The Last Gift of the Master Artists

by Ben Okri

The moment before the world changed and innocence was lost – Ben Okri's breathtaking novel about life in the time immediately before the arrival of the Atlantic slavers restores the full vibrancy of a lost history to his Nigerian homeland.

Two lovers meet for the first time. One is the son of a King, struggling to find his place in the world, the other is the gifted daughter of a master craftsman from a famous but secretive tribe. The young people meet accidentally, just for a moment, by the river. They vow to meet again. When the girl fails to show up at the arranged time, the Prince begins a search for her that takes him into the heart of the secretive tribe, and gives his own enemies the chance they have been hoping for to destroy him.

Mysterious ships are glimpsed, like ghosts, on the horizon, hidden in bays, glanced between trees in the forest. A white wind begins to blow through the world. And with it, things begin to disappear, song, stories, sculptures, and finally people.

The book was previously published as Starbook in 2008. It has been substantially rewritten. The first reception of the book did not reference the slavery aspects or saw them as allegorical. This re-publishing is a chance to put that right in the light of contemporary acknowledgement of historical and current injustices.

'Ben Okri is that rare thing, a literary and social visionary, a writer for whom all three – literature, culture and vision – are profoundly interwoven' Ali Smith

'Where fiction's master of enchantments stares down a real horror, and without blinking or flinching, produces a work of beauty, grace and uncommon power' Marlon James on The Freedom Artist

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Africa, Nigeria, Historical, Audiobook, African Literature

330 pages, Paperback

First published August 4, 2022

About the author

Poet and novelist Ben Okri was born in 1959 in Minna, northern Nigeria, to an Igbo mother and Urhobo father. He grew up in London before returning to Nigeria with his family in 1968. Much of his early fiction explores the political violence that he witnessed at first hand during the civil war in Nigeria. He left the country when a grant from the Nigerian government enabled him to read Comparative Literature at Essex University in England.

He was poetry editor for West Africa magazine between 1983 and 1986 and broadcast regularly for the BBC World Service between 1983 and 1985. He was appointed Fellow Commoner in Creative Arts at Trinity College Cambridge in 1991, a post he held until 1993. He became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature in 1987, and was awarded honorary doctorates from the universities of Westminster (1997) and Essex (2002).

His first two novels, Flowers and Shadows (1980) and The Landscapes Within (1981), are both set in Nigeria and feature as central characters two young men struggling to make sense of the disintegration and chaos happening in both their family and country. The two collections of stories that followed, Incidents at the Shrine (1986) and Stars of the New Curfew (1988), are set in Lagos and London.

In 1991 Okri was awarded the Booker Prize for Fiction for his novel The Famished Road (1991). Set in a Nigerian village, this is the first in a trilogy of novels which tell the story of Azaro, a spirit child. Azaro's narrative is continued in Songs of Enchantment (1993) and Infinite Riches (1998). Other recent fiction includes Astonishing the Gods (1995) and Dangerous Love (1996), which was awarded the Premio Palmi (Italy) in 2000. His latest novels are In Arcadia (2002) and Starbook (2007).

A collection of poems, An African Elegy, was published in 1992, and an epic poem, Mental Flight, in 1999. A collection of essays, A Way of Being Free, was published in 1997. Ben Okri is also the author of a play, In Exilus.

In his latest book, Tales of Freedom (2009), Okri brings together poetry and story.

Ben Okri is a Vice-President of the English Centre of International PEN, a member of the board of the Royal National Theatre, and was awarded an OBE in 2001. He lives in London.

Reviews

[Madison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I in some ways adored this novel. The writing was so beautiful and surreal.

However it was too lengthy for such a tale in this style. Eventually the story line was lost on me. And for multiple moment I wondered how was we still circling around this same topic. Or other moments when I managed to read multiple pages but not a single thing absorbed.

I did really enjoy it, but it was too long sadly.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

It pays to read this book slowly and with intent.

The poetic imagery is simply gorgeous. When I get this in paperback, I will absolutely be highlighting all the exquisite lines that made me pause just so I could read them again.

I thought the element of historical magical realism was also done really well. There were so many ideas and concepts described within the societies that felt truly novel and fascinating. I did feel at times, however, that some descriptions strayed into a sort of magical/spiritual version of gender essentialism. Beyond that, I had a strong sense of each individual character, their personalities and hopes and enjoyed the arc of their lives.
The use of anaphora was overwhelming at times but I don't have much experience with poetry and can see how it filled out a richer understanding of the scenes/characters described. Time is also quite distorted through long stretches of description where it feels like we have travelled for centuries but have actually stayed within a few months or years of a character's life. Again, I can see how this has the effect of making the stories feel beyond reality and magical, even if I had to readjust my perception of how much time had passed.

