Title: Sakadelli
Author: Uri Ngozichukwuka
Year of Publication: 2020
Category: Fiction
What happens when poetry and storytelling collide?
Uri Ngozichukwuka’s Sakadelli offers a powerful answer in a format that reimagines traditional storytelling. If you’ve never encountered stories written in verse, this book delivers a unique and exciting experience.
At first, the style might feel unfamiliar, maybe even confusing, especially if you’re not accustomed to this form. Is it a story? Is it poetry? But as you continue reading, you’ll realize Ngozichukwuka has crafted something quite special. It’s a refreshing departure from traditional prose, offering both artistry and thought-provoking reflection.
The book begins with an uplifting, motivational tone. The main character is introduced with flair, dramatic, lively, and full of personality. You might find yourself wishing you could meet her in real life. As the stories unfolds, the tone shifts and begins to resemble an autobiography.
The author takes us through personal thoughts and vivid moments, touching on themes like finding yourself, facing challenges, feeling joy, and reflecting on life.
At a glance, Sakadelli may seem like a random collection of short stories. But look closer, and you’ll find subtle threads connecting them all. These threads aren’t always obvious; you need to read with care to catch the deeper meanings hidden between the lines.
One particularly intriguing feature is the chapter titles. They’re brief, each one grabs your attention and sparks curiosity about what’s to come. Even the title Sakadelli is mysterious, compelling you to read further just to discover its meaning.
As with any collection, some stories will resonate more deeply than others. In a few, the author’s portrayal may feel exaggerated. However, if you’ve lived through even one or two of the situations described, you’ll likely find yourself nodding in recognition, acknowledging the uncomfortable truths embedded throughout this book.
The writing flows so smoothly that it’s easy to read. You move through the pages quickly, and before you know it, the book is over. It’s short, which might surprise you, but each story stays with you and leaves a strong impression.
Sakadelli isn’t just a book. It’s a bold, unforgettable experience. Each page dares to say the quiet parts out loud, turning taboo into testimony. These stories crack open conversations we often avoid: the silence around masturbation, the secrecy of abortion, the quiet heartbreak of a Nigerian woman waiting, hoping, for a man to leave his foreign wife, the brutal truths behind glossy immigrant dreams.
It doesn’t whisper. It doesn’t turn away. Sakadelli invites you to sit with discomfort, to feel deeply, and to reconsider not just what stories we tell but how loudly and fearlessly we tell them.
If you’re looking for something different and something creative, Sakadelli is a must-read. It doesn’t just tell stories, it holds up a mirror. Whether you’re a lover of verse or just curious about this form of storytelling, this book promises to surprise and move you.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipreeofficial
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