The Street Hawker's Apprentice

Twenty in 2020

by Kabir Kareem-Bello

Temilola is a kind-hearted boy from the upper echelons of Nigerian society who wakes up alone in the middle of Lagos after being kidnapped for ransom and discovers that he has lost his memory.

He soon finds that this is the least of his problems, as he must now attempt to survive the dangerous streets of Lagos. Vipaar, who has been making a living as a hawker of random necessities on the streets of Lagos, finds Temilola and, after a violent first encounter, reluctantly takes him under his wing.

They form a strong bond as they strive to make a meagre living selling mobile phone chargers to passing motorists on the dangerous highways of Lagos. The boys navigate the ruthless underbelly of Lagos and learn just how far they will go to protect themselves and each other. When tragedy strikes, their bond is broken and they are forced to separate from each other. Will the two friends find each other again after they both face increasing brutality, pain and sorrow? Or will their destinies have diverged enough to tear them apart forever?

Genres: Africa, Audiobook, Contemporary, Fiction

408 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2020

Reviews

[Daniel]

This book was recommended to me on Audible, and I decided to cash in one of my tokens on a whim really. I’ve been wanting to broaden the diversity of my reading shelf, and as a geographer, I love stories set in other parts of the world. On paper, this seemed like something worth trying... and my goodness, I am so glad I did!

Kareem-Bello is an immense storyteller. I genuinely felt like I was right there, walking the vibrant, bustling streets of Lagos. My senses were truly overrun with the sights and sounds, and the tastes and smells of this incredible city. We see Lagos in all its ugliness and all its beauty; and experience all its delights, and all its horrors. All of this is woven into a wonderfully rich and colourful narrative that always feels authentically Nigerian. This isn’t some fancy tourist tale, nor is it some nostalgic, blindsided love letter to Africa. It is the voice of a real, living, breathing Nigeria, with all the wonders and hardships that come with it.

The characterisation in this book is truly excellent. All of the protagonists and supporting characters are beautifully written, and I found myself deeply invested in their stories. For me, I truly fell in love with the character of Daniel / Vipaar. He is such a smart, funny, resourceful young lad who still demonstrates fierce loyalty and compassion to those he cares about, despite the very harsh and brutal realities of the life he has endured. I really found myself rooting for him. The other main character, Temilola, is also well constructed, and his story is definitely a very interesting one that really drew me in. Although he demonstrates kindness and a sweet naïveté, I did find him a little bit arrogant and entitled at times (I get that it’s a reflection of his upbringing - but I don’t think he ever truly understood and fully appreciated the sacrifices that Vipaar made for him).

For the majority of this novel, I was very much on track to award it the full five stars. It really is beautifully constructed and the characterisation is wonderful. However, this was perhaps ironically what cost the book one star in my review. I was so deeply invested in the characters that I found it very difficult to accept the fate of one of the characters (you’ll know who if you’ve read it). Unfortunately, there was one chapter towards the end that I just couldn’t stomach (you’ll also know exactly the one I mean if you’ve read it). I don’t like to penalise a great book for representing the harsh realities of life, but this chapter was just too much for me, and I wish I’d skipped it altogether to be honest. I’m not easily shocked, but It was just too graphic and upsetting.

All in all, a fantastic story; beautifully read by Ben Onwukwe. Highly recommended!

[Amaechi E]

This book was mesmerising! I listened to the Audiobook version read by Ben Onwukwe and from the first sentence it captivated my attention, my heart and mind. Kabir Kareem-Bello wrote a story that is in equal measures brutal and beautiful and I couldn't put it down. Recommended on all fronts. I'd give it more stars if I could.

[Liz Niman]

I have just finished reading this excellent novel. It was such a great read. I really enjoyed spending time with the main characters and I still think of them now that I have finished the book. It was very moving and I must admit it also opened up a new and desperately challenging world to me. Such a great debut, I’m looking forward to this author’s next book.

[Ashley Woodrow]

Phenomenal.

I felt drawn to this book despite being on a fantasy and sci-fi binge this year and BOY am I glad I read it.

It's an emotionally charged tale of love, friendship, hope, pain and loss and also a fascinating insight into a world that many of us probably know nothing about. I am genuinely sad that it had to finish!


Honestly. Don't think, just read it. You can thank me later.

[Katie]

Couldn’t put it down.

[Rachael Murphy]

Such a great book. The characters were so well rounded and interesting, flawed humans.

[Stella Oni]

Kabir is a storyteller to watch! In this incredible debut, he delves into the underbelly of Lagos, Nigeria where poor children are forced to hawk on the streets to survive and ruthless wealthy people exploit and maltreat them. In this world enters Temilola a boy from a rich background who was suffering from amnesia and had to survive the streets under Viper, a seasoned street hawker. This is a story that pulls at your emotion to the end. Kabir is currently working on his next novel and I cannot wait to read it!

[ms eco loco]

This is probably the first book I’ve listened to on audible that I knew I wouldn’t have enjoyed more if I’d read an actual book as the narrator just brings you right into the heart of Lagos and drops you there; completely attacking all your senses. The story was both horrific and uplifting all at the same time until you get to the last chapter, which I feel let the author down a bit. Perhaps he left us there so there was room for a sequel?

[Evie]

Exciting reading. Interesting character development and a captivating storyline. A bit of editing would have been helpful, as the author is often tempted to overblown writing. But still, a good story, of young boys, and eventually a girl, surviving on the streets of Lagos. In many ways a painful story, but not without hope. I look forward to more by this writer

[Campbell]

So I liked the characters and it provides an insight into a way of life I have no experience of but some of the traits given to the posh main character didn't ring true. The use of the nickname duchess must have ment to conjure up Britishness but it badly missed the mark

[Rachael Boswell]

Wow, was a free read on audible and started off thinking i might not enjoy it as it throws you right but how wrong i was. Gripping stuff but a brilliant read

[Alison May]

A fantastic book e xceptionally well read

[Josephine J]

Nice read...
A glimpse into another world in the trenches.

[Daria]

Enjoyment ★★★☆☆
Concept ★★★★☆
Writing Style ★★★☆☆
Characters ★★★★☆
Plot ★★★★☆
Pacing ★★★☆☆
Ending ★★★☆☆