By Femi Melefa
A Review
There is always the need to relive experiences. The value of this lies in the lessons and inspiration that are derivable for life and living. Memories and Imprints is a fascinating and intriguing autobiographical recreation of the curves and perimeters of the life of the author. In this stimulating archive of the events around this enigmatically configured life of the author, the reader is brought into the crucibles of authentic and cinematographic portrayal of the bits and pieces of the humble beginnings and other stages of life of the author. Following the well-established tradition of the Caribbean magical realism, this memoir reveals the base elements of the abject poverty and deprivation that characterised the rural origin of the writer. Weaved in the narrative mode, the book portrays all essential and minute details of the life of the writer, with illumination cast on the various dimensions and the curves of what has become an exciting and translucent life.
The book not only shed light on the humble beginnings of the author, it also pulps up a ray of light for readers from all spectrums of life and origin. The value of this book is not just in the exhilaration of reading it, but in drawing from the ray of light that it sheds on the thick brambles that poverty and lack have layered on the path of many Nigerians from the rural parts of the country. From the recollections presented in this book, it is evident that the author is drawing the readers into the stark realities and booby trap that rural poverty has set for individuals from such terrains. Of course, the author’s fortuitous escape routes are well articulated for the reader who is poised to churn out life’s lessons that are well embodied in this well written piece. In terms of structure, this elegantly printed 451 paged book comprises two main parts, which are structured into 20 chapters.
Each chapter contains a unique dimension of the composite trajectories of the life and genealogical roots of the writer. Each chapter x-rays the various layers of the life of the writer and the trajectories he had to traverse before ascending this significant seventh floor of life. Chapter One to 19 present a factual recollection of the various dimensions of the life of the author. Specifically, chapter one and two present a kaleidoscopic account of the family and village of origin of the writer. This presentation is significantly reminiscent of the lowliness of the inception and rural beginnings of the writer. These chapters also capture the ethical and ontological values that ensured social harmony and serenity during the tender years of the life of the author. Chapter three, four, and five opens the reader to the various stages of the writer’s pursuit of education and the various stages of ploughing back what has been acquired. In chapter seven, the writer shows the reader his bourgeoning by breaking the limitations of rural entrapments to advancement with education at the premiere University, University of Ibadan.
The same University he recollected returning to for a higher degree in chapter nine. The events recollected in chapter 12 are quite significant as they hinge on his love life and marriage. The highlight of this book is contained in chapter 20, which captures reflections on the writer. You will read first-hand accounts of the writer’s biological children on their father. The renditions contained herein are quite stimulating and a factual account of the writer’s disposition and large-heartedness to his children and his world. Overall, the language of this piece is richly prosaic and well textured, and as such creates effective navigation routes and access for even the average reader. Therefore, this book is an essential historical resource asset for all categories of readers. Without mincing words, therefore, I submit that this book is unarguably a radiance of sophisticated artistry, creative effulgence, which is weaved in an elegant language to serve as a critical reference material and a historical artefact for many generations to come. So, by this book, the writer has provided generations to come with the window to be able to explore his life from the point when it was extremely humble to the point that it blossomed to become a beacon of hope and worthwhile model for others.
Of course, this is the core thrust of memoirs, which is to invite readers to reflect upon the past, the present and to gain a clear vision for tomorrow. I, therefore, recommend this interesting and accessible book as must-read for all, since the recollections therein are factual and indeed thought-provoking.
Dr Omotosho Moses Melefa
Department of English and Literary Studies, UNN