The Reward Of The Writer

The new generation of African novelists, I think are beginning to realise that just like their counterparts in the Nollywood film industry, they stand a better chance of getting global recognition if their story lines are strictly based on the African settings which reflect the day-to -day living realities of the vast majority of their readers.
Their novels could at times be fictions of historic figures or ancient history, but what should be paramount is that when a potential reader picks up any novel by this new authors, he or she should be able to identify with the story line, feel at home and at the same time feel truly satisfied that the money and time spent on the purchase of the book is worth it.
Today,new authors like Chigozie Obioma, Jumoke Verssimo, Bassey Ikpi and Reward Akwu are making interesting contributions to the language of Literature in Nigeria with their story telling.
A look at Fool’s Paradise, one of the novels by Reward Akwu, the Rivers-State born journalist and author, is an indication that gifted writers still abound who can keep up with the traditions of Chinue Achebe, Elechi Amadi and Cyprian Ekwensi.The African culture, traditions and belief system are very much pronounced in this second novel which though a work of fiction, is not too far from modern day reality as what is reflected in the novel is still with us in the 21st century.
Fool’s Paradise, is a story of love, infatuation, cheating, dishonesty, abuse of trust, primitive belief system,deceit, gender inequality,adultery and tragedy.
The novel in essence is about two major characters who met ,fell in love and got married but had to divorce because of the false belief that if a man does not have a male child, he is not a complete man.
“Fool’s Paradise is rich in the use of proverbs,suspense and is a fun to read from the first page to the last.
I believe that Mr Akwu’s Fool’s Paradise is aptly titled as some individuals still find themselves in similar situations as captured in this work of fiction.
Excerpts: “Tears were coursing down their cheeks in speedy drops as they sat in their mother’s room in gloomy silence, wondering why their father should subject them to emotional stress for something that was not their own making. It was wrong for anyone to hold them responsible for what the Creator in his infinite wisdom had done.
“Their father’s utterances and actions for some time now were extremely unbearable. They were literally living in hell. No peace. While they were still bemoaning their fate, Ephraim Ichedu walked into the room to reiterate his resolve, “Grace,” he uttered in a menacing tone, his eyes sweeping around the room to take in others.
“I have told you in a very clear language that I don’t want to see you and your daughters in my house again.”

Tonye Ikiroma-Owiye