Estrangement

Set in Port Harcourt and its environs at the end of the Biafran war, it is a typical example of how the war affected the lives of ordinary people. Its conflicts were the results of the war—the separation of families during raids, the extreme hunger, poverty and death, women at the mercy of sex-starved soldiers.

Before the war Alekiri was happily married to Ibekwe. They were separated during the capture of Port Harcourt by the Nigerians, and she was on the verge of being raped when a superior officer (Dansuku) rescued her, then afterwards made her his mistress. She was grateful for his kindness and they had a daughter. Now the war is over and Ibekwe returns with their lean daughter. When he heard that his wife was living with a soldier and even had a child for him he was mad. He beat her up and refused to take her back. Alekiri became hurt and confused as she really loved Ibekwe. Dansuku wanted to marry her but she refused in the hope that Ibekwe would cool down and accept her.

Ibekwe did cool down, but it was after his next marriage broke down about three years later. By then Alekiri had recovered enough to hold her ground. A military coup had taken place (like the one that ushered in Murtala Mohammed in real life), but not long after another coup occurred (akin to Dimka’s) which though not successful caused the death of the head-of-state. Dansuku was arrested and barely escaped death by firing squad, as he had not been involved. He decided to retire from the army and when he asked her to marry him again she finally gave in.

March 20, 2015. Review initially written in 1993. Novel first published in 1986. Picture source: Goodreads.com.