In this captivating collection of short stories, Benison Christopher shines a light on life, using Nigeria as a microcosm to explore universal human experiences and the need for heroes. Each narrative is masterfully crafted to draw you in and leave a lasting impression. The collection opens with ‘The Perfect Husband,’ where Ireti’s seemingly perfect marriage takes a shocking turn that changes her life forever. In ‘Being with a Fat Girl,’ heartbreak shapes the destiny of Samuel Onoja, while ‘A Place Without Heroes’ delves into the moral dilemmas faced by a bank operations head during a robbery.
The stories continue with ‘The Weeds,’ where Kofoworola and Akinlade’s discovery of their only son’s sexuality broadens their perspective on life. ‘The Pastor and the Robber’ and ‘The Fear of Darkness’ depict the struggles of Pastor Gbenga, balancing spiritual and natural alertness amidst hunger and lack. The collection concludes with the poignant tale of ‘The Riverbank,’ in which Chiamaka recounts her traumatic experience in a Nigerian government hospital while giving birth to her second child.
With diverse themes and richly drawn settings, this collection promises to keep you engaged from the first page to the last. Immerse yourself in these stories that will linger with you long after you’ve finished reading, offering both reflection and a profound sense of connection to the human experience.
