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Tomorrow Died Yesterday
In Port Harcourt at the height of the kidnap of oil workers in the Niger Delta, a kidnapping goes awry, and four lives are reconnected. Douye aka Doughboy the career militant responsible for the crime, Amaibi the gentle university professor / eco-warrior accused. Kaniye the lawyer turned restaurateur who tries to get him off and Tubo an amoral oil company executive. Against a backdrop of corrupt practises, failed systems and injustice, these four friends tell the story of oil in a region and its effects on local communities and the Nigerian larger society.Chimeka Garricks in his extraordinary debut novel has written a forthright and poignant story about the realities of contemporary Nigeria. The evil long-term effects of military rule resulting in the fragmentation and break down of moral values. His story paints a realistic picture of the very high price corruption exacts on a society and how no one is immune from its consequences.Chimeka has written a remarkable book; honest, insightful and tragic – Jude Dibia author of Blackbird.The book is absolute genius. Well researched, crisp lines, excellent and vivid dialogue, well developed characters. - Jekwu Ozoemene, author of The Anger of Unfulfillment.Tomorrow Died Yesterday is a chronicle of a region in turmoil, of a generation caught between the expectations of their parents and the depreciations of the Nigerian situation, each of these four men navigate their issues in different ways, and in their own voices. Mr Garricks is a new literary voice; unheralded, fresh, honest, unshorn of superficial flourish. Well worth the read. – Eghosa Imasuen, author of Fine Boys.Tomorrow Died Yesterday is a story of action and consequence, lies and love, greed and lust, the power of the truth and most poignantly, redemption. In a John Grisham-esque storytelling style, Chimeka Garricks carries the reader from the present to the past and back again in a seamless blend of storytelling, from the swamps of the Niger Delta to its courtrooms with some action, humour, suspense and just the right amount of romance thrown in. Tomorrow Died Yesterday is a novel by a Nigerian about Nigeria for the entire world. All in all, it is an impressive debut for a writer. - Seun Odukoya, reviewer www.naijastories.com
282 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 248 reviews
February 27, 2019
Chimeka Garrick is an underrated author that refuses to be referred to as a ‘writer’ while unabashedly embracing the title of a ‘storyteller’. We see his storytelling skills manifest in his first novel, Tomorrow Died Yesterday
Tomorrow Died Yesterday tells the story of four childhood friends who grew up together in a quaint fictional Asiama Island of the Niger Delta region. These four friends, Doye, Amaibi, Kaniye and Tubo lived life like every child; bustling with innocence and only riddled with trivial problems such as who could run faster than the other. At least, until oil was discovered on Asiama island.
The dangers that came with the combination of the “oil discovery” and “immense corruption” sharpened the innocence of these friends and manifested them in different ways.
Years later, a kidnapping incidence reunites all four friends as each manages to make sense of the effects of corrupt practices on the society at large.
The book tells a story, often ignored, about a region that feeds a nation yet suffers severe gang rape from its own people. It did so without compromising the pain, laughter, sarcasm and suspense where needed.
Each character embodies a different perspective and how people could react differently in similar situations thus giving the book a touch of reality. Amaibi, a truthful University lecturer and eco-activist with a conscience you could only wish for, Kaniye, a lawyer turned chef with a sarcasm that could make or mar cases, Tubo, a corrupt, selfish friend you can’t decide whether to hate or like and Doye, the revolutionary or anti-hero; all these characters arms the book with enough diversity.
The book is overall, an enlightening read aided with enjoyable storytelling thereby holding the author true to his own words.
December 5, 2023
Chimeka Garricks knows how to pen a convincing story and I am loved everything about this book.
September 4, 2020
TW - Rape, violence.
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I really enjoyed this book. I will go ahead to say this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
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One of the things I liked about this book is how I didn’t see it coming.
Tomorrow died yesterday, set in Asiama, port harcourt between 1970 and 2005 explores the lives of four men linked by their childhood. Divided into 5 parts, It gives us an insight into the lives of these men while alternating between the past and present. It starts off right away with a kidnapping that reunites these friends. This story is told from each character’s POV. (If you like books with multiple characters, you’ll like this)
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It was evident how hard it is to stay moral in a corrupt society & what length one can go to when push comes to shove. I always say this - Everything in life boils down to the choices and decisions we make. Although, I felt sorry for some of the characters, I accepted that they made their bed so they must lie on it. Whatever choice you make, stay ready to deal with the consequences.
