Dialogue with my Country By Niyi Osundare
$10.00
Niyi Osundare’s poetry, as exemplified in this volume, portrays the realism of a keen and critical intelligence.
Dialogue With My Country, Niyi Osundare’s latest book, which is a compilation of articles written under his 24-year-old column in Newswatch, makes a debut
Niyi Osundare, poet, writer and professor of English, is an angry man. Last week, many who gathered at the presentation of his book titled: Dialogue With My Country, caught a glimpse of his feeling of anger which emitted from the pages of the compilation of his column in Newswatch magazine. For 24 years through the magazine, Osundare had used the pen as a dagger to disembowel the high and the mighty in the society.
Keith Richards, managing director of Promasidor, who reviewed the book, aptly captured Osundare’s anger in his review. “While this is a collection that contains both wit and wisdom, it is fundamentally an angry book. The quiet rage may be contained in a wrapper of humour and softened by the style and pedigree of his prose but Osundare is true to his belief that the basis of all art is justice.”
According to Richards, not only were the issues raised in the column relevant today, but they were also prescient. When Osundare’s column criticised the Structural Adjustment Programme, SAP, of the time, he didn’t envisage that to date Nigerians would still be talking about the seven-point agenda and though he decried the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, the Power Holding Company Nigeria, PHCN, is still a problem. He had written against campuses emptied by cultism in the past, yet today, they are laid to waste by Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU. In March 1993, he wrote surely, Nigeria’s democratic experimentation must be the most expensive in the world. He probably had not imagined that today the cost of the legislature would be colossal. “It is no wonder that the satire and ridicule that appealed to Newswatch readers originally should be so contemporary till this very moment. It is no wonder that Osundare’s wit and humour, his passion and connection barely disguise his anger and frustration,” Richards said.
Richards said the book is a must read for those who want to know more about Nigeria. For one, it prompted memories and sometimes a bitter smile of reminiscence for older Nigerians. For younger Nigerians, especially those educated abroad who are disappointed with the economic situation in the country today, it facilitates a greater understanding of those with a touch of grey hair. For expatriates ready to learn more of the background to the frustrations and anger felt by those who thought that this democracy would be the realisation of years of hope, it provides insight.
Dan Agbese, editor-in-chief of Newswatch magazine couldn’t agree more. Agbese, who was the moderator at the book presentation, had also edited Osundare’s column for the past 24 years and attested that the writer was indeed filled with a unique kind of rage that was surrounded with a bout of humour. “To me, he projects two charming personae. As a man, he is humorous but when he sits before his word processor, all traces of humour and laughter vanish because as a writer and social commentator, he is an angry man. Angry at a country that promises so much, yet delivers so little. Angry at our leaders, in khaki or agbada, for failing us and making a career and fortunes from our misfortunes,” he said.
Agbese said the title of the book: Dialogue with My Country is like a cruel pun on the word ‘dialogue’ because columnists in Nigeria always seemed to be talking to themselves. Agbese believes that Osundare’s choice of the book title was meant to be understood as a dialogue of the deaf because though Osundare had been talking for 24 years, nobody has been listening.
Based on 0 reviews
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
General Inquiries
There are no inquiries yet.
You may also like…
-
Books, Children
A Lesson for Grandpa
Seller: Buy Books LtdA Lesson for Grandpa is the account of a little called Ada whose Grandpa sent his tenants out of his building for a selfish reason. Another set of tenants were brought into without knowing much about them. Who are these tenants? What happens to Grandpa at the end? the answer to these questions and more are in the books
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Literature
The Illustrated Things Fall Apart
Seller: GrammyBooksThis special, large-format, lavishly-illustrated edition of Things Fall Apart, ‘Africa’s best loved novel’, is a timely tribute to ‘the father of modern African Literature’. It is published to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of a book now considered a classic of African and World Literature. This edition uniquely blends the enduring simplicity of Achebe’s tale with the creative visual talents of some of Nigeria’s best and bright contemporary artists. The result is a book that will appeal to lovers of African Literature and Art the world over. A treasured testament to the art of story-tellling, Things Fall Apart Illustrated is bound to become a collector’s item.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Language
The Forest of a Thousand Daemons By D. O. Fagunwa Translated by Wole Soyinka
Books, Books & Games, LanguageThe Forest of a Thousand Daemons By D. O. Fagunwa Translated by Wole Soyinka
Seller: GrammyBooksThis book is a free translation of the Chief D. O. Fagunwa’s novel, Ogboju Ode Ninu Igbo Irunmale, the most famous of all works of Yoruba fiction. It is the pilgrimage of the Yoruba race and its themes are universal: the quest for lasting happiness and peace of mind and the hazards this entails Wole Soyinka has put this novel at the disposal of a wider reading public by translating it into English. He is a leading national playwright, novelist and poet. His works include Season of Anomy also in this series.
