With his first novel in nearly half a century, Africa’s first Nobel Laureate in literature Wole Soyinka has created a satirical masterpiece in Chronicles From The Land Of The Happiest People On Earth. For the majority of us, not doing a job for such a stretch would surely mean going back to the drawing board, but with a wealth of plays, poems and essays making up his body of work it’s no wonder that the Nigerian author has most definitely not forgotten his craft.
Power, politics, religion and the media combine in this satirical tale featuring a wealth of characters. A horror tale ensues for Doctor Menka who discovers that body parts are being sold from his hospital in Nigeria for use in ritualistic practices. Sharing this knowledge with his close friend Duyole Putan-Payne sets them on a journey into the unknown with both their fates held in the balance of power.
A highly rich and entertaining read, having not encountered Soyinka’s works before Chronicles From The Land Of The Happiest People On Earth I may not be in the best position to judge: however, from a new perspective, the skill in his writing is clear, and with much to read between the lines in this particular story, it all makes for a highly rewarding tale.
Chronicles From The Land Of The Happiest People On Earth, Wole Soyinka (Bloomsbury)
Price: £20. Info: here
words RHIANON HOLLEY
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