Monday 10 May 2010

Helon Habila reviews The Memory of Love.

Helon Habila, in my opinion is one of Nigeria's best. WAITING FOR AN ANGEL is a book you do not forget easily. I did not, however, understand MEASURING TIME. In this review of Aminatta Forna's book-THE MEMORY OF LOVE, Habila shows that he is still the master. It is a brilliant piece, sure to arouse anyone's interest in the book. Below is an excerpt:

Forna writes like a scientist, not only in the accuracy of her descriptions but in the way she selects which incidents to highlight, turning each scene into a metaphor that reverberates with meaning beyond the event itself. One character can't walk, and the doctors are carefully breaking his legs and putting them back together to help him do so. This procedure becomes a symbol for the nation, determined to regain the use of its legs after the crippling civil war.

The full review can be found here

2 comments:

Doro said...

interesting! certainly a must read.

Myne said...

Maybe I should fine waiting for an angel. I read Measuring time and though I could see the brilliance that made me finish it, I didn't really enjoy the experience. I'll go check out the review and maybe the book too.