Masters of the Confluence by Nduka Ozegbe Onwuegbute
This is a fascinating book. The story develops over a couple of generations whilst exploring culture, history, colonialism, family and relationships. The author provides a warning at the beginning of the book suggesting that this is a book to be avoided if you are looking for a story. But its an unnecessary warning. The book holds your attention because it explores pain, death sadness and joy in a particular cultural context. It is written well, but I did feel sometimes an editor would have removed some minor niggles. I do hope there is a volume 2.
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Rivalpublishing.com (2010), Paperback, 302 pages
Book desciption from Amazon
In colonial Africa, the prevalent justice systems leave much to be desired. Retribution was brutal, heavy and swift. The ruling elite used slavery and death to keep the citizenry on a pretty tight leash. Nigeria was no different. From the meanders and tributaries of the Niger delta, criminals were sent to the mythical labyrinths of Arochukwu, killed or worse, shipped abroad. Established empires flourished, enriching themselves on other people’s freedom, or lack of it. No one dared deny or question their status-quo. This 19th century story takes Onitsha on the quest to re-habilitate his royal bloodline in the eyes of their children. They take us through wars, the slave trade and romance; but caught in the middle, as always, are women and children. Anashi struggles to keep her dignity by fending off the two love-struck cousins who must kill each other to possess her. From the author of “Drums That Dance In The Dark”, Nduka Onwuegbute’s “Masters of the Confluence” is a brutal revelation of man’s quest to regain political voice.