Overall, The Last Gift of the Master Artists is a book I would undoubtedly recommend to anyone looking for a poetic, poignant read full of beautifully interwoven stories that will crush your heart but give you hope in just the right measure.

Thank you to the publishers and to NetGalley for this ARC.

[Ali · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Many are the empires that reveal themselves in decay on blotches on stone walls. Many are the nations that appear on patches of mud long after the rains have gone. Many are the shapes of divination that show up in tea stains on white pages or on tablecloths. Myriad are the things seen on the surfaces of the meaning-transparent, meaning-infested world."

This is a lush, poetic novel that reads much like a lengthy fable - the kind of magical realism that leans into the magical in the dreamiest way. Okri laces his gorgeous imagery, his spun tales of legendary communities with the foreshadowed suffering of chains and whips. The creative, sagacious, resilience of West African life is celebrated, while grief is allowed to seep into the cracks, never dominated but never entirely absent.
Despite the gorgeous prose, this wasn't entirely my thing. It is long to maintain this style, and the fable structure and language inclines more towards telling than showing. It is centered around a love story, which taps into my antipathy to romance structures in general. The male romantic lead also gets a bit more to do than the female, another pet irritation.
But what is achieved here is something special - I can certainly why it has legions of fans, in both of its published iterations. And some of the phrasing will linger with me...

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first half/ two thirds of the book might be worthy of 5 stars. The latter portion fell flat to me, and rested closer to 3 stars. There's some beautiful writing in this book, and at the beginning I read eagerly. One of the best things about the book also proved something of a flaw, however.

The book is built of short chapters (some a couple of sentences long, few over a couple of pages) with repetitive sentences and a looping narrative which always warns of trouble to come before circling back to the present. At the beginning it worked well, establishing a mythic tone that felt more like oral story telling of folklore. It built a sense of foreboding and looming loss. After a while, though, I found it got in the way of really appreciating the characters & their society, because they never got any less mysterious. The end result was, as evil events drew closer, I felt less engaged with them.

[Ben Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a strange feeling reading this very beautiful book. Strange because in the 2010s I read Starbook, and this new novel is that novel re-told. I didn't have a copy of Starbook to compare what has changed, but there seemed to be more here, more depth, chapters and scope. But then my memory of that reading has left on sensations, rather than events.

The story is myth. There isn't truly a story, more images, beautiful pictures, very elemental in its nature. It is not going to be a book for everyone, but it is one that if you are willing to surrender to its scope, will bring you in and leave you breathless.

Thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the ARC.

[Achidimama · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a slow burn and takes a while to get into the story. Stick with it. It picks up and there is a light bulb moment but you need the start to get to that moment.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are master storytellers then there is Ben Okri. Masterpiece! Absolutely stunning! The way he ended the story completely took my breath away I bow down. 5/5 stars✨

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[Jennifer Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

You simply must. I should really go back and change the other five stars to four, though rating books is such a strange idea to begin with. Outstanding, exquisite, an absolute delight. It’s like discovering your favorite food for the very first time-a profound pleasure to read and must be enjoyed in small doses, each page to be savored

[Allison Charette · Rating 5 out of 5]

/Read slowly./

Every word was beauty. The strange, the mystical, the wise and profound.

I am so sad to end this book.

[Tracy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okri’s advice at the start of this book to Read Slowly is sound indeed. There is such depth and breadth to his exploration of Africa’s history, spirituality, myth and magical arts that the reader can’t help but take their time. There is a shimmering, dreamlike quality to the book, as if we’re seeing this Africa through a hazy veil. I’ll admit that, due to this ethereality, there were moments when I found the story hard to grasp. However, the beauty of Okri’s language is constant throughout; there is enough here to sustain the keenest poetic appetite for the rest of time. Okri, a master artist himself, has written a paean to Africa’s ‘golden age’ that throws the arrogance, brutality and horror of the Atlantic slave trade that followed into even sharper relief. This book is epic in its scope, its ambition and its creativity. I will forever marvel at Okri’s craft and his portrayal of Africa and its people ‘in the last days of their innocence.’

[Macclesfield Library · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Head of Zeus and the Reading Agency for providing free copies for Macclesfield Library Reading Group to read and review.

We thought the concept for this book was a really interesting one and could have made for thought-provoking subject matter but we felt it was poorly executed and all a bit of a let down. Many of us were keen to read a Ben Okri novel, given his previous success, but this book sadly just didn’t live up to expectations.

The style of writing was too wishy-washy for us to find the story relatable, not helped by the fact that the characters didn’t have names and the story didn’t seem to develop in a linear fashion. None of us could relate to the people in the book and with nothing to latch on to in terms of story, we all ended up disappointed. The shortness of the chapters didn't help to alleviate the feeling of disjointedness and our lack of understanding. We wanted to like this book but we sadly just couldn't get on with it.

