And After Many Days

Set in Nigeria, spanning the 20th century up to right about now, “And After Many Days” is centered around events in the mid-1990s, shifting very subtly back and forth in time. While not a whole lot happens in the first half or so, things do pick up. This is still a very good book, told in the omniscience of the Utu family, and youngest sibling Ajie in particular. His sister Bibi and oldest brother Paul, Ma and Bendic (their father, Benedict) are also prominent;  their driver Marcus and gateman Ismaila, and neighbors, extended family, and work colleagues are all in and out of their home doors, both in Port Harcourt and on vacation in Ogibah. Rewinding to the childhood of the 90s is important, as a way of remembering Paul, before he disappeared. Most of the book reads like memories, the way you remember every small detail when something traumatic or significant happens. There are also stories of family history before their time, as it was told to them. Ma is a biology teacher, and Bendic, the only surviving of his siblings, is a lawyer, respected and intellectual. He is also an older father, and has some health concerns. Paul looked up to him, and Aije looked up to Paul. The siblings often fight (as siblings do) and their parents’ discipline is informed, not punishing. The Christian church is on the side, there when it suits them, and they sometimes see Bible passages as if stories in their own lives. The Utu children must choose which schools to attend, are often compared to other kids their age, and witness tradition against modernity. The dialogue features words from the country’s many different languages mixed in with the English.

The power regularly goes out, interrupting and then restoring their activities, and “Company” earns an almost love-hate sentiment from the Nigerians. When the adults talk to each other, it’s not really clear what they’re discussing at first – but then, one of their biggest concerns is, understandably, foreign oil interests, and the disruption of their land. There are other political issues, which young Paul studies up on. The Ogibah Youth Front (OYF) has a presence, but what they did and how they fit into the current scene was not entirely explained. Also in the midst of things is a war and violence, and a dictator who is never named.

Will Paul get caught up as an activist? How will his family come to peace with his disappearance? Yes, this is a sad novel, but not overly so. Very well-written, “And After Many Days” has a nice, neat style that features memory as part of the family, and presents everyday life worthy of savoring.

Note: I received a free copy of this title through BloggingForBooks in exchange for an honest review.