RUSTLE IN THE WIND by Nneonyeodiri(Nne) Ukoha

Book:   RUSTLE IN THE WIND-Collection of short stories
Author: Nneonyeodiri (Nee). O. Ukoha
Online purchase @ www.Spectrumbooksonline.com
We have plethora of wars in the world today as has been from the beginning of time. The Nigeria/Biafran Civil war was no different-an obnoxious, evil and cancerous machination of some ego tripping men. Historians, and writers in general from both divide, particularly, the victors, often paint romantic and glowing documentation of wars as theatrical platform showcasing bravery, dexterity, endurance, will-power, etc. And though they also sometimes touch on people’s sufferings, this is often done by ways of a people in distress slant; a generalisation that overshadows the realities of the individuals as stand-alone person or family in pains.
But the pains, horrors and anguish families and individuals go through in warfare are real and Nne in this book, ‘Rustle in the Wind,’ unwraps such realities and absurdities strikingly. Her work brings to life, how poorly defended and vulnerable women and children are to draconic traditional and customary system and  in times of conflicts. The book, in four stories offers glimpses into the difficulties, poverty and drudgery of village life for children born in the city; the aggravation, agony and pains of a mother compelled to let her male child be conscripted to face probable death in wartime; the frustration and loneliness that comes with attempting to live to the expectation of a preceding hero and, the malevolence of jealousy, envy, resentment or suspicion. In a plainly simple and straight forward language, Nne offers her readers thought provoking stories that can each stand extracted alone as self-contained life drama.
The editing was pretty good. There were just few minor typos that jarred my concentration, but the simple straightforward narrative, reportage style carried me on till the end. And, like every very good, well thought out and masterly told stories, very short; just when I’m tucked in, beginning to really enjoy the stories, it ends!

Excerpt

‘A few days after commissioner Mgba died, Chief Ituma and uncle Ben arrived (to) inform (the deceased’s wife) Orie that his family had arranged to claim their brother’s gratuity and other entitlements from the police establishment. He told her that arrangements had also been made to evacuate their brother’s properties, which included her and her children to the village.
Adaku looked up to her mother’s face. The moonlight radiated love and concern. Adaku shifted her stool nearer to her mother. She placed her hand on her mother’s lap and leaned towards her.’
“Mama, what is it?”
“Adaku my daughter, you know it is not an easy world at all.”
“No mama, it is a tough rough world.”
“It is not everything we desire in this life that we get.”
“Yes mama.”
“Sometimes we have to sacrifice something to reach our goal. It seems like you may at last go to secondary school.”
‘Adaku smile.’ “I will love to, mama, but how? What are you trying to say?”
“Adaku, my daughter, don’t you like Chief Mba?”
“Mama, why do you ask?”
“You can marry him, you know.”
‘Adaku quickly withdrew her hand from her mother’s lap. She sat up stiff on her stool.’ “Mama, you don’t mean what you’ve just said, do you?”
“Adaku, I know you are just a child. You may not understand now, but one day you will...’

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