unfortunate mystery in Aduke's (one of the 3 young women Amadi is somewhat involved with) life, and the haunting twist at the very end of the work.

But the sophistication goes much further than this. For example it is with a sense of great shock that we are suddenly introduced to Sweetie, the Lagos "good time" girl - she and her cantankerous mother. What are they doing inside Amadi's room? Why is Amadi reluctant for Aduke to enter the room?

And later on, it is a masterstroke when we suddenly see Amadi brave enough to propose to Aduke ...at a time when it seems all is bleak for him. How is he suddenly rid of the albatross of Sweetie with the path clear for him and Aduke to move on? Needless to say it is a great exhilaration for Aduke herself and her romantic reaction makes good reading... in the depths of the night!

Another example: Amadi seems to reach a nadir at one point in the book, he has been rusticated from the University, disgraced out of his humble village, his life in ruins, it appears he is ready to commit suicide by drowning ....but a bit later on we see that he has moved on as a temporary teacher.

Such fresh twists and turns augment the beauty of this very fine novel, even before we refer to the often sparkling wit and sense of humour throughout. Also much of the dialogue is fresh and endearing. Excellent work.

[Eric · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting novel, though going back to decades ago. Main focus is on young Amadi, a university student who somehow gets himself involved with three women at what was a conservative time. This pitches him against Aduke, the lady he apparently loves most - a woman with an intriguing past. But then there is the young lady, "well brought up" he is betrothed to back in his village, and the "sweet-time" girl who dragged him to bed and claimed she was expecting his baby. It seems there is no way out for poor Amadi...

[Madolyn Chukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This early African novel reminds us of how important marriage is, or should be, and how very important the process is to those who hail from rural areas (village) even if the protagonist is having a western education at a university. From the perspective of his parents, the ideal woman for Amadi would be the well brought up if naive village girl they want him to marry. But with his exposure to campus life, Amadi meets other women from other regions who seem more appealing. Yet Aduke, the woman he is most attracted to, despite higher education, is naive in her own way too, especially in sexual matters as we see. Amadi finds himself in a very tight corner in the end - in this fine work where campus/academic life is vividly recreated.

[Boluwatife · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is a literary classic in Nigeria as it was first published during the colonial period it details the strife of university life of its main character being the first to go to the university from his village in eastern Nigeria its slow at times but its details Nigeria in the colonial times which most writers in Nigeria now rarely write about

[Maryann · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting

[Fidelis Mkparu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first time I read 'Toads for Supper' was in 1971. It was an exciting book for a young man in junior high school. I was interested in the story line at that time. I reread the book in September of 2017. I was more interested in the stylistics. Still an interesting story line. Unfortunately, the author's style was more telling than showing. I guess I grew to appreciate a story and the style of telling the story.

[Maniki_021 · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story about an Igbo university student, Amadi, who is the first in his village to attend university.
Despite being betrothed to a worthy girl chosen by his parents, Amadi leaves his fiancee and community to pursue his ambitions. The book delves into the complexities of Nigerian society, focusing on the conflict between traditional values and modern influences.


Themes of cultural identity, education, and the impact of colonialism on African societies.

didn't enjoy the book like I thought I would.

[Davidson Ajaegbu · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, this book is a classic. The story made me feel all kinds of way - happy, sad, relieved, shocked, heartbroken - and that's what made it amazing for me.

Never make make a promise to a dying person.

[hizzaire · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Jessiebaclayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very exciting book. I would recommend it to my class.