Victory Adewoye is a finalist for the 2024 Afrocritik Prize for Criticism
Review of Dreaming of Ways to Understand You by Jerry Chiemeke
Dreaming of Ways to Understand You by Nigerian writer, Jerry Chiemeke, is a captivating collection of short stories that touches on many delicate topics, including the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and societal issues. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, Chiemeke explores a diverse range of themes that leave a lasting impact on readers.
The collection opens with a poignant dedication to “the outsiders”, those who struggle with one mental illness or the other, setting the tone for introspection and empathy that permeates the stories. Each narrative unfolds with a unique voice, drawing readers into the lives of characters grappling with their innermost desires, fears, and struggles.
One of the standout features of the book is the writer’s ability to craft deeply human characters. From the elation of a startling introduction in the first story, “Not For Long”, to the heartbreaking nostalgia of the fifth, “On Moshalashi Street”, each character comes to life with authenticity and depth. Through their words, actions, and thoughts, Chiemeke infuses humanity into his creations, inviting readers to empathise with them.
In “What Am I Supposed to Say to You?”, Chiemeke skillfully portrays the inquiries commonly posed by individuals who love or care for those in abusive relationships. Through the multitude of unspoken queries and words left unsaid, he conveys a profound sense of empathy. This speechlessness reflects a feeling of helplessness. For individuals trapped in such relationships, it requires an immense amount of willpower on their part to eventually break free. This story prompts readers to think of ways to intervene before it’s too late. “I knew exactly what she meant. Relationships of this nature were a lot complicated than suggestions of ‘leave him, can’t you see what he is doing to you?’” The suggestions and words of advice to leave usually don’t get to them, leaving their loved ones confused about what course of action to take.
The stories explore relatable themes like love, loss, identity, and societal norms, and Chiemeke skillfully navigates these themes, while offering thought-provoking insight into humanity. Whether it’s the devastating impact of bullying in the fourth story “Memories Floating in a Glass of Whiskey”, or the touching exploration of Stockholm Syndrome in the sixth story “Pining For the Hands that Tied Me”, each narrative sheds light on pressing issues faced by individuals.
Chiemeke’s writing style is evocative and lyrical. From the bustling cityscape of Lagos, the city that never sleeps in “City on Fast Forward” to the quiet introspection of the titular story, Chiemeke creates vivid settings that serve as backdrops for his characters’ journeys.
Whether it’s by addressing the mental health stigma in the titular “Dreaming of Ways to Understand You”, or honouring the events of the Igbo mass suicide in “The River Brought Us Here”, the author confronts intricate topics with the required but often missing nuance and sensitivity. The story ordinarily brought tears to my eyes, but I believe that their suffering was not shown enough compared to their counterparts who were fictional in “The Roads Get Thirsty, Too”. Dreaming of Ways to Understand You is excellent in its ability to spark reflection and dialogue on important social issues. The writer speaks on a very touchy and touching topic, reminding us of what we have forgotten, or maybe just never knew. He mentions that while in a bid to help others, we should remember that we ourselves are humans, and are frail, so we shouldn’t be careful of the burden we allow ourselves to carry on behalf of others.
Upon reading the book, I found myself torn between two options: rushing through to finish it on time or savouring each moment. Despite my hesitation to reach the end, as if it were a cherished memory nearing its conclusion, I also felt an eagerness to complete it, much like nurturing a newfound friendship. Some experiences are undeniably extraordinary, prompting us to engage all our senses to capture the emotions they evoke. Ultimately, I recognised the profound influence the book had on me, solidifying its status as an unforgettable read.
While Dreaming of Ways to Understand You is a powerful and compelling read, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find certain stories more engaging than others, making it perhaps difficult to fully appreciate the whole work, due to the uneven tempo, and there are moments when the pacing felt uneven. For instance, the story, “On Getting Around to Confidently Taking My Shirt Off” is engaging especially for people struggling with body dysmorphia. However, for “The Blankness I Wouldn’t Let You See”, the pacing drags. Additionally, while Chiemeke explores the themes brilliantly, some stories may benefit from further development or clarity. In “Confetti”, aside from giving the idea that a party was going on, it felt like everything was happening but not in a way that I could relate to.
