Achebe’s fifth novel, Anthills of the Savannah takes place in a fictitious, recently decolonized West African nation named Kangan. Kangan geographically resembles Nigeria, in that its south is typified in the novel by lush tropical jungles while its northern province is blasted by the same Harmattan that blows over Sokoto, Kano, and Maidiguri. Kangan’s political life is also modeled on Nigeria’s successive military coup d’etats in the 1970s and 80s (and as it turns out, post 1987), and the novel follows the tragic fates of four Kangan civil servants: Chris, Ikem, Beatrice, and “His Excellency,” Sam, during a horrific drought and the civil unrest which accompanies the forces of nature.
Each of these characters, minus Sam, takes a turn at narrating this story of political malfeasance and intrigue, and each narrative leapfrogs or backtracks on the others in time and space, making Anthills at times a difficult plot to traverse. What is clear from the beginning is that Sam, the almost unwitting president, has begun to cling to power and take personal umbrage against even trivial shows of political dissent, and this signals the predictable, bloody, course so many dictatorships seem to take. He begins to suspect his erstwhile college friends, Chris and Ikem, as “threats to the state” and investigate their movements. As is typical of Achebe’s other work, each of his narrators come across as well-developed, believable characters. Chris, Beatrice, and Ikem each speak as if Achebe were recording three people, not penning three characters. This is what always impresses me about Achebe’s writing; you don’t have a protagonist and the supporting cast, but rather a whole crew of “real” people.
Ikem, like Achebe early in his career, works for the nation’s media, and is an author of some renown. Through Ikem, Achebe recasts some of his earlier essay, “The Novelist as Teacher” and launches some searing critiques of the modern African nation-state, neocolonial interference with African politics and economies by America, and the shortcomings of civil society (such as university students and unions) to break free of the cycles of violence and poverty that nations such as Nigeria have faced in spite of breaking free of their colonial yokes. Although written in 1987, much of Achebe’s overarching critique remains relevant as we become an increasingly globalized world.
Not to make a mountain of Anthills, but this is a really good book. (that is the only pun I could come up with over ten minutes of concerted effort, so that’s as good as it’s getting for now).
Availability: SMCM Library, USMAI
Review Submitted by: Shane D. Hall
Rating: Recommended
How curious–Though this book was published in 1996, the plot and characters weren’t dated or annoying. I love Scottline’s wit and often caustic characters; Running from the Law doesn’t disappoint in either category. Though I don’t often quote USA Today, they called it “a good, twisty plot” and that sums it up. One twist after another kept this reader’s interest and the main character was strong without being stupid. The good guy always wins with Scottoline, but the reader gets to enjoy a bumpy ride to the end.
Reading a book that was published over a decade ago, but that takes place nearly 3 decades ago, can really stretch one’s patience. Pay phones? Records searches? I can’t imagine what Kinsey Millhone would do in the world of cell phones and the Internet. But the author has said she wants to move through time in a linear fashion, so will never catch up with real time, and I respect that. So, pretend that you’re just reading a cold case murder mystery and appreciate how painful information gathering was pre-Internet. All of the alphabet books make for good reading; just be aware that technology will be frozen in the dim past (but motives and evil remain current…)
If you are a fan of foodie mysteries, this is right up your (g)alley! Goldie Schultz is a caterer that seems to frequently stumble upon murders. Fun and easy read and includes recipes!
