Wilderness of Chaos, a satirical thriller by Kayode Akinropo, a Nigerian writer in the United Kingdom, well-known for blending satire with political, social and economic insights, laughs on the edge of the knife
By Sylvester Asoya
Most writers are undivided in their belief that literature in troubled times, must serve as a voice of truth, mobilisation, reason and resistance. But literature should also bear witness, criticise injustice, fight for the common good, bring people together, demand good governance, preserve memory, give voice to the oppressed, and inspire reflection, faith and hope.
Kayode Akinropo, the writer under focus here, stands out for his engagement with some of these numerous issues and even more. And it is heartwarming that he is deeply conscious and concerned about this reality. In his new world that is far from home, he still remembers the hope and love he left behind in Nigeria. Who can say? Had he remained in his country of birth, he might never have become the great writer he is today, but that is beside the question.
So, at every turn, he affirms that consciousness that draws substantially from home. Like some renowned Nigerian writers before him, he is also driven by an unwavering need to tell the truth, bear witness and expose the flaws and conditions of a country he left many decades ago. He actually departed Nigeria, his country of origin in pursuit of a good life.
No doubt, Nigeria, like most African countries, has its share of challenges: insecurity, social instability, resource scarcity, institutional volatility, societal polarisation, and more. These realities, naturally should shape the themes of Nigerian writers and their disposition to some of the challenges facing the continent. But many critics argue repeatedly that some Nigerian writers, both at home, and in the diaspora, are not paying adequate attention to these problems, especially with regard to social issues. Be that as it may, Akinropo, who appears patriotic, and this comes strongly in his works, draws attention, to these contradictions, inequality, social disconnections and lack of opportunities many Nigerians face, a contribution that is certainly commendable.
Akinropo launched his first patriotic and bold literary journey a couple of years ago when he released Scars Do Heal, his first book that established his reputation, and took readers by storm across the world. The novel combines personal struggles and ambition with broader societal issues, ultimately delivering a strong message that life’s “scars”, whether emotional, social, political, cultural or economic, can heal with time, patience, resilience, purpose, courage and forgiveness.
However, the author’s introduction to his new book presents a truly remarkable piece of writing that will resonate with readers, much like the previous work did. He provides a brief synopsis of the story: “Ismaila is a young Nigerian from a poor background. He goes to the university to better his life and that of his family. At the university, he puts in everything he believes should help him in his studies but the problems he encounters on campus and in the society at large, complicate his life. Who and what are responsible for his predicaments? Does he survive their onslaught? What roles do cultists, politicians, national security network, ordinary citizens, the judicial system, drug gang lords, assassins and money play in Wilderness of Chaos? No doubt, Chief Aladesanmi and his family are influential in the political terrain of Nigeria. What is their relevance in Wilderness of Chaos?”
As a social book, this new effort by Akinropo promises to make a lasting impact on reading and literature.
From a reviewer’s perspective, it is heartwarming that this author is making another bold statement once again in one more work in a new season. Exactly four years afterScars Do Heal, this writer returns with Wilderness of Chaos, a bold, unflinching examination of Nigeria’s struggles and the forces shaping a nation in transition. Akinropo writes with a rare fusion of passion, power, purpose, dedication, and conviction, and he deserves commendation for the patriotism and deep affection he consistently shows for his homeland. With this new book, he once again sounds the alarm for a country that too easily forgets its past and present dangers, and in doing so, risks repeating history’s mistakes.
In my honest view, Wilderness of Chaos, stands as a courageous, impassioned, and steadfast literary inquiry into Nigeria’s repeated social experiences, even with the country’s…
