Review of Religion: What If...
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Mubarak Adeiza
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- Latest Review: Religion: What If... by Dele Owolowo
Review of Religion: What If...
[Following is a volunteer review of "Religion: What If..." by Dele Owolowo.]
The most thought-provoking historical fiction about religious dominance on Nigeria's spirituality and socio-political themes, Dele Owolowo explores the various ways Nigeria would have shaped itself against the foreign flood of Western and Middle Eastern faiths. Owolowo criticizes the psycho-spiritual consequences brought about by foreign religions that imposed cultural identities and brought about socio-economic challenges in the lives of Nigerians.
The author elucidates how Christianity and Islam have influenced the development of Nigeria through a number of fictional stories combined with historical analyses that question their perceived superior status. The book increases readers' awareness of indigenous beliefs and their potential, together with the preservation of culture. Owolowo's work has been an eye-opener to Nigerians and Africans to return to their spiritual and cultural roots, appealing for the combination of foreign influences with traditional ones so that balance may be achieved to ensure progress and unity of the nation. The book was exceptionally well edited and error-free.
What I love about Religion: What If Ours Had Won? is its imaginative exploration of alternative histories, which challenges readers to rethink the impact of religious dominance on cultural identity. Eri, the first Eze-King of Nri in Igboland, is interesting and his story is quite fascinating—myth and historical fiction intertwined into it concerning the would-be-leading role he should have played as a seer of what could have been of his people when indigenous beliefs triumphed.
It's about the rise of Eri to kingship through complex challenges and troubles of leadership, in search of guidance through the divine Chukwu. This thread of storyline is fully laced with cultural references and philosophical musings that invite the reader indeed to consider just how different the sociopolitical landscape of Nigeria might prove, had its spiritual roots been better acknowledged and preserved. Owolowo's storytelling and the introspective character of Eri make the book quite a read, drawing one deep into an appreciation for Indigenous heritage and what its meaningful role in shaping futures could mean.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, simply because it was a great work, no doubt with deep historical and philosophical undertones; however, in most instances, the language and structure of narration are just so unappealingly complex. The compact, convoluted prose and dialogues, especially between Eri, Oduduwa, and Bayajidda, though culturally rich, could do with better organization or simpler language in order to enhance readability. Besides, it would have a better effect if the novel focused on fewer alternative historical scenarios and developed them further. In such a way, this would make the book more approachable and the messages provided within it more available for more readers. I hereby recommend to any reader interested in historical fiction and to those interested in exploring alternative histories and cultural narratives.
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Religion: What If...
View: on Bookshelves
The most thought-provoking historical fiction about religious dominance on Nigeria's spirituality and socio-political themes, Dele Owolowo explores the various ways Nigeria would have shaped itself against the foreign flood of Western and Middle Eastern faiths. Owolowo criticizes the psycho-spiritual consequences brought about by foreign religions that imposed cultural identities and brought about socio-economic challenges in the lives of Nigerians.
The author elucidates how Christianity and Islam have influenced the development of Nigeria through a number of fictional stories combined with historical analyses that question their perceived superior status. The book increases readers' awareness of indigenous beliefs and their potential, together with the preservation of culture. Owolowo's work has been an eye-opener to Nigerians and Africans to return to their spiritual and cultural roots, appealing for the combination of foreign influences with traditional ones so that balance may be achieved to ensure progress and unity of the nation. The book was exceptionally well edited and error-free.
What I love about Religion: What If Ours Had Won? is its imaginative exploration of alternative histories, which challenges readers to rethink the impact of religious dominance on cultural identity. Eri, the first Eze-King of Nri in Igboland, is interesting and his story is quite fascinating—myth and historical fiction intertwined into it concerning the would-be-leading role he should have played as a seer of what could have been of his people when indigenous beliefs triumphed.
It's about the rise of Eri to kingship through complex challenges and troubles of leadership, in search of guidance through the divine Chukwu. This thread of storyline is fully laced with cultural references and philosophical musings that invite the reader indeed to consider just how different the sociopolitical landscape of Nigeria might prove, had its spiritual roots been better acknowledged and preserved. Owolowo's storytelling and the introspective character of Eri make the book quite a read, drawing one deep into an appreciation for Indigenous heritage and what its meaningful role in shaping futures could mean.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars, simply because it was a great work, no doubt with deep historical and philosophical undertones; however, in most instances, the language and structure of narration are just so unappealingly complex. The compact, convoluted prose and dialogues, especially between Eri, Oduduwa, and Bayajidda, though culturally rich, could do with better organization or simpler language in order to enhance readability. Besides, it would have a better effect if the novel focused on fewer alternative historical scenarios and developed them further. In such a way, this would make the book more approachable and the messages provided within it more available for more readers. I hereby recommend to any reader interested in historical fiction and to those interested in exploring alternative histories and cultural narratives.
******
Religion: What If...
View: on Bookshelves
Latest Review: Religion: What If... by Dele Owolowo
