It didn't have to end that way.π
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Born on a Tuesday! I have been putting off reading this book and when I eventually picked it up, I almost dropped it. The writing style for the first few pages didn't sit well with me at all. Started enjoying it some pages into it and I am so glad I didn't drop it guyssss!!!
Born on a Tuesday tells the story of Dantala, a brilliant chap from a very poor background who was sent to a Quranic school in town to learn Arabic by his parents; his harrowing experience afterwards on the streets upon leaving the Quranic school and not being able to afford the transport fare; and his struggle finding a place for himself in a society that considers him inconspicuous.
The book, in every calm and chaos carries its readers along the growth of the main character, Dantala and through the eyes of the young protagonist, we're given a vivid insight into the modern day Northern Nigeria, the lives of middling Almajiris and the dangers of religious extremism, and violence.
Synonymous with today's "western education is haram" is Malam Abdul Nur's leadership and his various radical movements. Sheikh's death was also expected. It's how things work in this society of ours. A way is always sought to eradicate those not willing to succumb to their atrocities. I wasn't just prepared for the way he was gruesomely killed.π«
Violence is a major theme wagging its tail right from the beginning of the novel till the very end. The irony of man's growth is also apparent because in Dantala's case, his growth didn't hold true for what later happened to him. Love, friendship, poverty, and illiteracy are also themes you will come across reading the book.
Through out the book, we also see Dantala's quest for a connection with his mother, and the friendship ties built over time that helped form a crucial part of his life, most especially, the one with Jubril.
Born on Tuesday was an emotive and heartbreaking read for me.π It really didn't have to end that way for Dantala.π The book left a void in me for days after reading it. A void for the high hopes for a better future quashed; grief of what Dantala could have had; would have turned out be if not for societal happenings beyond his control.
Born on a Tuesday is Elnathan John's way of showing that society plays a great role in the life of an individual, especially during some critical transition periods.
Born on a Tuesday is a read I highly recommend!β€οΈ
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