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Ebook Details
  • 04/2018
  • 13: 978-1985088443 B07BNY7Q5H
  • 276 pages
  • $4.99
Chijioke Dikeocha
Author
Walking Shadows: Stories of Tragedy, Love & Triumph. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BNY7Q5H

Adult; General Fiction (including literary and historical); (Publish)

 

Walking Shadows is a collection of nine breathtaking, compelling stories, which no doubt keeps you spellbound as you read its fascinating pages. With an uncharacteristic, innovative form of chapters, plots and characters, the author stylistically narrates his stories that are replete with satires.

      Dikeocha’s collection of compelling short fictions is an attempt to examine the complexities of “Love”, “Relationship”, “Determination” and “Fail-forward.” Walking Shadows subtly dwells on the themes of prostitution, child abuse and trafficking, corruption, gender inequality, social injustice, adverse economic hardship, divorce and separation, and religious profligacy among others. For a sense of the breathtaking and compelling stories ahead, here is a glimpse of three stories in the collection:

      In “Campus Lovers,” Jane, a campus “ajiboo” plots her way through into enticing Iyke, her intelligent course mate with a love potion. The mad love that ensues between the duo pitches Iyke against Dr Smith, a randy lecturer who has been eyeing Jane lustfully. The brouhaha that results in the love game leaves all involved in a serious mess.

      Amaka, a young virgin in “End Time Disciples,” falls into the hand of her careless and immoral Pastor, who deflowers her in his bedroom and impregnates her. Unable to control her emotions, the Pastor’s wife, Mrs Grace, scalds her husband with hot water and burns Amaka’s body with hot electric iron. Faced with the challenge of unwanted pregnancy and unprepared motherhood, Amaka must take a decision. 

      Challenged with the forces of nature, culture and religion; and her marriage on the edge of a break up because of no male child in “To Please Her Husband,” Lady Monica carries the ninth pregnancy in search of a male child for her disgruntled and chauvinistic husband. Determined to save her marriage, she goes through various harrowing and gruesome experiences in the hands of the native doctors and spiritual churches.

These stories are told with his characteristic sharpness of observation, honesty and humour. Walking Shadows is unputdownable. Each story is a perfect piece; together they display Dikeocha’s mastery of the form. 

Reviews
Midwest Book Review

Regular readers of Nigerian fiction know that a form of renaissance is taking place around the world: African-centered literary works are on the rise. Walking Shadows: Stories of Tragedy, Love & Triumph is just one example of a form of contemporary fiction that winds Nigerian social reflection and issues into a literary work designed to appeal beyond Nigeria's borders. 

Each story in this nine-piece set outlines a different facet of social struggle through the eyes of a very different protagonist, from campus lovers affected by both a love potion and a professor's lustful envy to a young boy's journey to the Kingdom of Animals; a place from which no human returns. It's important to note that no prior familiarity with either Nigerian literature or the nation's social issues is required in order to find these stories enlightening, educational, and compelling. 

Chijioke Dikeocha outlines universal experiences of love, struggle, change, and survival; and these are themes any reader can readily understand. Greater issues embrace each individual story; from the speed of life that leads an inquisitive young mind to confront a tortoise's choices and style of movement through existence and a lesson in diplomacy in 'My Journey with Tortoise to the Animal Kingdom' to the lessons learned outside of school in 'Hard Times Never Last' as Chuks at last takes an exam cancelled previously due to violence, only to find his dreams shattered by their results.

 As with most writings from those who don't claim English as their first language, at times the phrasing or punctuation in these pieces gives pause for thought ("He was honest in the school as a teacher."). But it also should be noted that while better editing might have smoothed these moments, they could also have detracted from the atmosphere and voice of the author as he captures various scenarios with honesty and humor. 

 Readers of African literature will find these stories reflect the social atmosphere and culture of Nigeria, providing enjoyable works that nicely describe the dilemmas and struggles of individuals who strive for circumstances beyond their stations and sometimes beyond their control. 

Reviewed byDiane Donovan, Senior ReviewerMidwest Book Review.

Readers' Favorite

Book Review Press Release

Author's new book receives a warm literary welcome.

Readers' Favorite announces the review of the Fiction - Short Story/Novela book "Walking Shadows" by Chijioke Dikeocha, currently available at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BNY7Q5H.

