Wilderness of Chaos, a satirical thriller by Kayode Akinropo, a Nigerian writer in the United Kingdom, well-known for blending satire with political, social and economic insights, laughs on the edge of the knife
By Sylvester Asoya
Most writers are undivided in their belief that literature in troubled times, must serve as a voice of truth, mobilisation, reason and resistance. But literature should also bear witness, criticise injustice, fight for the common good, bring people together, demand good governance, preserve memory, give voice to the oppressed, and inspire reflection, faith and hope.
Kayode Akinropo, the writer under focus here, stands out for his engagement with some of these numerous issues and even more. And it is heartwarming that he is deeply conscious and concerned about this reality. In his new world that is far from home, he still remembers the hope and love he left behind in Nigeria. Who can say? Had he remained in his country of birth, he might never have become the great writer he is today, but that is beside the question.
So, at every turn, he affirms that consciousness that draws substantially from home. Like some renowned Nigerian writers before him, he is also driven by an unwavering need to tell the truth, bear witness and expose the flaws and conditions of a country he left many decades ago. He actually departed Nigeria, his country of origin in pursuit of a good life.
No doubt, Nigeria, like most African countries, has its share of challenges: insecurity, social instability, resource scarcity, institutional volatility, societal polarisation, and more. These realities, naturally should shape the themes of Nigerian writers and their disposition to some of the challenges facing the continent. But many critics argue repeatedly that some Nigerian writers, both at home, and in the diaspora, are not paying adequate attention to these problems, especially with regard to social issues. Be that as it may, Akinropo, who appears patriotic, and this comes strongly in his works, draws attention, to these contradictions, inequality, social disconnections and lack of opportunities many Nigerians face, a contribution that is certainly commendable.
Akinropo launched his first patriotic and bold literary journey a couple of years ago when he released Scars Do Heal, his first book that established his reputation, and took readers by storm across the world. The novel combines personal struggles and ambition with broader societal issues, ultimately delivering a strong message that life’s “scars”, whether emotional, social, political, cultural or economic, can heal with time, patience, resilience, purpose, courage and forgiveness.
However, the author’s introduction to his new book presents a truly remarkable piece of writing that will resonate with readers, much like the previous work did. He provides a brief synopsis of the story: “Ismaila is a young Nigerian from a poor background. He goes to the university to better his life and that of his family. At the university, he puts in everything he believes should help him in his studies but the problems he encounters on campus and in the society at large, complicate his life. Who and what are responsible for his predicaments? Does he survive their onslaught? What roles do cultists, politicians, national security network, ordinary citizens, the judicial system, drug gang lords, assassins and money play in Wilderness of Chaos? No doubt, Chief Aladesanmi and his family are influential in the political terrain of Nigeria. What is their relevance in Wilderness of Chaos?”
As a social book, this new effort by Akinropo promises to make a lasting impact on reading and literature.
From a reviewer’s perspective, it is heartwarming that this author is making another bold statement once again in one more work in a new season. Exactly four years afterScars Do Heal, this writer returns with Wilderness of Chaos, a bold, unflinching examination of Nigeria’s struggles and the forces shaping a nation in transition. Akinropo writes with a rare fusion of passion, power, purpose, dedication, and conviction, and he deserves commendation for the patriotism and deep affection he consistently shows for his homeland. With this new book, he once again sounds the alarm for a country that too easily forgets its past and present dangers, and in doing so, risks repeating history’s mistakes.
In my honest view, Wilderness of Chaos, stands as a courageous, impassioned, and steadfast literary inquiry into Nigeria’s repeated social experiences, even with the country’s abundant opportunities. Like its precursor, this new book captivates readers with rich storytelling, thematic relevance and thought-provoking themes. It blends truth, bravery, and patriotic narrative, further solidifying Akinropo’s place among his nation’s purposeful writers. I believe that this new book will earn the same global readership like the one before it.
However, no society or country is perfect, make no mistake about that. What gladdens the hearts of readers, is that after leaving Nigeria, Akinropo, who uses his novels and literary contributions to celebrate his county’s values through literature, continues to write about Nigeria and the need for his people, regardless of tribe, status or religion, to live better lives, which he considers a right.
“I believe Nigerians deserve a good life by virtue of their geography, resilience, intelligence, strength, raw courage, and their enduring can-do spirit as a people. Very few Africans can rival our country’s vivacity, enduring hope, and a belief. As Nigerians, our, excellence, resilience and spirit are unmatched anywhere,” the writer once said while responding to questions a few years ago in the United Kingdom.
Acclaim for Wilderness of Chaos also says a great deal about an author on the rise. Though not flawless, the book fearlessly advocates for a better society, and that is what literature should do always, both in good and bad times. Michael Grimmer, a British, in his praise for Wilderness of Chaos, offers a distinctive interpretation of its themes and essence.
“In Wilderness of Chaos, Kayode Akinropo’s second novel, he takes us on a journey deep into the Nigerian life through the eyes of Ismaila. The story reveals the chaotic and often harsh world Ismaila must navigate as he comes of age; from his battle to obtain an education to the corruption in-between. We follow him as he confronts these challenges and finds his way through. This is a compelling exploration of the Nigerian society and the struggles that shape it.”
Another reviewer, Neil Sorenson, also from the United Kingdom, captures the essence of Akinropo’s storytelling skill very precisely and briefly, probably summarizing what makes the writing powerful and better than long critiques. “Kayode Akinropo’s second novel offers something for every reader, whether or not you are a citizen of the great nation of Nigeria.” This view is also shared by Davy King, who fully appreciates and recognizes Akinropo’s contributions to African literature. “Your storytelling has grown remarkably, filled with gripping adventures and strong memorable characterization of the players, that will only continue to soar. Well done. I even shed a little tear at the end. Wonderful work!
House of Eniyan, a Nigerian voice in the United Kingdom, also expresses a literary view that speaks from a position of deep cultural knowledge and understanding. “A masterclass in Nigerian storytelling, delivered with an unpretentious style that draws you straight into the minds of its characters. This novel blends a remarkable resilience of hope with the grim realities of decay and rot born of greed and corruption.”
Other reviewers like Davy King, Johnson Morenikeji and Tunde Atoki, all based n the United Kingdom, are unanimous in their belief that Wilderness of Chaos holds transformative power to positively change society and redirect thoughts. No doubt, this new book has great promise, especially for a troubled continent like Africa, where nothing is taken for granted. Please read the book and stay informed. This is a true treasure, rich with insight and meaning.