In conclusion, this reflection-inducing collection offers the beautiful intricacies of human experiences. Chiemeke delivers a moving and intellectually stimulating masterpiece through intricate character development, outstanding social, commentary and engrossing storytelling.
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Review of His Only Wife by Peace Adzo Medie
His Only Wife is the debut novel written by Peace Adzo Medie, a Liberian-born Ghanaian writer. The book, published in 2020, is a captivating exploration of love, marriage, and societal expectations, such as how women are expected to act in marriages, and the freedom of men to act whichever way they please, and set in contemporary Ghana. The novel opens with a striking declaration: “Elikem married me in absentia; he did not come to our wedding.” This bold statement sets the stage for a narrative that challenges traditional notions of love and marriage.
The narrative centres on Afi, who finds herself in an arranged marriage with Elikem, a prosperous businessman. Despite her initial hesitations, Afi resolves to embrace her new role as Elikem’s spouse. However, she quickly confronts the harsh realities of her situation, including Elikem’s apathy and the familial expectations placed upon her. These expectations stem from the family’s disdain for Muna, a woman whom Elikem supposedly loves, and whom Afi has been tasked with replacing in his affections.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in its nuanced exploration of gender dynamics and power structures within Ghanaian society. Through Afi’s experiences, Medie highlights the ways in which women are often marginalised and expected to sacrifice their own desires for the sake of familial and societal expectations. Afi’s journey towards self-empowerment and agency serves as a powerful commentary on the importance of autonomy and self-determination.
His Only Wife offers richly drawn characters, each with their own flaws, complexities, and motivations. Afi, in particular, undergoes significant growth throughout the novel, evolving from a shy and obedient young woman to a confident and assertive individual who refuses to be defined by others’ expectations.
In addition to its compelling characters and themes, the novel is distinguished by its evocative prose and vivid sense of place. Medie skillfully brings to life the bustling streets of Accra, the vibrant markets, and the intimate domestic spaces, creating a rich tapestry against which the characters’ lives unfold.
This book exposes readers to various everyday challenges, one of which is the burden of Black Tax. Afi’s father’s life serves as a poignant example of how the black tax can devastate financial security, leaving families without savings. He gives all he has to his extended family and when he dies almost all of them turn their backs on Afi and her mother as if he never helped them out repeatedly or even existed.
Medie’s masterpiece also explores the profound loss of death and how it usually signifies the loss of many more things than just the deceased. In Afi’s case, she loses her primary supporter as well as her security and the opportunity to control her own fate, leaving Afi indebted to her aunt. Consequently, Afi finds herself navigating life’s challenges with a sense of loss and an added burden of obligation.
One of the key lessons underscored in the book is the significance of becoming a man’s exclusive wife. Legally, there is a singular path to attaining this status: through marriage sanctioned by a certificate. Conversely, traditional marriages, while valid, are grounded in customary practices. In Ghana, as in many African nations, the prevailing custom permits a man to take multiple wives. Consequently, when a man adheres to traditional marriage customs, the law recognises it as a legitimate union governed by its own set of regulations. In contrast, marriages formalised by a certificate, often referred to as court marriages, prohibit polygamous arrangements. A man who enters into such a marriage cannot wed another woman without committing bigamy. Elikem is not bound by any law to not be polygamous, he is as free as a bird and so can marry as many women as he wishes without thinking about the effects on the women. Afi was broken by Elikem’s intention to have her and Muna, he wanted to eat his cake and still have it. When she challenged him asking if he could let her do the same he became angry. Afi raised up the issue of marrying him in a church because she knew that if he did that, he would have no space for the other woman but he wanted to have them both.
While His Only Wife is a powerful and thought-provoking read, it is not without its flaws. Some readers may find certain aspects of the plot predictable, like when Aunty changes and treats Afi and her mother in a terrible manner because Afi refuses to obey her order. There are moments when the pacing lags. Additionally, the novel’s exploration of complex themes such as marriage and gender could benefit from further depth and nuance in certain areas, such as when the conversation between Afi and her cousin was taking place and they were discussing the importance of a marriage that provides legal safeguard especially for the woman and children anytime it ends.
