My Book Review of “A MAN OF THE PEOPLE” by Chinua Achebe.

My Book Review of “A MAN OF THE PEOPLE” by Chinua Achebe.

A book written by the famous Anambra elite, Chinua Achebe of Nigeria. Editorial adviser of the prestigious African Writer Series. Book # 31.

Books of that era always confuse me. Because I always feel maybe I’m not a good reader who’s supposed to feel some conviction and praise after finishing this sort of literary work.
That notwithstanding, here is my honest opinion of my 2nd Chinua Achebe read. After Things Fall Apart.

From the cover page, just like the title, you’d know, or at the very least guess it’s a political themed books.

These almost always get reproach from me because ‘I’m not into politics’. Yet, the waves of the current revolutionary times were stronger. Etching every agile individual to the acquisition of vast knowledge. Thus stands a chance for greater days ahead, and a seat at the intellectuals table.

Definitely, with my interest to gain more political knowledge, I started with those very much available to me and providing easy peeks into the cultural heritage of an igbo girl.

This book was narrated by Odili, a disgusted middle-aged constituent who definitely saw through the greed and ‘excusable’ selfishness of political heads. Particularly his former primary school teacher, the now minister of Cultural affairs of, a not long ago independent Nigeria, Chief the Honourable M. A. Nanga.

Odili who initially portrayed his disregard for Chief Nanga’s pretense, had this imaged snatched from him when his primary school teacher still remembers him well during this welcome ceremony at Anata primary school premises. The hometown of the Honourable.
That image was easily twisted away by an invite to town life and a promising scholarship to study abroad. Odili accepted coyly, went off to Bori and had an undulating turn out of events.
From the highs of tasting & relishing the reckless and luxurious life, living with a minister. To the lows of being stung by the reminder of his disgust - now turned hatred - for Chief Nanga after the latter overrode Odili’s usual one night stand girl, Edna. Lol! My favorite part of the story! 😅

This brewed hatred, accomplising to a new political party to challenge the old, greedy and lies telling parties already in existence. From then on, dust was raised, battle lines were drawn and dirty political games played extending to physical torture, and even death.
Through all these, Odili is perplexed by the people. Masses who can be heads today and tails tomorrow. As easily as flipping a coin, towards their choice of leaders.

This book explores themes on Politics, a people, integrity, love, family and heroism.
It kept me glued. A good tale with shocking twists and turns, offering me cherised bouts of laughter, midway through. Lol!!! A great confidant during my ~ 5 minutes morning sun bath sessions following my daily workouts.
For the political knowledge gained, good laughs and enticing story line, I heartily rate it a 4.5/5.

Love

Chinwe Mejang 💙