Sunday 7 April 2013

Book Reviews

I have been fortunate to read two books by two bloggers recently and here are my reviews (I dont like it when book/ film reviewers give the whole plot away so I will keep my reviews as 'cryptic' as possible):

1. The Officer's Bride by Lara Daniels

This is a romantic tale set in Northern Nigeria and the backdrop is the twilight days of Nigeria's General Sanni Abacha's military rule. The two main characters are Colonel Edward (Eddy) and Nafisah. 

I liked Lara's ability to weave Nigerian history into a romantic story. While the story is all about the romance between two people, one can learn something about a time in Nigeria's history that held so many secrets.
Again, when Lara writes about her characters making love, she displays maturity that keeps the 'love making' within the confines of 'romance' and well away from the 'soft porn' boundaries.

However, I felt that some of the conversations in English were a bit 'stilted' and did not sound like how Nigerians would naturally converse with each other. 

I do accept that translating colloquial  language into print can be difficult but whenever I read a story with a 'cultural setting'; one of the things that makes the 'cultural angle' authentic to me is the use of realistic language / conversations. That is why I loved the touches of Hausa Lara throws in here and there. Beautiful....

Overall, I really enjoyed this novella and I couldnt wait to find out how it would end. I am now eagerly waiting a longer story from this author. Great job!


2. Antonyms of a Mirage by Atilola Moronfolu

This book consists of  prose, drama and poetry - with different personalities commenting on societal issues. 
 I liked Atilola's use of different personalities as I feel most people have different personalities and view-points.This use of different personalities was very creative and allows Atilola examine Nigeria's unique challenges through the eyes of different people. Her ability to use this writing form displays great maturity and insight. 
My favourite piece has to be 'Prayers of Mediocrity' because it exposes the hypocrisy that lies beneath the burgeoning religious hysteria that grips our beloved Nigeria.
However, I felt the mixture of  prose, drama and poetry was distracting to me. I am an especially impatient reader and I prefer to read poetry seperately from prose....Poetry requires a different mindset for me. 
Overall, I enjoyed Atilola's take on societal ills and I do believe she will make a great playwright. I am looking forward to going to the theatre to watch a play written by Atilola one day. For me, that is a natural progression for her.  In the meantime, Great Job Atilola...I now await my complementary tickets!!

14 comments:

  1. I haven't read anything by Lara and i would love to. I should probably go shopping for her books

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    Replies
    1. Toinlicious, you should, even more so now that the officer's bride is only 99cents on Amazon :)

      Delete
  2. A good review!
    Objective and no preambles!
    Weldone.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good review. I should read the two books soon then.

    http://josephomotayo.blogspot.com/2013/04/kiss-kissing-kissed.html

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can't wait to hear what you have to say about any of the Diaries! Good, Bad and Ugly.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hahaha Naija MUM, I like your straight to the point reviews. You kinda left us suspended and that makes me want to read these books now.
    From your review of Antonyms of a mirage, are you saying that Atilola should have written three books instead of doing all in one?

    ReplyDelete
  6. whew! I've read ALL your posts since the conception of your blog, and loved every minute of it!You've got yourself an avid follower here, and I love your book reviews too. Be blessed...

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  7. The books sound interesting...will add them to my reading list.
    And kudos to @iLola on publishing her book.
    Its been a while NIL...hope u r well. x

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for all your comments. I do appreciate the time and effort you take to leave comments.
    Forgive my distracted blogging
    God bless you all
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  9. hi NIL,

    it's been a while. I've read both books and I think your reviews are spot on!

    PS: anyone know why simplymee blog is asking me to enter password then tell I'm not an invited reader? :-(

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi NIL :)
    It's been a while
    Hope you're good?

    ReplyDelete
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