BOOK REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
A Trove of Tales is a collection of short stories written by young but brilliant and talented potential minds all from our noble school, Merosa Academy, Apo. This collection of tales is a publication that comprises fourteen intriguing, inspirational, and page-turning superb stories coupled with super exciting styles of writing. The styles of their writings not only define these erudite writers’ idiosyncrasies but the styles are used deliberately to drive and deliver their narratives to their readers.
DO WE STILL HAVE GOOD WRITERS?
One of the most respected and first African novelist, Chinua Achebe, whose great and classic story reshaped and projected African in a better light from the version the western world mirrored Africa for centuries in the writings of the likes of Rudyard Kipling, Joseph Conrad argued in his book titled THE TROUBLE WITH NIGERIA that, “he and his generations were the luckiest writers in the history of Nigeria”. Of course his observation at that point and a decade ago was affirmed by all his audience. It is important to note that his generation had writers like Wole Soyinka, J.P.Clark, Ngugi Wa’Thiong, Flora Nwapa, Zulu Sofula, Miriama Ba among a host of other talented potential writers. Fortunately for the world of literature and with the kinds of uniquely tangled stories you are about to witness here in Merosa Academy Abuja today Achebe’s observation will become a serious topic of debate. Yes! With pride we stand bold to tell you that the best and luckiest writers are about to be known. This generation’s luck surpasses every other generations’ because they are more enlighten and has greatly evolved aided by Technology and Artificial Intelligence. They thus used this development for upgrading intellectual upliftment rather than utilizing it with immoral intent.
YES, WE DO!
From the foregone it is noted that one of the utmost ways of leaving an indelible mark on earth for every human is by writings and not just writings but superb and fantastic writings that directly or indirectly solve problems and contribute greatly to knowledge. William Shakespeare died over 400 years ago but he is known through his writings all over the world and his works still remain classics. Coming to Nigeria, the name Achebe can never be erased from Nigeria’s history so also is with Wole Soyinka and among many others.
The Goal
Merosa Academy is not a school that concerns its learners with conservative learning patterns; the school goes extra miles to help its learners to self-discovery; opening their minds and assuring them that they are beyond limits. It is out of this that the idea of encouraging the learners to start going beyond their limits, empowering them to reach for their stars and Soaring higher for ultimate results is initiated.
Consequently, a remarkable height has been achieved by these learners. The journey has begun and Merosa Academy is ready to discover as many as possible learners and train and guide them to continue the culture of fitting our learners among the global achievers in all spheres of human endeavor and making sure they sit at the head of every table they find themselves.
A GLANCE AT THE STORIES
The title of this publication as stated in the ab initio is A TROVE OF TALES by Merosa Academy Students from different classes; High school and Primary school respectively. The word “TROVE “, which is the key term in the title means “collection” hence, the title means, “A collection of stories “. These short stories are independently written by every single learner whose name appears as an author on the pages of content. The content of the story ranges from world view, exploring real life scenarios to cutting across boundaries. Like most professional writers write, these learners mostly writes from various literary perspectives. Among the common perspectives are reality, a theory that unravels situations the way they are in the ordinary human world. It avoids euphemistic writings and hyperbolic explosions. The perspectives or theory of writings serves as a mirror in the society. This theory can be found among the writings of Zitara Oje’s THE YARN’S FUTURE; Natasha Egabor’s FATHERS OF ANGUISH; Hasanat Abdulfatah’s THE BIG MISTAKE; Ogalla Michelle’s CRUMBLED WORLD OF LOGIC; and Solomon Mumuni’s THE PRICE OF DESPERATION. These stories listed are majorly concerned with realistic issues. These situations are experienced in almost every continent of the world. However, the stories can still be examined or study from different points of views resulting to their beauty aesthetically.
Another interesting literary theory used in telling their stories is psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis in literature deals with the motivation behind every human (character’s) action and also the relationship between the conscious, subconscious and unconscious minds; it was pioneered by SIGMUND FREUD, an Australian Neurologist. So in the end of Zahra’s tale, for instance, the narrative voice says “peace had returned but they knew this was only the beginning”. The beginning of what? And what influenced the return of Peace? All this is achieved by Zahra through the power of psychoanalysis.
Another mind blowing tale that confronts the readers is ‘Reunited Sisters’ by okeke kosi. Okeke takes us from the African continent to a state in USA, California to enlighten us about a family of five with superpower, a power that is directly ignited by love. This is a story that is powerfully intriguing and full of suspense.
One of the most fantastic features of these young erudite writers is their ability to imagine beyond their immediate world view. Among this category are: In plain sight by David Hart (a romanticist inclined tale); Lily’s Scary Dream by Isabella mokidi ( A Gothic perspective tale);The Ghost of Sabrina Logic by Ogalla Michelle (also a Gothic based tale);The Magic Within by Hussain Abubakar; Honey by Chizaram Nnamd; Life is a Bar of Soap by Oloyode Oluwalabaki; and The Travails of Somto by Oriasotie Mary.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the world needs a balanced story that pour out the heart of every individual and mirror a slice of every society for better understanding of humanity and peace co-existence.
Mr. Solomon Emmanuel
