Not Just any Novel - Chigozie Obioma's - The Fishermen

Chigozie Obioma's The Fishermen

A review by - Valerie Chiamaka Chikwendu

Every time literary prize winners and almost winners are announced, I do a quick scan of the authors, the books, the titles. I read up on some of the interesting authors if they are new to me and I occasionally will read a book or two from the long long list of people who I consider heroes of our time: writers. 

I look for intrigue, I look for something grungy and beautiful at the same time, something different and then, somewhat unconsciously, I look for the familiar. So it is not a surprise that when I did my first scan of the recent Man Booker prize long list. I stopped short at a name: Chigozie Obioma. The name is a familiar name that tells me that I have one thing in common with this writer: a common ancestry. This is a very small connection but it was enough for me to stop and see what he had to say. It has been exactly a week since I came across the name and today, similar to what Arundhaty Roy did to me with The God of Small Things, Chigozie and his work will continue to haunt me for a long time to come. 

I just finished reading the last pages of his debut novel The Fishermen and I found myself poring through every last word on the book, the dedication, the book cover snippets, anything that will give me more of what this talented author has to say. Chigozie's writing is superbly designed to captivate readers. Chigozie took me on a devastatingly heart wrenching journey. I was tortured, rooting for the main characters and being let down each step of the way. At the same time, as I went through the agonizing journey into Chigozie's imagination, as painful as it was, I still refused to get off the ride. 

I read this book initially because of it's familiarity but the truth is, this is not just a novel set in Western Nigeria during the 1990's showcasing a middle income family weaving its way through uncertain political and economic times. It is not just a glimpse into the coming together of traditional Yoruba beliefs and western influences. It is a carefully crafted work of art that does what every good work of art is supposed to do. It tugs at your soul. It stirs up deep emotions. It humbles. 

Chigozie is not just Chinua Achebe's heir. He is not just one of the best contemporary African writers of these times. He is much more than these compartments and categories that we often find ourselves placing him in. 

He is simply a great writer, story teller and artist  - by any standard. I am sitting at the edge of my seat waiting, with bated breath to see what he comes up with next.