THE EQUATORIAL ASSIGNMENT. By David G. Maillu



Time was when teeming readers across Africa rushed out on a weekly basis (at worst) to buy new  books, thrillers included, written by African writers.  In Ghana for example, Asare Konadu's books were read by many people, popular works so many people could identify with. 

In Nigeria readers were almost spoilt for choice, in respect of exciting local books. Avid readers of yore still reminisce on the books of Naiwu Osahon, especially when Sex is a Nigger was published, and his The Climate of Darkness. Proliferating readers were also only too anxious to get their hands on the latest works by Kalu Okpi, Louis Omotayo Johnson, Victor Thorpe...

In east Africa, in this vein David G Maillu has been a popular author for many decades.  His books appealed to so many people). The Equatorial Assignment  is perhaps his most popular early work. The book both shocked and entertained thousands of readers 

Indeed the work  has many ingredients that make it quite  readable. Benni Kamba the secret agent is in action with twists and turns. It has been pointed out that he is an "African James Bond" as there are echoes of the fictional Bond of the Ian Fleming novels, and films. Benni is "009" himself, and tackles a larger than life, grandiose adversary, Dr Thunder. Tlwe have glamorous women, and humour.

And of course Benni endangers his life many times along the line. In modern times this might remind readers of the Bond character on screen who often says: "On a mission, I'm expected to sacrifice myself"!


Time was when teeming readers across Africa rushed out on a weekly basis (at worst) to buy new  books, thrillers included, written by African writers.  In Ghana for example, Asare Konadu's books were read by many people, popular works so many people could identify with. 

In Nigeria readers were almost spoilt for choice, in respect of exciting local books. Avid readers of yore still reminisce on the books of Naiwu Osahon, especially when Sex is a Nigger was published, and his The Climate of Darkness. Proliferating readers were also only too anxious to get their hands on the latest works by Kalu Okpi, Louis Omotayo Johnson, Victor Thorpe...

In east Africa, in this vein David G Maillu has been a popular author for many decades.  His books appealed to so many people). The Equatorial Assignment  is perhaps his most popular early work. The book both shocked and entertained thousands of readers 

Indeed the work  has many ingredients that make it quite  readable. Benni Kamba the secret agent is in action with twists and turns. It has been pointed out that he is an "African James Bond" as there are echoes of the fictional Bond of the Ian Fleming novels, and films. Benni is "009" himself, and tackles a larger than life, grandiose adversary, Dr Thunder. Tlwe have glamorous women, and humour.

And of course Benni endangers his life many times along the line. In modern times this might remind readers of the Bond character on screen who often says: "On a mission, I'm expected to sacrifice myself"!

Comments

  1. Eric15 June 2020 at 05:13

    Fine work by pa Maillu; what a great, prolific writer!

    ReplyDelete
  2. PAUL LOTHANE16 June 2020 at 00:27

    Great Imagination and Talent, Sir Maillu. What pleasure from his books over the years

    ReplyDelete

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