I like how the author was able to portray the different characters - their flaws and struggles. Each one very different from the other. I particularly liked Kaniye because I’m a sucker for romance and the romantic side of him made him endearing. He also had a great sense of humor. Doye, however was the most memorable character for me because he is the perfect example of a Nigerian youth failed by a system built only to favor those at the top.
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The story was written beautifully. Chimeka made this story feel real with his vivid descriptions.
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He highlighted the violence,corruption, kidnappings, oil bunkering,the tension between oil companies in this region and the locals. The padding of ransom figures which blew my mind. The exploitation by these oil companies and the government whose responsibility is to protect them.
July 26, 2017
I didn't expect to be as captivated with the characters as I was, but the first chapter I was hooked. The time jumps add a sense of mystery and suspense to the story. We meet the characters first, and later on adjust our views on them because we realize their motivations and driving forces... I can't stop myself from despising Tubo though, he's just a detestable character. Kaniye... He was my favorite, and lol, it's funny how even the author underestimated how charismatic the character was. Amiobi is the type of person I wish I could be, but there were times when I, myself got frustrated by his unwillingness to compromise even a little bit. I didn't agree with Doye's actions, but I understood why he did them, and maybe even respected his resilience, if also chilled by the seemingly cold indifference of his views.
The book is wonderfully written, and the way the way the relationships between these four characters evolve over time, and through the story made for a fascinating read.
The book is wonderfully written, and the way the way the relationships between these four characters evolve over time, and through the story made for a fascinating read.
April 10, 2024
Great book. I love the irony in it.
October 27, 2023
Need like 12 working days to gather my thoughts on the marvelousness that is this book.
Edit:
“There are no radicals in Nigeria, only mad men and martyrs”
See, I think, not enough people are raving about how much of an incredible storyteller Chimeka is, and me and my homegals find that incredibly disturbing.
No, really.
That said, there is no era in Nigeria that is not heartbreaking, man. Pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial. Na wa.
This book captured so so beautifully how the government works against well-meaning and patriotic citizens, all for the swelling of their pockets and already protruding bellies.
This book was written in 2011, but it still reflects the times in my country in 2023.
I did not know much about the oil spillage and bunkering in the Niger Delta, so getting an insight was great but also triggering.
All the characters were fully fledged, with their respective unique voices.
READ THIS BOOK!
IMMEDIATELY!!
Edit:
“There are no radicals in Nigeria, only mad men and martyrs”
See, I think, not enough people are raving about how much of an incredible storyteller Chimeka is, and me and my homegals find that incredibly disturbing.
No, really.
That said, there is no era in Nigeria that is not heartbreaking, man. Pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial. Na wa.
This book captured so so beautifully how the government works against well-meaning and patriotic citizens, all for the swelling of their pockets and already protruding bellies.
This book was written in 2011, but it still reflects the times in my country in 2023.
I did not know much about the oil spillage and bunkering in the Niger Delta, so getting an insight was great but also triggering.
All the characters were fully fledged, with their respective unique voices.
READ THIS BOOK!
IMMEDIATELY!!
August 25, 2023
This was such a heavy book that gave me heart palpitations and had me wanting more.
The weaving of the stories, the continuity and the move between timelines was expertly done by Chimeka Garricks which goes to prove how much of a storyteller he is.
Of all the characters, Kaniye and Doughboy had my heart, we get different versions of the Niger Delta when oil was found but this one showed so much of the workings that go into the need to hold on to oil.
It makes you ask the question “what would Nigeria become if we never found oil?”
The weaving of the stories, the continuity and the move between timelines was expertly done by Chimeka Garricks which goes to prove how much of a storyteller he is.
Of all the characters, Kaniye and Doughboy had my heart, we get different versions of the Niger Delta when oil was found but this one showed so much of the workings that go into the need to hold on to oil.
It makes you ask the question “what would Nigeria become if we never found oil?”
May 3, 2024
What a book!
I saw myself moving through all the scenes and feeling each character's emotions. That's how good the storytelling is. The book is not lengthy but it really gives everything.
I am late to the party but this is such a fantastic body of work. I need a few days to recover.
I saw myself moving through all the scenes and feeling each character's emotions. That's how good the storytelling is. The book is not lengthy but it really gives everything.
