Timothy

I remember hearing about the tragic Biafran war many years ago, but have never had the opportunity to hear how it unfolded in any detail. This account, excellently narrated, tells one side of the story from the perspective of a highly respected author (rightly so). I found myself, however, wondering about how successful Achebe has been at distancing himself from a particular point of view and evaluation of events. Not that it is possible, or even desirable, to achieve complete detachment. But I was left with a sense that what I had heard needed to be supplemented by other voices and other perspectives.

I haven't finished, but the story is rivetting. It could all have been avoided so easily! The depth of human folly is clearly portrayed. The reader's voice tends to fall into a fairly predictable pattern, which detracts a little, but only a little, from the overall impact.

This book is deservedly a classic! It is a story of transformation worked by grace, narrated with great skill. Hugo's prose is rich and multi-layered and a pleasure to listen to.