[Clarice · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s 2 stars and I give one more star because I really love the literary style.

It’s poetic, and magic/surrealism works very well with poems so this book has a very attractive literary style . That’s what kept me reading.

The plot itself… not my cup of tea. Too much surrealism and too little solid content to push the plot forward. Many times it feels like the author enjoyed painting the book with surrealism and forgot he has a book to write. The book has 497 pages and the storyline is probably 80 pages. It feels like I’m reading 497 pages worth of poems but im ok with that. I love the poetics so much that I can put up with most of the time reading a book that isn’t progressing much.

I appreciate the author’s passion and emphasis for art. That’s the secondary subject in the book and I thank him for reminding us all what Art is and its impact on mankind.

[Mark White · Rating 1 out of 5]

I see what the author is doing here but it holds no interest for me. Told in the fashion of a myth or fairy tale the narrative suffers all the failings of this genre - cardboard characters, unexplained action and a faux naive style that tries to be deep but instead just grates. (Hmmm, he ate a banana AND a guava! That must be deeply symbolic of something.) If you manage to take anything meaningful from this book it's a testament to your powers of imagination rather than the skill of the writer.

[Matty J Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to put into words this tale.

Personally I found the short sharp chapters slightly off putting as I failed to emotionally connect with the piece.

It is a tale of love over time and lifetimes themselves at heart through a series of Tasks and hardships to endure. At times I was slightly lost at what was going on and I felt it could have been quite a bit shorter to reach the same conclusion. Therefore it’s getting a 3 star rating.

[Pita Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story follows two central characters, a boy and a girl who meet serendipitously on a riverbank. This meeting serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of connection, loss, and the search for belonging. The boy, a prince, grapples with his identity amidst the expectations placed upon him by his royal lineage. The girl embodies a more liberated spirit, representing the untamed essence of life before colonial disruption. Their interactions highlight the contrasts between duty and freedom, tradition and change.

Okri employs a narrative style reminiscent of fables, blending magical realism with profound philosophical insights. This approach allows him to delve into the collective memory of African cultures, restoring vibrancy to narratives often overshadowed by colonial histories. The use of magical elements serves not only to enchant but also to underscore deeper truths about human experience and resilience in the face of adversity.

Art plays a crucial role in shaping identity within the narrative. The characters' experiences in the realm of creativity underscore the significance of artistic expression as a means of understanding oneself and one’s place in society. Okri's mystical prose celebrates this connection between art and cultural identity while also recognizing its vulnerability to external pressure.

Set in a time just before the Atlantic slave trade's incursion into African societies, the novel reflects on the impending loss of cultural heritage. Okri's portrayal of this period is not merely historical; it is imbued with a sense of urgency to reclaim narratives that have been marginalized. His characters navigate a world rich in tradition but on the brink of irrevocable change, creating a poignant commentary on the fragility of cultural identity.

Okri's writing is marked by its poetic quality, with vivid descriptions that evoke sensory experiences. The lushness of his language mirrors the beauty of the African landscape while simultaneously conveying the emotional depth of his characters' journeys. This stylistic choice enhances the thematic weight of the narrative, making it not just a story but an immersive experience that invites reflection on broader human conditions.

The Last Gift of the Master Artists is an epic reflection on heritage, identity, and the resilience of culture in the face of colonial forces. Okri's ability to weave together elements of magical realism with profound social commentary creates a narrative that resonates deeply with contemporary readers. Through this work, he not only honors lost histories but also challenges us to engage with our own identities in an ever-changing world

[Isa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Gift of the Master Artists is a poignant exploration of pre-colonial Africa, a world on the precipice of profound change. The novel masterfully intertwines elements of myth, history, and romance to create a rich and evocative tapestry of a society on the cusp of transformation.

Central to the novel is the theme of cultural preservation. The master artists represent the keepers of a rich artistic and spiritual tradition. Their world, however, is under threat from the encroaching external forces, symbolized by the mysterious ships on the horizon. The love story between the prince and the artist's daughter serves as a microcosm of the larger cultural and societal shifts. Their relationship is a testament to the power of human connection in the face of impending upheaval.

Okri deftly portrays the complex interplay between tradition and modernity. The novel suggests that while change is inevitable, its impact on a society can be profound and far-reaching. Okri's prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting readers to a world imbued with magic and mystery. The novel is structured around the lives of two young people, but it also serves as a broader meditation on the nature of art, culture, and history. The use of symbolism and allegory enriches the narrative, allowing for multiple layers of interpretation.

The Last Gift of the Master Artists offers a counter-narrative to the dominant Western perspective on African history. By focusing on a pre-colonial African society, Okri challenges Eurocentric representations and highlights the richness and complexity of African cultures. The novel also serves as a warning about the destructive consequences of colonialism and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.