SKU: n/a
Recently Viewed Product
-
Men's Fashion, Suit & Blazers
Dej Golden Brown Wool-Blend Double Breasted Suit
Seller: Dej Fashion CompanyGolden Brown Wool Blend Double Breasted Suit
Jacket: Peak lapels, felted undercollar, non-functioning buttoned cuffs, chest welt pocket, three front flap pockets, single vent, three internal pockets, fully lined
Trousers: belt loops, five pockets, pressed creases, unfinished hems, partially lined
Two button jacks; hook and zip-fastening trousers
100% wool; lining1: 100% cupro; lining2: 100% viscose; lining3: 100% cotton
Slim fits.
Those who are in between sizes should go up to the nearest size
Slim cut blazer, and tailored to be fitted
Slim cut, mid-rise trousers with unfinished hemsSKU: n/a -
-
Men's Fashion, Trad wears
Native Wear For Men Primo -NT22
Seller: kakakee ShopThis outfit speaks class and quality. This is for the big boys and can suit any occasion, be it a religious gathering or a wedding. It can also stand you out in that office meeting that allows you to wear a traditional wear. Don’t miss this opportunity to add class to your wardrobe.
KEY FEATURES- Press buttons on front placket of top
- Will require a cuff links to wear
- Hook, zipper, and rope on trousers
- Trousers is free length, will require folding to your required length.
WHAT IN THE BOX- 1 piece of native top
- 1 pair of joggers trousers.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Literature
MOONGLOW and Other Poems By Christopher Okigbo
Seller: GrammyBooks“…He was not only the finest poet of his generation but I believe that as his work becomes better and more widely known in the world he will also be recognised as one of the most remarkable anywhere in our time…”
– Chinua Achebe“I am an Okigbo evangelist… Christopher Okigbo is a great poet whose lines everybody should know by heart. They are tremendously beautiful.”
Celebrated writer and winner of the Booker Prize for Fiction.- Ben Okri“Steeped alike in Western Modernist aesthetics andmyth -making traditions of his Igbo background, he fused worlds with an assurance that married lyric and epic, audacity and grace. This collection… will remind existing readers of Okigbo’s prowess and dazzle new ones.”
Literary editor of The Independent and former judge of the Booker Prize, and Commonwealth Prize.-Boyd TonkinSKU: n/a -
Games
Gidi Words Board Game
Seller: NIBCARD LimitedMeet Gidi Words.
Gidi Words is a card game that tests the knowledge of Nigerian pop culture and range of words. It is played by two teams who earn points by guessing the subject without using the forbidden words.
Age: 13+
No of players: 4 – 10
Time (average): 20mins
Year of Publish: 2019
Designer: Testudo
Publisher: TestudoSKU: n/a -
Decorative Cushions, Home & Living, Home Decor, Rugs & Mats
Hausa Ottoman Leather Poufs (3 pairs)
Seller: kakakee Shop- Handmade Hausa Leather Pouf (comes in three pairs)
- Authentically handcrafted
- Comes with three poufs of different sizes (two round shapes and one rectangle)
- Does not come with the inside filling
- Diameter: Approximately 18 inches
- Suitable as a decorative item in the living room, bedroom or lounge
SKU: n/a -
DIY, Craft Supplies & Outdoors, Furniture, Home & Living, Outdoor
Eleganza Goodluck Chair
Seller: Lawson OnlineDescription:
High quality plastic chair, tested and durable. This chairs are so attractive they can be used in Schools, Offices, Gardens, for Parties, Patio....just about anywhere. They just blend in and have a colour that matches any decor or background.
Key Features
Weather Proof Plastic
Easy To Wash
Durable and strongSKU: n/a -
Art, Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Craft, DIY, Craft Supplies & Outdoors, Memorabilia
Painted handcrafted calabash bowl
Art, Art & Collectibles, Collectibles, Craft, DIY, Craft Supplies & Outdoors, MemorabiliaPainted handcrafted calabash bowl
Seller: kakakee ShopThis calabash has some local handcrafted art design on it and is supply in two’s.
It can be used for a number of things such as collectable, memorabilia and for drinking, eating and so on.
It is a 100% natural product
Ships from Nigeria
SKU: n/a -
There are no reviews yet.