Book Review - The Nigerian Mafia Mumbai by Onyeka Nwelue

 

 

 The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai by Onyeka Nwelue

•                     ISBN: 978-1739276775

•                     Published by: Abibiman Publishing U.K.

•                     Year of publishing: 2023

 

Book Blurb

Nollywood actor, Uche Mbadiegwu leaves his Surulere neighborhood in Lagos, to Bandra in Mumbai to join Bollywood, so he could make it big, hoping to play exceptional roles.

Like a flash, Periwinkle appears in his life and changes everything. Tired of living in a pigsty, Efemena wants to live a life of independence, but there is more to being a Nigerian in Mumbai - a constant escape from the Indian police and narcotics agents.

This novel is a tale of violence, drugs, human trafficking, murder, and sex. www.bookbot.in

 

About the Author

Onyeka Nwelue, born in 1988, is a Nigerian scholar who has had esteemed positions in academia in African studies at two of the world’s most prestigious universities, the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge. www.bookbot.in

 

His crime fiction, “The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai,” is the first installment in a 10-book series, which has gone on to be longlisted for the 2023 Chinua Achebe Prize and shortlisted for the 2023 ANA Prose Prize. It’s being developed for film by Indian filmmaker, Ramesh Raparthy.

Social Media Links

Website | Twitter | Instagram

Book Links

Amazon India | Goodreads | Amazon US| Amazon UK | Waterstones | Abe Books | Amazon AU | Bookshop

Praise for Onyeka Nwelue

Described by Sri P. T. Narendra Menon as "one of Africa’s youngest writers," Onyeka Nwelue's unique writing style and brilliance have earned him critical acclaim. With over 20 award-winning books to his name, Nwelue stands as one of Africa's most prolific and promising writers.

Praise for the book www.bookbot.in

 “Onyeka Nwelue is Africa’s literary boy-wonder.”- Nury Vittachi, Author of Goodbye Hong Kong, Hello Xianggang

“An unusual noir thriller and worth a look for those interested in seeking crime tales based in other countries.” -Run Along The Shelves

“The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai, was an interesting portrait of an expat group of Nigerians abroad!” - Annabel

Accolades

• The Nigerian Mafia: Mumbai has been longlisted for the 2023 Ana Chinhua Achebe Prize.

• It is also shortlisted for the 2023 Ana Prose Prize.

• The Nigerian Mafia Mumbai is being developed for film by Indian filmmaker, Ramesh Raparthy

My Review: 

         I live in an area in Mumbai, wherein there is a predominating Nigerian community, which has been constantly increasing for the past couple of years (My area is also mentioned in the book if anyone wants to take a guess). Sometimes when I come across Nigerians, I look at the ladies in awe; for their physique, their braided hairstyle, the way they speak Hindi, their heavy and strange voice, or the way they walk without giving a damn to the stares they get. Whereas, whenever the men pass by, a strange kind of fear strikes my mind, don’t know why. Is it their voice, their tall and dark features? But, after I read “The Nigerian Mafia - Mumbai” I feel for them, for the mistreatment they must have met, for being misunderstood, and for their hardships. 

 

         Coming to the story, “The Nigerian Mafia – Mumbai” by Onyeka Nwelue is the story of Uche, a well-known child actor in Nigeria. He comes to Mumbai to buy fabrics which he plans to sell back in his hometown and make some money. But as fate intervenes, he ends up selling drugs and getting trapped in the underworld.

 

         Well, after reading the book, I got mixed reactions. Neither I liked it very much nor I hated it. (I will explain the reasons below for the same). 

 

Points I liked :

 

         I loved the simplicity of the language used. It is very simple and easy to understand, with no heavy use of language which is a major plus point of the author. I loved the way the author made a cameo appearance in the story like a director does in any Bollywood movie that shows his love for Bollywood. How the author has traced the journey of Uche from his hometown to Bandra is worth a read. The characters are introduced as and when the story demands and exits accordingly. Each character plays their role without cluttering the plot.

 

         I won’t say negative points as they are not but these points I found a bit hard to understand. If Uche was doing well in his hometown doing movies, he had earned well and had prospered, then why did he come to Mumbai to buy fabrics that he could sell after going back?

 

         If you are a Mumbaikar, you will understand my following point one assaults a movie director (Abhinav), a detective (Charanjeet Singh), and an FFRO official in Mumbai and, he gets away, without any action from the system or even making it to headlines, and that too if you are a Nigerian, this fact is a bit difficult to digest for me as I am a born in Mumbai. 

