BOOK REVIEW: CHASING FACADES BY ELIZABETH OLUSHOLA ADEOLU




The saying "never say never" resonated strongly with me while reading this book. I must admit. I definitely was a bit hesitant in reading this book majorly because I was skeptical about the content of a Nigerian crime book. Seeing that I have barely read a book in this genre written by a Nigerian or an African.


Blame it on my earliest not-so-pleasant experiences of Nigerian crime movies courtesy of African magic. One time, the "detectives" stormed in shouting "FBI, freeze!" .

Really?


Elizabeth Olushola Adeola in her debut novel chasing facades uses suspense, intrigue and romance to address crime, rage and hunger for justice in a rather simplistic tone.


Published in Nigeria in 2014 by Kachifo Limited under its Farafina breeze imprint. Chasing facades is a good read.


Set in Nigeria, the 319-pages book centers around a young rising detective Tayo Dabi at the only detective agency in the country. The book takes us through the journey as detective Tayo Dabi tries unraveling the mystery around the assassinations of Lawrence Gbade one of the city's wealthiest contractors and Danladi his gate man amongst other high profile cases.


The author walks us through the personal life and conflicted feelings of Ms. Dabi. The disapproval of family and friends of her choice of career and murder of her only brother
 
  "...you just want to get yourself killed for nothing. You have a degree for goodness'sake..." [45] 


The author also touches discrimination, injustice, corruption, absence of law and order and cry for justice.

 
  "the strike is still on... Government is not ready to increase the lecturers' salaries yet" [4] 

  "the driver was an old man, so you would think he would have more sense, instead he started forming a fifth lane" [79] 

 "... One even called me a yeye albino, he said if he had his way he would use me for rituals." [ 80] 

 "viola. LEA referred to government-owned primary schools... I wondered If Rita. Gbade's youngest, attended the same school... " [57] 


Howbeit the setting of the book in sonowea state, Nigeria was a little strange and confusing as references were made to other parts of Nigeria like Lagos, Abuja and Osun. I worried for reader's not quite conversant with Nigeria. This is misleading as readers may think that a state like "sonowea" really exists.


Asides a minor typographical error on page 122 where Dabi was used in place of Kemi. Generally the layout and outlook of the book is good. It's simplistic and use of everyday phrases makes this book relatable to anyone.


And oh! It's ending! Perfect! I will definitely be reading more from this author.


This book can be purchased on www.rhbooks.com.ng Or via their social media platforms @rovingheights.

Love and kisses,
Esther Ibia.





Comments

  1. ElvisOctober 09, 2017 4:30 pm

    A Nigerian crime novel? I'd definitely be giving this one a look

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. UnknownOctober 13, 2017 9:42 am

      Hey Ume, thank you for reading. You should, it's definitely worth it.

      Delete

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