Amaechi.: The Past, the Present and Tomorrow.

by Chima Nwoke

Amaechi.: The Past, the Present and Tomorrow is an anthology of short stories with themes of police/military brutality, espionage, re-imagined folktales and African traditional religious beliefs such as the mythology of the Igbo gods, and reincarnation. The genres explored in the anthology range from African folklore and mythologies, whodunit as well as heist thrillers, to Africanfuturism.

It is a book heavy with tales of the supernatural. Yet, its charm mostly lies in its ordinariness – the way the material effortlessly collapses into the immaterial – like life itself.

Quite intriguingly, a cultural awakening is sweeping through Africa. Most African people are turning to indigenous imaginaries, or at least daring to question dominant, European-style ideologies and life-ways. Amaechi. has emerged as both an arsenal and pacifier to fold the modern into the traditional; the real into the magical; the past and the future.

The Past, the Present, and Tomorrow: this subtitle accurately captures the message of Amaechi. In Igbo Ontology, the past lives through the present. People carry in them the spirits of their ancestors. The present is a canvas, already dotted with trails of the past, but available for the making of a future. The universe is enveloped in energy, guided by forces sometimes familiar, other times alien and untamable. This is the foundational idea that undergird the broad themes explored in the stories that make up the book.

172 pages, Paperback

Published March 31, 2022

Reviews

[Afoma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rarely finish books, but this was an exception. I was glued from the first page to the very last. Amaechi is more than just a story; it is a rich experience that transports readers into diverse worlds, blending history and imagination with remarkable ease.

By the time I finished, I truly wished there were a sequel. This is the kind of book that lingers in your thoughts long after you close it, which is, in my view, the mark of exceptional storytelling.

For anyone seeking a book that captivates, inspires, and leaves a lasting impression, Amaechi is an outstanding choice. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Nonhlanhla Mkwanazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading stories that paint a true picture of life in other cultures. As a South African, I had no idea that I was about to be invited into moments from a Nigerian life that would feel so familiar to ones I've experienced back home. You will laugh, tense up and even learn something new. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading books that flawlessly create a scene to be played out in the theatre of the mind.

[Kenny Shonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful marriage of the ordinary and extraordinary

[TUNDE-OLUTAYO AYODELE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've being a student of literature and art for a very long time.

I've not seen nor come across a stories being told by Africans for Africans to African.

This is an exception and a very artistic work that was brilliantly put together and risk of calling the shots memory stories of the past,the present and the future.

And also breaking the Norms of using the indigenous language and pidgin English without italics.

Which is easier to relate with and flow with the book,for me because I've look forward to a day,where and when I can pick up a book and find my lingua, Franca that I can understand and flow with.

Also, I would also recommend this book should be pushed into the school sector. As literature texts for the students, And I encourage all the writers to do same so other readers to have an inclination of their history and Heritage. As the artist and writer as giving us a well painted picture.

Tunde-Olutayo Ayodele . O. 2022

[NG Memoirist · Rating 5 out of 5]

I regret wrapping up Amaechi before Christmastime/yuletide. Ideally, it's the kind of book you want to unwind with at the end of a long year or during a vacation...relatable, reminiscent, evoking sentimental mental pictures that will keep you smiling long after you have completed your reading. And the whole time, giving you food for thought.

However, the way the first story gripped my attention left me no choice but to just keep reading, and I hope you read it too. I recommend reading it slowly, savouring each story because Amaechi really is something!

[Kevin Noel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has expertly merged his varying interests with his Nigerian heritage in this collection of short stories. The story from which the title is derived, Amaechi, is the standout for me. Followed by Low Budget Sherlock Holmes and Juju Heist. That notwithstanding, every story is a page-turner and I definitely recommend this!

[Olugbemiga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful write up, reminds me of my heritage and culture. Chima, you have done an amazing job invoking my memories from childhood with the names used in this book. I look forward to more of your works.

[Oghenebukome]

Awesome mind blowing tale

[Adaobi Chiemelu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creative twists and intentional storytelling.

[Ajachukwu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second time reading, and just as amazing. The only difference was that my favorite stories from the first read changed.


I can't wait for my book club discussion!