For a novel set in Nigeria, during the military era (early eighties precisely), Ogadinma or everything will be alright by Ukamaka Olisakwe tells a tale woven through the fabric of time. A tale though old as time, seems to be a reoccurring phenomenon in our present day society. A tale of long suffering and endurance. A tale of a woman's journey to Independence.   Through the eyes of Ogadinma, the protagonist, Olisakwe masterfully portrays a typical African society, characterized by patriarchy, feminine subjection, and revolt. Employing an omniscient narrative voice, she sheds light on the various plights experienced by women in African societies, particularly those who are married.   One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its skillful use of imagery and figurative devices, which vividly brings the world of Ogadinma to life. The character development and tone are also noteworthy.   While readers who appreciate feminist literature will undoubtedly enjoy this book, some may find the plot development to be a minor shortcoming. In my opinion, the plot feels somewhat haphazardly constructed. Nevertheless, Ogadinma is a worthwhile read.   Unfortunately, the tale told in this novel may continue to reoccur in our society. However, as the title suggests, we can only hope that  ogadinma – everything will be alright. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature and the experiences of African women.

You sat at a corner, where you wouldn't be noticed but from where you could see everyone who steps into the restaurant. You were on a date or rather was supposed to be on a date with your boyfriend whom have been acting awkward lately. He had suddenly turned blind and deaf; "I didn't hear my phone ring, I must have left my phone on silent", "I didn't see your chats or calls earlier", "I had dozed off after a stressful day at work". Most importantly he has been busier than an ant lately; "please babe can I call you back, I'm kinda busy with work " a call you would wait for till you decide to call back.     You sat there calmly and waited for him as the golden rays of the harmattan sun crept behind the blanket of clouds, certain he would come, but not because he fixed a date with you rather, because he fixed a date with Precious, whom in his words is more precious than gold. Precious happened to be a girl of exceptional black beauty, with a pair of dark brown eyes that compliments her skin and a full lower lip which looks succulent. Sooner than expected, he arrived, looking good in his black senators, the exact one he wore during your first date, you were certain he was wearing "chocolate musk" a scent which compliments his looks. He looks around in search of Precious but couldn't find her. He brought out his phone and dailed a number. Almost immediately, you phone, a Samsung Galaxy A33 began to buzz on the table. 'arrggh, shit' you cursed as you made to stop the phone from ringing out. For a split second you forgot, your mission as Precious while you drolled over your cheating ass of a boyfriend.   Some seconds after the phone had stopped ringing, you called your boyfriend, not as Precious but as Naya. He ended the call and texted you instead "I'm busy at work babe, would call you when I get home". He sure was busy, you could tell; as he scanned the restaurant for Precious, his nonexistent new lover whom he had sent not less than ₦50,000 on different occasions, while telling you that he is currently broke and can't afford to get you the capital you need for your wig business due to his investments in crypto. You only called to remind him of your one year relationship anniversary, which was that fateful day . Too sad it all has to end on the same day it started.You make up your mind that he's longer deserving of your love and promise to no longer put effort and let the relationship sink like the Titanic.   Scrolling through your phone, you placed order for your wigs, you wouldn't be needing a shop for now, you could sell online. Plus you have your mannequins and ring light. Next, you text him as Precious; " Hi dear, I'm sorry I won't be able to make it, I'm having really painful cramps." You ended the text with just enough crying emojis to make the message real. Few moments later, you raise your head up to see him leaving the restaurant, wearing a face of one who has been defeated. You sent another text still apologizing, to which he replied; "no prob. How are you? Sorry for the cramps... Here's a little something for a period package". Soon enough your phone beeped. You couldn't help but smile to your self as you look at the credit alert.   Making your way to the counter, you placed your order. A plate of jellof rice with turkey and chilled hollandia yogurt should do. "Hey" came a baritone voice that sent chills down your spine. Turning left, your eyes meet the most beautiful set of brown eyes you have ever seen, even contact lens can't be that beautiful, you could swear. Smiling, you returned the greeting. He offered to be keep you company and to pay for your order. Offers which you turned down, because, just like your boyfriend, now ex, he's too good looking to be loyal. Petty reason, yes. But you don't seem to care after all. 

