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The globe is filled with insanity, varying based on the perspectives you use to observe it. What appears as craziness to you might not seem the same to another individual. Each of us perceives the world through unique viewpoints, influenced by our background and societal or financial conditions. In “A Kind of Madness,” Uche Okonkwo guides the reader through some of the elements that the characters in her novel consider madness.

A Kind of Madness is a compilation of ten short narratives set in modern-day Nigeria. Every story presents its own form of insanity.

Let’s begin with my favorite tale in the entire book, Animals. This is my preferred one largely due to the bond between Nedu and Otuanya, the chicken who eventually turned into chicken pepper soup.

This narrative showcases a common family, presented in a funny and upbeat manner. The two parents demonstrate contrasting approaches to raising children: Ebube, who is fun-loving and easygoing, making the children feel more connected to him; and Uzoma, a rigid parent who spoils the enjoyment but is dissatisfied with this situation, yet unable to alter it.

Uzoma reminded herself that having parents with contrasting approaches had its benefits, one offering a soft touch and the other enforcing rules. Yet, at times, she would hear the sounds of laughter from the house and her heart would drop, aware from past experiences that if she attempted to join in, the laughter would abruptly stop.

The narrative emphasizes corruption and misuse of authority in several African nations. A traffic police officer embarrasses Uzoma, an independent woman, when she declines to pay a bribe during a wedding journey. They are freed only after Ebube pays the bribe, leading to conflict in their relationship as Uzoma’s admiration for him diminishes.

Was she still upset with him for joking around with the plump officer when he had made a comment about putting a leash on her? That was her issue; she never grasped the small things that regular people did to ease situations, to keep the gears of everyday interactions running smoothly.

Have you ever questioned why some people dislike you without any valid cause? You can’t recall anything you’ve done to them, no matter how much you try. At times, individuals despise you just for being who you are. Long Hair is a narrative exploring exactly that kind of situation. It follows the journey of Jennifer, a new student at a boarding school who is praised for her long hair and attractiveness, except by one girl who fails to comprehend the admiration.

“It troubled me how Jennifer walked around the entire school as if it belonged to her father,” the other girl thought. When a rumor circulates that a Mami Wota (demon) is wandering the school, every girl becomes anxious except Jennifer, who continues her life as though nothing is wrong. So the other girl starts a rumor claiming Jennifer is the Mami Wota, and soon everyone turns against her.

Through Jennifer, Okonkwo illustrates how fear and jealousy can make normal individuals act harshly, and how things we fail to comprehend are frequently seen as insanity or wickedness. In this narrative, madness is present in the manner people convince themselves that harming another person will bring back their significance.

Another theme that Okonkwo delves into with sensitivity and insight is mental health, portrayed through two characters—a mother and her daughter—whose emotional depth invites readers to engage with their intricate lives.

Adanna resides with her mother, who experiences a variety of moods and personas every day. Adanna never knows what version of her mother she’ll encounter in the morning, so she has learned to adjust to whoever appears. When her mother wakes up with a serious expression, like a rock, Adanna finds herself with her mother at the peak of a mountain, praying because her mother thinks Adanna doesn’t want to live anymore and instead wishes to return to the other children in the spirit world.

“How many spirit companions do you possess?” the dibia (healer) inquires. Adanna’s existence is centered on her mother’s emotional condition, pushing her to pursue impossible answers and assign fault to others. People nearby witness her challenges but show no concern: “No matter what occurs with this apostle, there will always be another path, obstacle, or hidden element to discover.” Her mother pursues what Adanna is unable to offer. Genuine recovery must originate from within, not from outside influences.

These narratives bring readers to life. They are expertly crafted, exploring themes of parenting, social expectations, companionship, psychological well-being, and daily experiences of Nigerians via thoroughly developed, emotionally deep characters who lead readers through their environments with great attention. Okonkwo’s approach, writing style, and wit enable readers to relate to the stories without feeling overly weighed down by the characters, but rather encourage them to think about their own lives.

Jane Shussa is a professional in digital communication who has a passion for reading, coffee, the outdoors, and exploring new places. You can contact her at jshussa@gmail.com.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).