Though the plot is in America, Osondu’s book still brings something to Black History Month UK. It touches on survival, hope, greatness and freedom.

 

It is safe to say that most people would not have read anything like ‘Voice of America’ before, the first novel by Nigerian writer E.C. Osondu.  The title of the collection of short stories is taken from the popular radio show ‘Voice of America’ which is the official external radio and television broadcasting service of the US Federal Government. This title is somewhat paradoxical as in the collection Osondu chooses to give a voice to the most impoverished people.

 

Expertly written and well sewn together, the stories cover a vast range of social issues from a variety of perspectives. The first ‘Waiting’ explores life for impoverished Nigerian orphans,  a memorable read and it deservedly won the Caine Prize in 2009.

 

The stories cover the perspectives of Americans and Nigerians, children and the elderly, men and women and most significantly the rich and the poor. No two characters in the collection are the same. Osondu explores all the strata of Nigerian society. One of the key themes of the collection is the gulf between Nigerian and American culture; America is shown as the promised land of opportunity in the eyes of the Nigerians. Nigeria is shown as a land riddled with poverty, however, by showing Nigeria as such an impoverished nation, he leaves us in awe of the strong will of the Nigerian populace in America.

 

The beauty of this collection is that each story is unique and memorable whilst still being inextricably linked with the others. Osondu’s stories gravitate around a few key themes: suffering, corruption, sexual immorality, wealth and status. His exploration of the reality of poverty in a third world country really strikes a chord. The way he uses graphic and detailed description coupled with pathos is profoundly moving.

 

Most readers will find at least one character to empathise with in this collection; I found one in every story. He describes each character in such much detail that you can’t help but imagine yourself in their shoes, without even trying to. These stories are exciting, varied, shocking, heart-breaking and eye-opening. Whilst the constant shifts in characters and countries can be disorientating, Osondu links the stories with an untraceable thread of suffering, where the only escape is education or wealth, exemplified in this quote from ‘Going Back West’:

 

 “No, you don’t need to go with me – just read your books, and when your time comes, you will come to America like a prince.”