Convergence Problems by Wole Talabi was absolutely stunning from start to finish. Every short story could possibly be expanded by 200 or more pages, but nothing was overdone. The use of Nigerian lingo at the right time was refreshing and hilarious.
With quotes like “The country happens to us all and the justice of political death. Nigeria is where the stronger survive. A place where the government institutes policies to kill its citizens,” I understood why Abachi had to kill some of the political class when he came into power.
Saura’s story was quite insightful. I liked the description style, and It produced a feeling of fulfilled dissatisfaction as it was shorter and longer than I expected.
I absolutely loved Gangar cause I related with quotes such as “fake sky, fake city, fake life” and “sometimes the only way to be free is to go deeper into the prison.” Gangar alone would make a really cool dystopian movie, and there is joy in knowing that no non-Nigerian would be able to pronounce Isale and Loke as I do. Ingrained knowledge is a beautiful thing.
Abeokuta52 is believable in all regards. I’m a fan of Nairaland myself and its diversity of opinions. You read some comments, and it is obvious that some people are idiots, but they, again, believe and can justify the rubbish they are saying, so maybe you’re the idiot.
Performance Review brought with it a well-known realization that your best is never good enough for management. They downplay your achievements and have something stupid to say in the form of criticism. There is always some metric that you aren’t meeting. It is hard to maintain your individuality when the top of the food chain wants you to be a drone. Harder still when you notice others are compromising themselves in the quest for financial gain and the twin bastards known as approval and recognition.
I sensed some resonance as soon as I started reading SILENCE. Some rage and anger from somewhere within. The tale of the mumu guy. What kind of cliffhanger is that? For sure, I got angrier with every page that I read. She actually returned after he’d cut her off, and she kissed him. She actually kissed him. Utter shit.
I definitely did not like the happily ever after
Reading Embers came with the realization of broken dreams, shattered expectations, disappointment, and despair. Wanting something does not mean you’ll have it even if you do all the right things. I really wanted the best for Uduak. I wanted a happy ending. I wanted the refinery to work and for him to be a hero.
I did not see that ending. I did not envision it at all. The story went sideways pretty fast.
Uduak’s goal had pushed him to murder and destruction.
Final Thoughts
Thumbs up and five stars to Convergence Problems. A black author writing fantasy is cool, and a black author writing sci-fi is mind-blowing. I appreciate the fact that there were no Western names or surnames in the entire work. Something like Funke Alexander and Ugo Milosevich.
I hate the pandering wherein some black authors try to appeal to both audiences.
Wole Talabi made me proud.
