A REVIEW OF BE(COM)ING NIGERIAN BY ELNATHAN JOHN
Title: Be(com)ing Nigerian: A Guide
Author: Elnathan John
Pages: 150
Publication date: 2019
In a genre not often patronised by Nigerian writers , Elnathan John shows us in his book, Be(com)ing Nigerian, why this norm is an anomaly, with perfect delivery.
Written by my self-crowned king of Nigerian satire, this book has to be the most engaging satire I have ever read. It leaves no stone unturned when it comes to dishing out a nice piece of cake and pie to every sector of the country you could think of.
It deals with topics that range from the obvious to the secretive to the outrightly mischievous; and, from the media to the religious to the kidnappers, each chapter will leave you laughing at the portrayal of each sect. He doesn’t even spare his co-writers, and I found the chapter he dedicates to them to be the funniest of all.
‘Satire could be funny’ is an understatement where this book is concerned; but even at that, the humour is accentuated by the relativity of each scene and the topics touched, if you look at it without prejudice.
The aforementioned cake sharing is also extended to the foreigners, but being his typical self, Elnathan John goes on to give voice to certain societal ills and potential alternative ways of handling issues. Although his words “To Nigeria, with whom I am still in an abusive relationship” show a certain tiredness, it is something most Nigerians can totally relate with.
It is a beautiful book, no more, no less. Satire never looked this good, and if you’re a fan and in need of a good laugh, do not miss this one. THE NIGERIAN GOD WILL BLESS YOU GREATLY.
Chinedu Okoro
400L, Medicine
