In The Return of Half Something, it’s a look beyond culture
25 October 2018 |
4:15 am
It is no longer news that Nigerians are rated among the best wherever they are found all over world. They are known to excel academically and professionally.
It is no longer news that Nigerians are rated among the best wherever they are found all over world. They are known to excel academically and professionally. Beyond that, their resilience, hardwork and doggedness always distinguish them from people of other colours and race.
Unfortunately, only an inconspicuous number of them consider it necessary to bring their expertise and professionalism to bear in the development of their country of origin. This scenario as well as the challenges and opportunities surrounding inter-cultural and inter-sectorial marriage form the thrust of architect Chukwudei Eze’s literary narrative.
It is an interesting piece that captures several mundane issues of love, racial discrimination and betrayal. In all these, however, the ability to withstand forces of oppression drives the book to a logical conclusion.
The 22-chapter, 304-page novel is divided into two parts. While the first has 10 chapters, the second part has 12. Yet, each of the chapters follows a seamless but suspense-filled sequence.
Though, this is the first literary work of the author, he lshows creativity in diction, plot as well as setting.
From New York City, where Emmanuel was born, the author, through his master craftsmanship; weaves his plot successfully down to a fictitious community of Umuati in Eastern part of Nigeria.
In this first part, the author attempts at boosting the morale of Nigerians in the Diaspora, who are facing racial discrimination in their countries of residence.
This confidence is captured in the interaction between Emmanuel and his father, Uchechi, at the expository part of the book. The young man has been described as a merboy, half-caste, half-breed and half-something by his peers for coming from a family of an African father and a White mother. But his father is able to rebuild his confidence by assuring him that he is doubly blessed.
“They are jealous because you are doubly blessed – richly White and richly Black. They are the past and you are the future. So, you should always be proud of who you are.”
Empowered by this piece of knowledge, Emmanuel can no longer be restricted or constrained by race or colour when he approaches a conservative Jewish lady, Rebecca.
The same part one takes the reader through the phases of ordeal and intrigues Emmanuel has to go through because of Rebecca.
The author uses proverbs, humour, wit as well various figures of speech to sustain the passion of the reader.
One of such instances is the first encounter between Emmanuel and Rebecca. Having tried in vain to get a response from the lady without success, Emmanuel has said: “In any case, I am glad to meet you. I am grateful that you have spoken to me so loudly in the language of silence.”
Another powerful tool engaged by the author to push his story is that of description. In most cases, his detailed description of individuals, place or thing collapses the imaginary wall and puts the reader directly in the place of the author.
On page 8 of chapter one, he describes Professor Tim Carnet as a man of medium height, in his late 50s, nearly baldhead, and with a ring of silver-flecked hair, looking like a boiled egg in a nest.
The novel simply tells a story of a man, Mr. Uchechi, who travelled to New York through scholarship. But there was a prediction that he would have a son, who will return to Africa to transform his community. The penalty for failure to adhere to this instruction is death. This prediction however falls on Emmanuel, a First Class lawyer son of Uchechi.
The second part of the book reveals how Emmanuel marries the Jewish lady, Rebecca. The reader is also taken through the thought-provoking, emotional but highly celebrated journey that takes Emmanuel back to his village, not only as a transformer but an eventual king.
The title of the book, The Return of Half Something is the metaphor for the coming back Emmanuel described differently by differently people, including his own people.
Another strong character in the book is Anna, a cousin and great confidant of Emmanuel. With her by his side, he is able to surmount most of his problems.
She uses her connection to secure employment for Emmanuel in an organisation owned by Rebecca’s father, setting the stage for the historic love affair that destroys racial and cultural barriers.
After his marriage, Emmanuel learns of the devastation of his community by oil giants through an international media programme, and as a lawyer, he files legal action against the company, wins the case and uses the compensation paid by the company for developmental projects in his community.
In recognition of his efforts, Emmanuel is crowned king following the demise of the regent.
The author stated that he threw up the issue of inter-sectorial, inter-religious and inter-cultural marriage in the book because that is the reality of the moment.
Although Emmanuel’s father did not succeed in taking him to the village, he ensures that he understands Igbo language, which eventually becomes a source of identity and unity with his people.
The author therefore uses the book to further admonish parents to teach their children native languages.
The book is beautifully edited, neatly printed and appealing to the eyes. The cover bears witness to the dual settings of the book, New York symbol and a typical Nigerian village setting.
Chukwudi Eze is an architect and a multiple award winner, both in architectural designs and literary works. His book, The Return of Half Something has been nominated for ANA 2018 Literary Prize.
He is influenced by Chinua Achebe, Professor Wole Soyinka Odia Ofeimun, who he said, encouraged him in building his literary career.
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