By exploring themes of love, loss, and cultural identity, Okri creates a work of enduring significance. The novel invites readers to reflect on the fragility of human culture and the importance of preserving our shared heritage.

[Lesley Thomson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to describe this book in a few lines. A combination of magic/spiritualism, legends and myths, of strange happenings, prophesies from ancestors, attempting to understand life and the people living it – all in beautiful poetic prose.
There really isn’t just one story. The book consists of concise interweaving chapters, beautiful descriptions and imagery, questions on what is good, what is evil, and how a person would try and understand their world. It is early Africa; art and artists, lovers and family – and the telling of bad days to come on the ‘White Wind’- the slave ships. This wonderful book should not to be rushed, but delved into to read, and reread. It is evocative, elegant and tantalising.

[Jane Fudger · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 2008 Ben Okri published a book called "Starbook" but in 2012 he completely rewrote the story which resulted in this bookto include the details of slavery that he previously omitted
The novel is written in the form of a classic fairy tale - a magical take on Africa prior to the emergence of the slave ships. It is a wondeful description of the country's people full of artists,storytellers and philosophers
Although there is no definitive description of slavery it is there, [ described as the white mist],One of the most profound and beautiful novels written by Ben Okri. An excellent read

[Loocuh Frayshure · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stars of the New Curfew is one of my favorite short story collections of all-time. This is not nearly anywhere near that. Okri’s prose is gorgeous and flows on like a river, but there was a moment where I was 150ish pages in and we had barely moved forward in the narrative since joining the artist community and I just realized I didn’t want to read the rest off this. So I didn’t.

Everyone getting filtered by the parable and style can eat shit. Welcome to non-American writing! Not everything has to feel like standard “Western” lit.

This just isn’t the best case of it.

[Yanique Gillana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 5 stars for Ben Okri!
This book was absolutely stunning. Every sentence, every description, the atmosphere, the setting, the characters, all perfection. The experience of reading this is very reminiscent of when I read Astonishing the Gods.

If you enjoy Okri, magical realism, elevated prose, and amazing storytelling, this is definitely a must-read.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like Rushdie, Okri makes the mythical remarkably real for the "modern" reader. The constant backdrop of the Passage (the "white wind") could have been melodramatic, but it actually deepens the timeless nature of Okri's explorations of human relations, spirituality, nature, dreams and all the other stuff of myth. The note/recommendation/admonition to "read slowly" could not be more helpful as the narrative breathes in a way that forces (and rewards) patience.

[Mar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually, I tried and could not write a review.
The book is boring, because a fable stretched over hundreds of pages inevitably outstays its welcome, but it's worth reading it. The world it builds is worth occupying through the boredom, not only because it is so beautifully described, interesting conceptually, and deeply relatable on a human level, but because the whole point is the tragedy it's approaching.
And when the story ends, it leaves you in thought and mourning.

[maxwop · Rating 1 out of 5]

To me this book felt all style over substance. Obviously the book speaks to the most horrific time in human history and has power in it's exploration of the legacy of slavery and the impacts it had on society. However the way this story was told, with tiny fragments filled with random postulations and seemingly meaningless riddles really hindered the message. I also think that this boko struggled picming a focus, as the story seemed to meander with no clear message or purpose.

[Justin Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mythopoetic evocation of a world immediately before slavery, a fable so thick and rich on the sentence level that you feel like you're dreaming -- is that worth, though, most of the characters feeling like bedtime-story inevitabilities? Dunno. Has a complete command of language, hope, suffering and power; why, then, does that not translate as often as it should into a command of my attention?

[Gareth Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning. Okri weaves words to the rhythms of two worlds. Fable and memory, hope and desolation entwine in the imagining of the time before slavery hollowed out the heart of Africa.
There is a confidence and beauty to his writing that transports the reader beyond the present, beyond perceived reality to confront the evils of human history without ever abandoning hope in the future.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a magic book, a dreamlike story composed by images. It deals with very serious topics but it's also a book full of poetic images.
I loved it.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Kaytee · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe I’m missing something but this novel is utterly boring. The author doesn’t give us any first hand action or even conversation, everything is just told and a novel written in exposition only, is never going to be knicker gripping.
Ditched at about 20% as I kept nodding off zzzzzzzzzzzz

[Alenka of Bohemia]

Gave this one more than a fair shot..... but where I yearned for historical fiction, I received fairytale/philosophical something..... it just felt ill-paced and extremely uprooted from anything specific, at least for the first third of the book I managed to get through. not for me.

[Helen Francis · Rating 2 out of 5]

There’s some beautiful evocative writing, but I just didn’t get what this book was about. Supposedly about Africa before and during the slave trade, but unfortunately my non- African mind struggled to make the connection.