THE MADNESS OF DIDI. By Obi B. Egbuna
If one had the power to recommend certain books as compulsory reading in African schools and Colleges, this novel will surely be one of them The book touches on topics which will always be of historical and sociological interest to Africans: like slavery, colonialism, neo colonialism, brain washing, colonial mentality et al. The flashbacks are often stunning and illuminating, including action in the rural areas. One often gets the impression of a laid back, sedate essence; but convincing for all that. The story is very powerful ... the protagonist in Africa now, but with an enigmatic past. There are speculations about his persona inevitably, but his humanity is not in doubt. Later on we learn about the "terrible" things he did overseas, but even such is subjective.... Under the circumstances, the plight of Didi seems to be of secondary importance, but the twists and turns do culminate in stunning revelations later in this work. As critic P. Lechesa has suggested: "Never...