I am late to the party but this is such a fantastic body of work. I need a few days to recover.
October 4, 2019
Tomorrow Died Yesterday is a story about friendship,details on the awful acts of oil exploration by companies who set up base in the Niger Delta area of Nigeria which leads to many effects on the environment due to seepage of the produce into water making it unsafe for human and food production, this might not be the only issue their business comes with; they rarely employ citizens of the area which leads them to form Militant groups with the motives of changing the narrative as their tag line but also use this as a front to kidnap the top management of this various Oil producing establishment and extort them in form of ransom payment.
This read further opened my eyes to the issues in the Niger Delta which i am aware of like oil bunkering,environmental pollution (oil spillage). The story is well written; descriptive,brilliant,insightful. Would recommend this book to readers who would like to get a view to what happens in the communities where this oil exploration takes place.
“Why are you crying Amaibi? Were they crying for us in ‘97? When,Amaibi,answer me. After 1997,weren’t you the one who always wrote,and I quote”violence is now a justified option for dealing with the injustice in the Niger Delta? This is violence,Amaibi. So stop,whimpering like a child.’ - Chimeka Garricks,Tomorrow Died Yesterday
This read further opened my eyes to the issues in the Niger Delta which i am aware of like oil bunkering,environmental pollution (oil spillage). The story is well written; descriptive,brilliant,insightful. Would recommend this book to readers who would like to get a view to what happens in the communities where this oil exploration takes place.
“Why are you crying Amaibi? Were they crying for us in ‘97? When,Amaibi,answer me. After 1997,weren’t you the one who always wrote,and I quote”violence is now a justified option for dealing with the injustice in the Niger Delta? This is violence,Amaibi. So stop,whimpering like a child.’ - Chimeka Garricks,Tomorrow Died Yesterday
July 14, 2019
The book felt to me like one of those Africa Magic movies. The drama was superficial and artificial, the twists were thin, characters brought our of nowhere just to support the change in the plot. The horrid scenes? Sometimes fewer words paint a fuller picture. There were also grammar and punctuation errors.
November 19, 2019
A beautiful read that tells the story of the Niger Delta through the realities of four childhood friends. In this book, there was horror, grief, and redemption. But most importantly, there was beautiful storytelling. This is a book I wish more Nigerians read. And I hope to see this book adapted verbatim into a movie in the not-so-distant future.
5/5. Would completely recommend.
5/5. Would completely recommend.
March 3, 2014
Authentic and very real! Chimeka is one f Nigeria's finest writers.
February 22, 2019
I had a phenomenal journey cruising through this book!!! Thank you for your gift, Chimeke AND thank you for brushing up my knowledge of the Niger-Deltans. A new fav 🙌🏿
August 22, 2019
A real page turner. You might shed a few drop of tears
March 6, 2025
I feel sick that was so sad
Set between the present day 2004 and a foreshadowed disaster of 1997, this is a fictional although all too real story of big oil and corruption in the Niger Delta. I loved the characters and relationships but this was a thoroughly depressing read and contains the worst scene I’ve ever read in my life. I had to put the book down and cry. I would really recommend this but you will be angry at the world.
Set between the present day 2004 and a foreshadowed disaster of 1997, this is a fictional although all too real story of big oil and corruption in the Niger Delta. I loved the characters and relationships but this was a thoroughly depressing read and contains the worst scene I’ve ever read in my life. I had to put the book down and cry. I would really recommend this but you will be angry at the world.
February 14, 2025
1. I think the author manages to maintain a semi lighthearted tone through out the book, despite having very serious themes. Personally not the biggest fan of his humour and prose, but I respect the comedic relief. In theory, this is how I would like to read about heavier topics - having these themes intermittently diluted with lighter conversations.
2. About Mpaka. He clearly has some PTSD from the War. As a country we don’t talk about the lasting effects of the war on the Nigerian landscape enough, the extent of atrocities that happened and how it continues to influence tribalism in subtle and not so subtle ways.
3. Speaking of tribalism, the author touches on it here and there through his characters. I would’ve appreciated a more nuanced discussion on the topic. This helped me realise something. I hate to make the comparison. But. The conversations African Americans have on racism acknowledges the multi faceted ways in which it manifests - Micro aggressions, systemic oppression, segregation etc. We don’t have that here in relation to tribalism. The scope of its discuss is rather narrow. Of course I blame the Nigerian education system. But also honestly we have a lot on our plates as a nation.
