Written by Chibundu Onuzo
SUMMARY:
Published by Faber & Faber in the United Kingdom in 2017 (and by Catapult in the U.S. in 2018), this 290-page hardcover debut by Chibundu Onuzo explores Nigerian political intrigue. Leading a makeshift family literally hiding underground in Lagos is Chike Ameobi, a conscientious Army deserter. With his faithful subordinate, Yemi, Chike absconds from the Nigerian military to protest a retaliatory massacre of a defenseless village. During their escape, the ex-soldiers meet three other ‘fugitives:’ young militant Fineboy; a traumatized teenage girl, Isoken; and a kind-hearted housewife, Oma, who is fleeing from her abusive husband. Choosing to remain together (even when rendered homeless), the five harbor hopes of finding their own individual miracles in Lagos.
Nigeria’s blustery Minister of Education, Chief Remi Sandayo, goes rogue absconding with ten million U.S. dollars from the government upon getting tipped off re: his imminent dismissal. Before fleeing the country, he fatefully returns to his long-abandoned underground hideout. An indignant Sandayo finds himself held captive by Chike’s group, who have been squatting there. Inspired by Chike’s compassion, the friends use Sandayo’s illicit stash to discreetly fund school repairs that the government has neglected for years. Even the self-important Sandayo admires their seemingly naïve altruism, regardless of his own ulterior agenda.
Idealistic newspaper publisher Ahmed Bakare helps publicize Sandayo’s sensational accounts of high-level political corruption. With his life suddenly imperiled, Bakare relocates to England to discreetly continue his Sandayo crusade. Once the corruption exposé goes public, Chike’s circle faces unexpected consequences, for better or worse.
REVIEW:
Penning a poignant trio of intersecting storylines tinged with romance and humor, author Chibundu Onuzo delivers an absorbing tale. Though the characters’ evolution is the novel’s best asset, it’s the conniving Chief Remi Sandayo who delivers the most absorbing revelation. One could easily visualize actor James Earl Jones in the role of a bombastic Sandayo, who might yet rediscover his own conscience, depending upon the dire circumstances. Sandayo’s chemistry with Chike and his companions (similar to that of a boorish father-in-law) further enhances the depth of this well-played drama. For its vast majority, Onuzo satisfyingly builds her story through sixty-nine short chapters that cross over the finish line into a satisfying epilogue. Yet, the author still leaves enough ambiguous loose threads that could possibly inspire a sequel.
Even if this novel is a slow read (i.e. grasping the context of various Nigerian dialects that Onuzo briefly uses), Welcome to Lagos is ultimately a rewarding journey to take.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
The author provides three pages of acknowledgements.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 9 Stars
