In the Shadow of a Saint: A Son's Journey to Understand His Father's Legacy

by Ken Wiwa

In late 1995, the little-known Ogoni region in Nigeria became a fable for our times. Ken Saro-Wiwa, a renowned poet and environmentalist, was campaigning to protect his Ogoni people against the encroachments of Shell Oil and a brutal dictatorship. He was imprisoned, tortured, brought to trial on trumped-up charges, and executed.

At the heart of the public campaign to save Ken Saro-Wiwa was another Ken Wiwa—the author's son—who travelled the world lobbying world leaders and mobilizing public opinion, so that his father was recognized as a hero and a symbol of the struggle for environmental justice. The Saro-Wiwa name became global currency for righteousness.

Ken Wiwa has embarked on a book that tells the story—from a human, anecdotal perspective—of what it means to grow up as a child in the shadow of such extraordinary men and women. In the end, it's about Ken's attempts to make peace with himself and his father—following his journey as he reaches toward a final rendezvous with the father who was snatched by the hangman.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Biography, Social Justice, Autobiography, Nigeria, Memoir

247 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Mpho3 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blood for oil. 3.5 stars.

[Muriel Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

An honest account of a man's relationship with his father, his father's public political life and how it impacted his family. Splendidly written, with great writing and articulate style.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This bio sat on my shelves, even got moved over the mountains in my boxes. It didn't seen to "catch on," but this hero/martyr story was destined to be read by me at such a time as NOW. I'm giving it 5 stars because of it's poignancy/serendipity and because I can really relate to the suffering of losing contact with a family member for speaking out against hidden government corruption. I'm giving 5 stars for the realchildren and families for telling their hero parents' stories, for honouring what their parents tried to do by attempting to make the world a better place for future generations, especially for indigenous peoples that are dying out because they aren't valued. I know what it's like coming to a totalitarian state and speaking out against the corrupt government practices of abducting more and more children in Canada, United States, the UK and around the developed world simply to meet a quota for nefarious purposes and to garner Federal funding. Here's to those children and families that have sacrificed everything because the Canadian and American governments see single indigenous parents and their children as expendable and pawns. Thank you to Carlos Morales for risking writing your book and posting videos on the child "protection" industry, the adoption industry and child trafficking. I have missed half of my own child's growing up years because I spoke out. I feel so bad that my child lost half her life with me too. I hope more people wake up and join together in being a voice for the voiceless against the tyranny of governments in destroying lives in the guise of helping children. The latest we just heard is that "Black Lives Matter" was all a scam so that two elite women became wealthy in the name of exploiting the downtrodden. If not for heros speaking out and whistleblowers, it will only get worse. I miss you my girl. Hope and pray I see you soon. I truly enjoyed that the author saw the value of his dad's push for education. It is reflected in his writing.

[NCHS Library]

From the Publisher:
In late 1995, the little-known Ogoni region in Nigeria became a fable for our times. Ken Saro-Wiwa, a renowned poet and environmentalist, was campaigning to protect his Ogoni people against the encroachments of Shell Oil and a brutal dictatorship. He was imprisoned, tortured, brought to trial on trumped-up charges, and executed. At the heart of the public campaign to save Ken Saro-Wiwa was another Ken Wiwa—the author's son—who travelled the world lobbying world leaders and mobilizing public opinion, so that his father was recognized as a hero and a symbol of the struggle for environmental justice. The Saro-Wiwa name became global currency for righteousness.

[Buried In Print]

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[Ayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does not spare you. It puts the father-son relationship in such sharp relief, the reader cannot help being drawn into the pain of son's attempts at understanding a father who died before old enough to appreciate his values.

[Gada]

Regardels of the murder of his father, the struggle will continue

[Skip · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as enjoyable or well written as the fictionalized version (Eclipse by Richard North Patterson.) Best parts were the meetings with Steve Biko's and Aung San's children about shared experiences.

[Bwesigye bwa Mwesigire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest.

[Banthatile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written book Ken Wiwa is a good writer, it gives a clear perspective of Ken Saro Wiwa, i have not read any of his memoirs but after this i'll get a clearer image of him.

[Nate C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ken Wiwa writes the story of his father, Nigerian socio-political activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, partially in an attempt to make his peace with his father, partially in an attempt to separate where his father ends and where he begins.

I must admit to not knowing much about Saro-Wiwa (despite having read books by Nigerian authors these last few months), but his story is certainly an intriguing one. And Wiwa's treatment of his father's memory is touching and poignant. The book dragged in points, but all told it was a good read, and has given me a much deeper understanding of Nigerian history and politics.

[Ruthie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it like to be the child of a man who has decided to dedicate his life to a cause? Ken Wiwa writes about his life with a father who took on the cause of his Nigerian people, Shell, and the Nigerian government. After his father is executed he searches out the children of other martyrs/heroes to compare and understand their shared experiences. This book also explores Wiwa's coming to terms with his father's choices.

[Rosalind Everard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I totally enjoyed and recommend this book. It was really informative on Nigerian politics and social issues that I knew little of. Along with that narrative, it provides a window into the author's personal journey, and not only addresses father/son dynamics but what that means for someone born to a hero of his people. A big takeaway was for me the boycott of a certain gasoline.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful read that has stayed with me for the past 10 years. I had the honor of meeting Ken Wiwa a few years after reading his book and was amazed with even how much more venerable he is in person. A truly poignant story.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING!!!