Face Me I Face You by Oyindamola Shoola

The artwork accompanying the chapters is intentional, bringing the characters, scenes, and themes to life. And, of course, the humor in Face Me I Face You is brilliant! 

I’ve always had a deep appreciation for intentional poetry—the kind that invites you to dissect and discuss each line. Shoola is a brilliant poet, and this shines through in Face Me I Face You, where the structure, literary techniques, and styles all come together seamlessly to create an artistic whole. 

The concept behind the collection is fascinating, which got me curious about the birth of this collection. After an insightful X Live Space conversation with the author, I gained a clearer understanding of her thought process and the inspiration behind the work.

Summary

Face Me I Face You is a collection of “witty and humorous poems that exist at the intersection of identity, class, and culture.” 

Divided into three parts—Palava, Face Me I Face You, and Water and Garri—the collection features about 32 poems, each rich with intention and depth.

Style

I love it when writers experiment and challenge certain stereotypes and what is creatively possible. Hence, what struck me immediately was the unique style.

Shoola introduces different characters, something I haven’t (really) seen in a poetry book before. The idea of the “unnamed narrator” is also a brilliant touch, which, to me, is different from the persona we are used to. You might argue it is the same, but I have my reasons for believing otherwise.

Originality

What truly sets this collection apart is its “Nigerian-ness.” I haven’t read a contemporary collection that so vividly tastes, feels, and smells like Nigeria in a long time.

It’s difficult to put into words, but there’s something unmistakably Nigerian about these pieces. The culture, the language…there is just something. 

Another thing I also love about Face Me I Face You is its fusion of contemporary and traditional poetry styles. Whatever your taste in poetry, you’re bound to find a piece—or two, or three—that resonates with you.

Verdict

The artwork accompanying the chapters is intentional, bringing the characters, scenes, and themes to life. And, of course, the humor in Face Me I Face You is brilliant! 

All in all, I highly recommend this collection and can’t wait to see what Shoola comes up with next!