4. At the end of the book,
5. All in all, this was an insightful read. The kind of book I wish I read in literature class.
3.75 stars.
2. About Mpaka. He clearly has some PTSD from the War. As a country we don’t talk about the lasting effects of the war on the Nigerian landscape enough, the extent of atrocities that happened and how it continues to influence tribalism in subtle and not so subtle ways.
3. Speaking of tribalism, the author touches on it here and there through his characters. I would’ve appreciated a more nuanced discussion on the topic. This helped me realise something. I hate to make the comparison. But. The conversations African Americans have on racism acknowledges the multi faceted ways in which it manifests - Micro aggressions, systemic oppression, segregation etc. We don’t have that here in relation to tribalism. The scope of its discuss is rather narrow. Of course I blame the Nigerian education system. But also honestly we have a lot on our plates as a nation.
4. At the end of the book,
5. All in all, this was an insightful read. The kind of book I wish I read in literature class.
3.75 stars.
January 25, 2025
“In this country, we fast, pray, go to church and talk a lot about God, but we also hate, lie, steal, cheat and are immoral. We are the most religious people, yet we’re also the most corrupt people. This kind of hypocrisy has made you and many more people disillusioned” Deola.
This book took through such a wide range of emotions. I was amazed by the kind of order the people from Asaima had for them selves, angry when the white man saw it fit to come plunder their land, heartbroken when they started eating one another from within (hence the horrific 1997 incident), elated when Kaniye got justice for Amaibi in court & finally got his revenge on that disgusting wali🙄 wheeew this book made me want to come out my spirit! I wanted to fight. I almost left the book when reading Dise’s rape…that was a lot💔 standout characters for me; Kaniye. The audacity of following his own dream despite knowing he was disappointing his father, his ability to smile through everything, his wit, humour..
Amaibi… wheeew, he was tested a lot and his integrity remained steadfast. I admired him a lot, cried for him a lot.
Doye…his radicalization broke my heart because he went through absolute hell and I couldn’t blame him for getting where he did.. but you know what they say, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.
Tubo was a waste man🙄 nothing more annoying than a man who stands for nothing.
This whole book was yet another reminder of how much Trouble Africans would have been saved, had the white man just freaking minded his business. Colonization was insane. This book needs a lot more acclaim.
All in all, Chimeka Garricks… Omo you Dey finish work pas!👏🏽
This book took through such a wide range of emotions. I was amazed by the kind of order the people from Asaima had for them selves, angry when the white man saw it fit to come plunder their land, heartbroken when they started eating one another from within (hence the horrific 1997 incident), elated when Kaniye got justice for Amaibi in court & finally got his revenge on that disgusting wali🙄 wheeew this book made me want to come out my spirit! I wanted to fight. I almost left the book when reading Dise’s rape…that was a lot💔 standout characters for me; Kaniye. The audacity of following his own dream despite knowing he was disappointing his father, his ability to smile through everything, his wit, humour..
Amaibi… wheeew, he was tested a lot and his integrity remained steadfast. I admired him a lot, cried for him a lot.
Doye…his radicalization broke my heart because he went through absolute hell and I couldn’t blame him for getting where he did.. but you know what they say, you live by the sword, you die by the sword.
Tubo was a waste man🙄 nothing more annoying than a man who stands for nothing.
This whole book was yet another reminder of how much Trouble Africans would have been saved, had the white man just freaking minded his business. Colonization was insane. This book needs a lot more acclaim.
All in all, Chimeka Garricks… Omo you Dey finish work pas!👏🏽
January 10, 2021
Tomorrow Died Yesterday is the gripping story of four men in the Niger delta region. Growing up, they were close friends, but they each went their separate ways. In 2004, at the height of the oil drilling in the region, a kidnapping goes wrong and the four friends' lives come back together in a way none of them could have predicted. This is part a novel of friendship with elements of a coming of age tale, part crime thriller, part legal thriller. The pacing is excellent, the character development is strong, and the plot is well constructed. I didn't know much about how the discovery of oil in the Niger delta impacted the people of the area. Garricks novel centers on this impact - economic, cultural, and environmental. I do not know why I haven't seen more people talking about this one - it reads like a thriller with substance.