In conclusion, His Only Wife‘s narration and navigation of love, marriage and personal agency in present-day Ghana, make it thought-provoking and emotionally resonant through its deep characters and incisive social commentary.
***
Review of Affection and Other Accidents by Dami Ajayi
The poetry collection, Affection and Other Accidents, offers a succinct exploration of the human experience, covering themes such as love, heartbreak, life, death, grief, pain, sickness, youth, and aging. Through meticulous craftsmanship, Dami Ajayi skillfully guides readers through a journey of introspection and emotional resonance. The title of the poem is eye-catching, making the reader wonder why affection is an accident. The promise of the book then comes from the intrigue of wondering what else the author considers accidents.
The collection has 51 poems with the first poem serving as an introduction, setting the tone for what follows. In “Affection and Other Accidents”, Ajayi reflects on a cross-continental relationship, navigating the intricacies of human connection and vulnerability. This introspective piece sets the stage for the thematic depth explored throughout the collection as we hear the voice (so to speak) of a poet whose heart is broken.
Throughout the subsequent poems, Ajayi navigates personal trials with honesty and vulnerability, using interludes to mark distinct stages of grief and acceptance. “Aubade to My Graying” poignantly captures the bittersweet reality of ageing, juxtaposing youthful expectations with the inevitability of time’s passage.
Additionally, he pays tribute to influential figures who have left their mark on his life, both in life and in memory. Through evocative verses, he honours individuals such as King Sunny Ade, a Nigerian man famed for his music, particularly in the 20th century, and Derek Walcott, a Saint Lucian poet and playwright who received a Nobel prize in 1992.
The collection’s thematic breadth extends to societal issues and existential reflections. Ajayi adeptly tackles topics ranging from the weight of seemingly trivial details to the complexities of cancel culture and body image. In “A Ghazal for My Innocence”, he navigates the transition from childhood naivety to adult understanding, grappling with the duality of traditional beliefs and scientific knowledge.
Grief also emerges as one of the central motifs, explored through multifaceted dimensions. In “On Grief” and “How to Grieve in Time”, he addresses the inevitability of mourning while challenging conventional notions of healing and closure. Through vivid imagery and profound introspection, he captures the universal experience of loss and longing.
In “A Poem for the Condemned Poet”, Ajayi skillfully employs allusions to convey the perils faced by poets. The poem culminates with a poignant reference to Pontius Pilate washing his hands of Jesus’s accusation, underscoring the theme of societal condemnation and the burden of artistic expression. “The poet will draw and the witness will be Pontius Pilate, hands washing…”
This collection of poems was a transformative experience for me, fostering a deeper sense of awareness. The poems compelled me to pay attention to things I had previously overlooked such as cancel culture, the nature of silence and dying. His language is incredibly poetic, enhancing the beauty of the themes explored. His work stands out not only for its breadth of topics but also for the depth with which he addresses them. The repetitive nature of certain lines within the poems creates a rhythmic quality akin to a chorus or anthem, further immersing the reader in the poetic experience. “The Anatomy of Silence” stands as a testament to his ability to explore the depths of the human psyche, offering thought-provoking reflections on the nature of silence and its resonance in our lives. “Tell silence about silence and silence will be its response.”
While some may criticise the brevity of the poems, I find it to be a strength. Ajayi demonstrates an ability to convey profound meaning with the economy of words. Each word is carefully chosen, and every punctuation serves a purpose, underscoring remarkable precision in his writing. The unconventional structure of the poems, starting from the introduction, adds to their uniqueness and plays a pivotal role in shaping the reader’s experience. Ultimately, Ajayi’s poetic voice resonates as a powerful narrative force, weaving together imagery and emotion to create a colourful collage of human experience.
Just as the first poem served as an introduction to all that was to come, the last poem ends like a conclusion. “I pray to time; please be kind this time, keep the ease of this affection, make it endure the ennui of a lifetime.” It means that in the future which begins from tomorrow, he hopes that life is kinder to him. This conclusion requires but one response, Amen.
Victory Adewoye is a young adult who loves words and asks many people the meaning of their names, because she loves knowing words intimately, even if it doesn’t belong to a language she understands. When she’s not studying, she’s reading a book.