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, 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, 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, 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
-
Books
CSS FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE JSS2 – By Jubril Imam, Adeniyi Akangbe, Ayo Ogunsiji, Osarobu Igudia, Kelechi Amarachi, & Olaosun Ibrahim)
BooksCSS FUNCTIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE JSS2 – By Jubril Imam, Adeniyi Akangbe, Ayo Ogunsiji, Osarobu Igudia, Kelechi Amarachi, & Olaosun Ibrahim)
Seller: CssbookshopThis is a series written by renowned authors and it is curriculum
compliant. It encompasses all aspects of English language;
Comprehension, Grammar, Speech, Vocabulary, Writing, and Literature. In
order to make Css Functional English Language more comprehensive, the
topics have been thoroughly revised and the illustrations are life
related and colourful. It is divided intoSKU: n/a -
Books, Children
Jasmine Responsibility- The Chocolate Factory
Seller: Buy Books LtdI hate going around with these red spots on my face. But I love chocolate. “What does one have to do with the other?” you may ask. Well, if I’m the subject, then unfortunately these two are connected.I hate going around with these red spots on my face. But I love chocolate. “What does one have to do with the other?” you may ask. Well, if I’m the subject, then unfortunately these two are connected.
SKU: n/a -
Decorative Cushions, Home & Living, Home Decor, Rugs & Mats
Hausa Handmade Leather Mat and Pouf
Seller: kakakee Shop- Handmade Hausa Leather Pouf and Mat
- Authentically handcrafted
- Comes with three poufs of different sizes and a leather mat
- Diameter: Approximately 68 inches
- Suitable as a decorative item in the living room, bedroom or lounge
SKU: n/a -
Body Care, Health & Beauty, Natural Products, Skincare
SUMMER GLOW SOAP
Seller: Leemah LuxurySummer glow soap is formulated using the best quality oils and plant extracts to mildly brighten the complexion, get rid of discoloration, heal damaged skin, gradually fade dark spots and glow the skin. It is non drying as it contains adequate amount of oil to ensure your skin is left feeling clean, soft and moisturized after use.
Size – 250g
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Literature
Conversations with Myself By Nelson Mandela
Seller: GrammyBooksNelson Mandela is widely considered to be one of the most inspiring and iconic figures of our age. Now, after a lifetime of taking pen to paper to record thoughts and events, hardships and victories, these precious and previously private documents have been gathered together into one incredible volume that offers an unprecedented insight into his life.
SKU: n/a -
Books, Books & Games, Language
Yoruba Studies Review
Seller: GrammyBooksThe Yoruba Studies Review is a refereed biannual journal dedicated to the study of the experience of the Yoruba peoples and their descendants globally. The journal covers all aspects of the Yoruba transnational, national, and regional presence, both in their West African homeland and in diasporic spaces, past and present. The journal embraces all disciplines in the humanities, social sciences, and the basic/applied sciences in as much as the focus is on the Yoruba affairs and the intersections with other communities and practices worldwide.
SKU: n/a -
-
Books, Books & Games, Literature
Omoluwabi By Adewale Ajadi
Seller: GrammyBooksThis is an intriguing and versatile effort to bring together authentic African ideas and approaches to change and transformation. It is a welcome contribution to a growing discourse, bringing together personal and communal narratives into a compelling reflection on leadership, change and transformation.
SKU: n/a
There are no reviews yet.