August 10, 2022
I really enjoyed the storyline, and I learned a lot about the Niger Delta issues. However, I put it down several times because the women characters were totally unrealistic. They fell for corny pick-up lines and were oh-so-perfect and pious. It reminded me of something from the Victorian era, when the women were either written as angels or mean and dirty. At the same time, the way that the male characters discussed women was often appalling. There was some recognition of it, such as Kaniye’s relationship with his parents, but many comments by Tubo and Doye went by undiscussed. I would love to read another version of this, or a sequel, that was a bit more nuanced in its portrayals of women.
February 24, 2019
One of the most well thought out book I have read in a while. The author seems to have taken his time with the book. The character development was so up to par. It held my grip for better part of the day. Sad though, I would definitely recommend this emotional roller coaster to anyone looking for a good book. I am awed by the author.
May 29, 2019
Good story on Niger Delta, hate the rape scene. Was totally unnecessary
September 30, 2023
An unputdownable!!!!! Chimeka Garricks, bravo!!! 🔥
June 22, 2024
Chimeka Garricks, the man that you are?
I was immediately drawn in by the exquisite writing of this book (clearly I have a biased and definitive writing style I deeply enjoy). First can I say I AM SO GRATEFUL for writers that educate about real history while entertaining and engaging my feelings through fiction. I have learned so much more about Bayelsa, the oil exploration (moreso exploitation), Biafra interwoven, and the open bias in culture and tribalism. How everything affects EVERYTHING- the intricate weaving of history into this complex plot was done so seamlessly. And the realness of this book to the average Nigerian relating- the incompetence of that policeman to even frame Amaibi properly elicited so much laughter from me, the same way I laughed about the snake that swallowed billions in real life (thank you ooo Nigerian government- for the constant humour).
And as usual, I’ll make a quick reference- the writing style of this book is what i think Ekwuyasi in “honey butter pig bread” was trying to do and ended up confusing me. There’s a clear distinction in tone for each of the characters, I know whose brain and perspective I’m adopting at the exact point of reading. Additionally, in “welcome to Lagos” by Chibuzor, there was an introduction of this topic I was expecting to develop or hear more about, but got nothing. Chimeka DELIVERED. OUTSTANDINGLY.
Let’s talk about engagement. He wrote about a man’s erection and I shared in the joy of this (of course with deeper, darker context). I felt every emotion possible in this book- a deep love for Kaniye (for his sensibility and kindness among other things), sadness for Doye, all of the empathy in the world for Amaibi (because I related the most to him), and respect for Tubo.
I’ve written too much, but to wrap it up, this book shook me to my core. The title; so apt. Theres a part where Doye says “…there is no future for the children of the Niger Delta. Their tomorrow is already dead. It died yesterday”. Or when he said “…here we eat ourselves. Always have. Always will”. I sat in my seat, held my head in my hands and let out a tiny scream. I had to close the book and fully digested this. Because in retrospect, I began to think this about Nigeria as a whole.
After end sars in 2020, my entire view was this. Chimeka, through Doye just happened to have the words for it. This book was written in 2010- see how fiction played out in real life?? Also, maybe one day I will discuss my deep DISDAIN for GREEDY people in any form (without spoiling this book- tortoiseshell ltd). I’m determined to dream like Amaibi again, but with the sensibility of Kaniye, the realism and hardness of Doye and the acuity of Tubo. I’ve learned so much. I’ve processed so heavily. Also, sorry but why do we call that one race expatriates and the rest immigrants?
10/10. I will read ANYTHING this man writes.
I was immediately drawn in by the exquisite writing of this book (clearly I have a biased and definitive writing style I deeply enjoy). First can I say I AM SO GRATEFUL for writers that educate about real history while entertaining and engaging my feelings through fiction. I have learned so much more about Bayelsa, the oil exploration (moreso exploitation), Biafra interwoven, and the open bias in culture and tribalism. How everything affects EVERYTHING- the intricate weaving of history into this complex plot was done so seamlessly. And the realness of this book to the average Nigerian relating- the incompetence of that policeman to even frame Amaibi properly elicited so much laughter from me, the same way I laughed about the snake that swallowed billions in real life (thank you ooo Nigerian government- for the constant humour).