 

         Having said all the above points I suggest this book is worth a read. It is an eye opener for all who think Mumbai is a city of dreams and anyone can become successful and earn money as soon as one lands here. It is, but the path you take decides your fate.

           One must read this book once. Looking forward to reading the remaining parts of Uche’s journey.

Book Review - Raman Agarwal's Crochet - The Gordian World of Tahir Khan

About Crochet -

While adult mental health issues around the world have gained massive awareness in the past few years, the mental health issues of kids and teens continue to be ignored and denied recognition. The roots of mental disorders are often found buried in childhood traumas. Social stigmas attached to mental disorders are monstrous, especially when it comes to the suffering of young ones, who are too confused to speak of their pain--or to know that they suffer unfairly.

Often parents try to shield their children using deception and ignorance. The general perception remains that people suffering from a mental disorder are crazy, or mad. The insensitivity of popular culture makes a laughing stock of this pain and chooses to ridicule what should be alleviated. The result is a complete alienation of a bright spark who must pretend normalcy by aping the behaviours of their peers while their consciousness cries in the despair of soul-crushing loneliness.

Crochet aims to bring light to the topic of mental health and its importance amongst young adults and their parents.

 

Blurb:

 Tahir lives with Maa and Abba in a refugee colony. A childhood misfortune pushes him down an age long chasm, surrounding him with ominous shadows and illusory objects. As Alex untangles his knotted head, Tahir uncovers a dark past, stored in long forgotten jars.

Crochet is a story of greys, of fractions, of halves, of twins, of dinky dots, of concentric circles, of daisies in gardens, and irises in eyes.

You can watch the book trailer here - https://youtu.be/KuR7vpqK5FI

To buy the book click on Amazon Purchase Link - https://www.amazon.in/Crochet-Gordian-World-Tahir-Khan/dp/B0B353YDNB/

 

About the Author :

Raman works with a global cloud company as a value evangelist & advisor. Raman enjoys visiting local book stores & coffee shops in foreign cities. He is also an amateur, but a passionate photographer.

Raman enjoys his coffee dark and bitter, and his books deep and profound. On most weekends, you can find Raman seated on his balcony, reading a twentieth-century classic while sipping coffee.

Raman hates watching the trailers before the movies, and he never reads blurbs before books. He is also a believer and a practitioner of objectivism.

One can follow him on the following social media

Insta : @crochetbyraman

Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramanagarwal13

Twitter: ramanagarwal138

 

My Views :

Speaking about mental health has been a taboo for generations but, in the past two years, since the pandemic has hit us, something has changed and now everyone is talking openly about mental health and giving preference to it.

 

Our brain functions in a very strange manner. Good thoughts and memories are stored deep down somewhere where no one can find them, but bad memories and trauma hold a special place and trigger various reactions. And if any untoward incident happens, especially in childhood, it leaves a long-lasting effect on that person. But sadly, we are so used to sweeping the dust below the carpet that we don’t realize what effect it does on a child, but by the time we realize that, the damage is already done and the time has passed away too.

 

Crochet - The Gordian world of Tahir Khan, is one such book that is based entirely on mental health. After a very long time, I have come across such a book, that has left me speechless. Initially, I found the book a prolonged read, but as I progressed, it was like peeling layers of corn cob; the more we peel, the more interesting it gets. The author has done a commendable job and I appreciate the effort he has put into his debut book.

        

The first fourteen chapters are like a monologue, where Tahir, the protagonist is just sharing his thoughts, about his experience with Alex, a psychiatrist.  Tahir gives you entry into his world, which he believes is true but after fourteen chapters, the suspense clears and the mystery unravels leaving you thoughtful and speechless. How Raman, the author has compiled the story of Thair, is astounding. For a debut author, Crochet is well-written.

           

 

Though the book has a cliffhanger ending, it stays with you for a very long time as it did to me, to gather my thoughts, to make sense of the whole story.

 

I loved the intricate book cover; it is eye-catching. The editing is perfect, error-free writing, and the use of simple language are some of the plus points of this book. The only blemish, for me, is the font size. I wish the author had opted for a font size a little bigger than the one used in the hard copy. Other than the one teeny-weeny flaw, this book is worth a read.

 

I recommend one and all to read Crochet, but let me warn you it is not a simple and easy read. But, do pick up this book when you have time in hand and want to read some good stuff on mental health and settle down with no distractions and a big pot of strong tea or coffee as you enter the intricate and tangled world of Tahir.

Spotlight On Paromita Goswami's Mirror

Book Spotlight: Mirror by Paromita Goswami

Name of the book: Mirror

Author: Paromita Goswami

Genre : