RUSTLE IN THE WIND by Nneonyeodiri(Nne) Ukoha
Book: RUSTLE IN THE WIND-Collection of short stories
Author: Nneonyeodiri (Nee). O. Ukoha
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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