And as usual, I’ll make a quick reference- the writing style of this book is what i think Ekwuyasi in “honey butter pig bread” was trying to do and ended up confusing me. There’s a clear distinction in tone for each of the characters, I know whose brain and perspective I’m adopting at the exact point of reading. Additionally, in “welcome to Lagos” by Chibuzor, there was an introduction of this topic I was expecting to develop or hear more about, but got nothing. Chimeka DELIVERED. OUTSTANDINGLY.
Let’s talk about engagement. He wrote about a man’s erection and I shared in the joy of this (of course with deeper, darker context). I felt every emotion possible in this book- a deep love for Kaniye (for his sensibility and kindness among other things), sadness for Doye, all of the empathy in the world for Amaibi (because I related the most to him), and respect for Tubo.
I’ve written too much, but to wrap it up, this book shook me to my core. The title; so apt. Theres a part where Doye says “…there is no future for the children of the Niger Delta. Their tomorrow is already dead. It died yesterday”. Or when he said “…here we eat ourselves. Always have. Always will”. I sat in my seat, held my head in my hands and let out a tiny scream. I had to close the book and fully digested this. Because in retrospect, I began to think this about Nigeria as a whole.
After end sars in 2020, my entire view was this. Chimeka, through Doye just happened to have the words for it. This book was written in 2010- see how fiction played out in real life?? Also, maybe one day I will discuss my deep DISDAIN for GREEDY people in any form (without spoiling this book- tortoiseshell ltd). I’m determined to dream like Amaibi again, but with the sensibility of Kaniye, the realism and hardness of Doye and the acuity of Tubo. I’ve learned so much. I’ve processed so heavily. Also, sorry but why do we call that one race expatriates and the rest immigrants?
10/10. I will read ANYTHING this man writes.
December 14, 2024
Chimeka Garricks is an outstanding story-teller ! The book felt raw, authentic, full of twists and turns .What I enjoyed most was the legal language and proceedings in court. Chimeka easily broke down extreme heavy issues such as corruption, greed, faith,etc with such detail, sheer - clarity and wit.
Jokes shared between Doye, Amaibi, Tubo and Kaniye were refreshing to stew in .
Kaniye was my favourite character, he was easily impressionable. With such heavy themes, his character created an air of lightness that was most welcome.
5/5
Jokes shared between Doye, Amaibi, Tubo and Kaniye were refreshing to stew in .
Kaniye was my favourite character, he was easily impressionable. With such heavy themes, his character created an air of lightness that was most welcome.
5/5
September 27, 2019
Really excellent fictional insight!
This book was a little hard for me to read because it talks about the struggles of my people and the woes that the endemic exploitation and corruption has wrought on indigenous people over oil. I think it’s a pretty gripping, fair exploration of themes of what happens when weak corrupt governments allow greedy, money-grubbing exploitative exploration companies free reign over an indigenous community. It’s part environmental (activism) fiction, part courtroom drama, all heart as this heavy subject is written in a really strong, heartfelt way.
The basic premise is that environmental activist and deeply religious university professor, Amaibi has been accused of being a militant in the Niger Delta and is facing trial. Who’s to save him but his estranged former lawyer friend and their childhood friends who are the cause of his unfortunate situation. Wrapped around all of this is an evil, corrupt, exploitative oil-based regime that is siphoning millions of dollars away from communities and will go to any lengths to protect their money tree, even destroying the life of an innocent man.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think it started of a little slow even though it was never not entertaining. Once the courtroom drama element kicked in, it was pretty fast-paced and exciting. I personally prefer a linear story that follows a natural timeline to one that jumps in timelines but I didn’t find this novel’s jumping around too annoying. Also, there’s a surprising bit of romance in this which is fantastic for a romance fan like me. I can’t imagine anyone claiming this is a romance novel because it patently isn’t but there are several love stories in this book exploring love of different kinds- romantic love, love between friends, parental love, love of community and love of God. Religious faith also plays a significant role in this boom although it’s by no means a religious book. I think this was a really smart, insightful, pretty accurate book that was written with a lot of heart. I HIGHLY recommend it!
This book was a little hard for me to read because it talks about the struggles of my people and the woes that the endemic exploitation and corruption has wrought on indigenous people over oil. I think it’s a pretty gripping, fair exploration of themes of what happens when weak corrupt governments allow greedy, money-grubbing exploitative exploration companies free reign over an indigenous community. It’s part environmental (activism) fiction, part courtroom drama, all heart as this heavy subject is written in a really strong, heartfelt way.