Readers' Favorite is one of the largest book review and award contest sites on the Internet. They have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Harper Collins, and have received the "Best Websites for Authors" and "Honoring Excellence" awards from the Association of Independent Authors. They are also fully accredited by the BBB (A+ rating), which is a rarity among Book Review and Book Award Contest companies.

"Reviewed By Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Walking Shadows: Stories of Tragedy, Love & Triumph by Chijioke Dikeocha is a collection of nine short stories that deal with the various emotions associated with life and living. Each story exposes the complexities and unpredictability of human life and relationships, and deals with relevant topics like love, prostitution, divorce and separation, child abuse, corruption, social injustice, and many more which will keep readers glued to the book. Whether it is about love, unwanted pregnancy, religion, abandoning humanistic self-centeredness and animalistic brotherhood, and many other themes, the stories are compelling and laced with astute observations and subtle humor. All the stories are crisp, sharp, and the authenticity of the characters makes this a captivating collection.

I like reading short stories because, being short, they are easy to comprehend and digest, and at the same time the format tests the skill of the writer. These nine stories are refreshingly original and the author deals with relevant topics with great skill and originality. Whether it is ‘Campus Lovers’, ‘Hard Times Never Last’, ‘Victims of Circumstance’, or the rest of the stories, the author gives good insights, taps into the nuances of various human emotions, gives an understanding about life’s wisdom, and how social norms and values manifest through them. All of the stories are credible, and they capture some valuable as well as some unpleasant happenings of life with ease. Dikeocha's honest assessment of life, human nature, and emotions are woven into these short stories; simple yet complex, and forthright yet laced with humor. The book will delight all readers who enjoy short stories as there is an enthusiasm and vulnerability while exploring issues such as love, race, culture, religion, corruption, and other topics."

You can learn more about Chijioke Dikeocha and "Walking Shadows" at https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/walking-shadows where you can read reviews and the author’s biography, as well as connect with the author directly or through their website and social media pages.

Readers' Favorite LLC 
Media Relations
Louisville, KY 40202 
800-RF-REVIEW 
support@readersfavorite.com
https://readersfavorite.com

 

The US Book Review

Walking Shadows: Stories of Tragedy, Love & Triumph
by Chijioke Dikeocha
Farreach Media

 

Book review by Mihir Shah

 

"I abandoned my ‘humanistic’ self-centeredness and embraced the ‘animalistic’ brotherhood."

On the surface, this is an anthology of nine intriguing stories that provoke universal discussions about love, university life, loss of innocence, persistence, poverty, and, ultimately, silver linings. Digging deeper, Dikeocha’s stories are powerful agents of change that seem intent on creating awareness for current issues facing Nigeria. From tackling the literacy and academic dishonesty of university education in “Campus Lovers” to exploring themes of corruption and lust in “End-Time Disciples,” the author exposes the harsher underbelly that constantly plagues Nigerian society.

While the stories are primarily plot-driven, there are numerous characters who readers will find memorable. In particular, Ikeoha Ikemba and his steadfast determination not to bribe the invigilators supervising the exams despite immense pressure is admirable. In contrast, seeing that an entire institution would so easily resort to cheating was undoubtedly stunning and a not-so-subtle attempt by Dikeocha to shed light on common occurrences in the Nigerian educational system.

On the whole, the author employs simple sentence structure and writes with vibrant detail to appeal to all levels of readers. Embedded in the text is the theme of adversity and failure—and the silver lining or resilience that is formed as a result. In “End-Time Disciples,” Amaka endures unspeakable tragedies and ultimately transforms her experience into the Heart Menders’ Club, an organization empowering women to share their experiences. In light of the “Me Too” movement, the significance of such entities cannot be overstated. Ugonma in “Victims of Circumstance” touches on the sensitive, taboo nature of mental health, while “The Face of Love in Tragedy” marks the trials overcome by Akunna as she raises nine kids to become successful adults while also becoming successful herself. Dikeocha’s text has the potential to revitalize and will assuredly bring pertinent conversations to the forefront.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

Formats
Ebook Details
  • 04/2018
  • 13: 978-1985088443 B07BNY7Q5H
  • 276 pages
  • $4.99
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