Title of book: How to kill men and get away with it  Author: Katy Brent  Genre: Crime fiction  "Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned"; they say.... Well, I'd say, Kitty's fury was way hotter than hell...    How to kill men and get away with it, is a novel which true to it's name tells the tale of Kitty Collins a wealthy Instagram influencer who due to her past experiences developed an uncanny hatred for men, which eventually lead to the painful yet deserving demise of most male characters in the novel. Though her first kill was an accident, Kitty was more like a Superhero with the right motive but the wrong approach. Having her list of whom to kill and whom not to kill and her resources for a smooth kill with no trace back to her at her finger tips, she could care less as she embarks on a mission to rid the world of bad men.   Having it's setting in the 21st century London, and exploring mainly the themes of; Crime, death and relationships, I'd say, the novel is rather ironical, as the main character, Kitty though her countless slaughters of men literally, happens to be a vegan. Also the fact that Kitty was being stalked by a mysterious creep who eventually turned out to be one of her close friends, whom later got unalived by her is another ironical and mysterious fact.   The plot, filled with suspense and the characters, well developed, are all in check. So is the tone. Brent employed the first person narrative skillfully too I must say. Nothing beats an intriguing story with a mysterious title, and Katy Brent sure did a good job with that. I recommend this for lovers of dark humor, crime fictions and psychological thrillers. It's a 5/5 minus nothing for me.     Should you want to unalive some men, here's your manual... Beware of a bloody read!!!        

You sat there staring at his well chiseled abs as he lay bear chest on his couch. He is what you'd describe as a fairly good looking man; dark skin, tall, a charming jaw line,broad chest, a facial hair which could be likened to that of Daniel Dravot in the film"the man who would be king" and a bald head which oddly compliments his looks. Fairly good looking but not your kind of man, you love your men light skin, not so tall but of a reasonable height and certainly not bald.   Sitting pretty, and wearing a black evening dress,with matching platforms you were certain you had dressed to suit the evening's event. Listening to his heart beat, you sighed in relief certain the drugs were carrying out their duties just well. You had just put enough Valium in his drink to leave him breathless.     You were just bringing to reality the words he utters whenever he sees you "you leave me breathless" at least he could say those words now being so sure that they are true, not too big a deal...   Moving to the mini bar, you pour yourself a glass of wine and toast to your freedom as there would be no one to forcefully take you and still give you pills or make you go through pains to flush out the evidence when it threatens to come up. A prison you have been in since the skin at your chest region began to protrude.    Yes he was supposed to be your big brother, or least what your mom had said when you had first moved in because your mom had married his father. But he saw you as a sex toy with no value rather than as a sister...   Checking his heart beat again, you smiled with satisfaction, before arranging the murder scene to look innocent, and dialing your mom's number to inform her of the unfortunate situation.

They say there are five stages of grief... And permit me to say, Nwabineli creatively painted each stage in black and white.   Someday maybe recounts the story of a young British-Nigerian widow, Eve. Her husband had left without a bye, leaving her to bear the burden and void which his absence had created. One could refer to the protagonist as grief personified as she takes us through the bitter sweet journey; "grief."    Nwabineli skillfully narrates each stage of the protagonist's grief in detail, using the first person narrative whilst alternating between present and past.The themes explored by the novel, includes; grief, identity and family. The primary setting of the novel is the UK(United Kingdoms) during the contemporary period. The novel also had other settings like the contemporary Nigeria. One can say that the setting of this novel was influenced by the writer's background as she is happens to be a Nigerian British writer.   The characters are well developed, so is the plot as Nwabineli smoothly weaves words in details to express grief and resonate with reality. Every literary device used in the novel were in check.   Another big plus to contemporary africa literature. More so, should you fancy books that discuss psychological aspects of life, this novel should be a hit for you.    "Nobody tells you that to grieve is to shoulder the expectations of others. The requirement is that you mourn in silence, cloak yourself in dignity and make others comfortable. I do not know how. Therefore I grieve out loud."   "To grieve is to frighten the people you love."   Leaving us with the above quotes from the novel, I would say to all who grief, it's ok to grief, to cry, but know when to accept reality and move on... There's more to life, so live.   Meanwhile, get your tissues not your popcorns... It's a 5/5 for me.