The basic premise is that environmental activist and deeply religious university professor, Amaibi has been accused of being a militant in the Niger Delta and is facing trial. Who’s to save him but his estranged former lawyer friend and their childhood friends who are the cause of his unfortunate situation. Wrapped around all of this is an evil, corrupt, exploitative oil-based regime that is siphoning millions of dollars away from communities and will go to any lengths to protect their money tree, even destroying the life of an innocent man.
I really enjoyed this novel. I think it started of a little slow even though it was never not entertaining. Once the courtroom drama element kicked in, it was pretty fast-paced and exciting. I personally prefer a linear story that follows a natural timeline to one that jumps in timelines but I didn’t find this novel’s jumping around too annoying. Also, there’s a surprising bit of romance in this which is fantastic for a romance fan like me. I can’t imagine anyone claiming this is a romance novel because it patently isn’t but there are several love stories in this book exploring love of different kinds- romantic love, love between friends, parental love, love of community and love of God. Religious faith also plays a significant role in this boom although it’s by no means a religious book. I think this was a really smart, insightful, pretty accurate book that was written with a lot of heart. I HIGHLY recommend it!
January 24, 2024
I’ve never read this author before but goodness, did I love this book.
It told a story from the first page that has stayed with me way after I turned the last page. I felt the characters pain, frustration and ordinariness. In the ones I should have hated, there was so much to identity with that I couldn’t hate them and spare myself.
Also, this quote from his Notes “The Niger Delta Struggle has become a tragedy so bizarre that one has to search for comedy in it just to remain sane” feels like it was written for me about my country.
It told a story from the first page that has stayed with me way after I turned the last page. I felt the characters pain, frustration and ordinariness. In the ones I should have hated, there was so much to identity with that I couldn’t hate them and spare myself.
Also, this quote from his Notes “The Niger Delta Struggle has become a tragedy so bizarre that one has to search for comedy in it just to remain sane” feels like it was written for me about my country.
August 30, 2024
This is one book the author would want to rewrite. Considering that our was published in 2010, I'll be less anal about how rough some parts of the writing was. There are two characters here that when they meet, immediate brain rot follows the dialogue.
But this book tackles some rough issues that have been in overdue and it must have been a killer in its time.
The problems here come from the lack of style and a lack of attention to the fundamentals of writing. Reads like street fiction. Which it is. Just a not so good one
But this book tackles some rough issues that have been in overdue and it must have been a killer in its time.
The problems here come from the lack of style and a lack of attention to the fundamentals of writing. Reads like street fiction. Which it is. Just a not so good one
May 3, 2019
Brilliant and engaging from start to finish.
Set in Niger Delta, Nigeria, the story is about four childhood friends who grow up together but end up differently.
One of them gets arrested for something he didn’t do, and they rally around to help.
The tale is convincingly told. The dialogue realistic. This book brought awareness to the struggles of the Niger Deltans in a brilliant way.
And the romance between Kaniye and Deola is sweet and heartwarming.
Well deserved 5 stars!
I recommend 👌🏾
Set in Niger Delta, Nigeria, the story is about four childhood friends who grow up together but end up differently.
One of them gets arrested for something he didn’t do, and they rally around to help.
The tale is convincingly told. The dialogue realistic. This book brought awareness to the struggles of the Niger Deltans in a brilliant way.
And the romance between Kaniye and Deola is sweet and heartwarming.
Well deserved 5 stars!
I recommend 👌🏾
August 26, 2019
An enemy and I were currently lamenting that stories set in Africa never have happy endings. Well, this is very true, because literature is supposed to explore hitherto 'untalkedabout' emotions and this book explores the struggles of the people of the Niger Delta, my people, in a way that is relatable, and also passes a salient message across.
And the author was right, I fell in love with Kaniye. 😍😍😍
Can we have a movie, please?
And the author was right, I fell in love with Kaniye. 😍😍😍
Can we have a movie, please?
October 31, 2023
It took me so long to read this book because the cover does not exactly reel you in. I'm glad I was wrong and I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
I wanted to DNF at some point because I thought that would keep one of the characters from going to jail.
It broke me, made me laugh, cry, I fell in love and felt the pain if the characters. Loved every part.
I wanted to DNF at some point because I thought that would keep one of the characters from going to jail.
It broke me, made me laugh, cry, I fell in love and felt the pain if the characters. Loved every part.
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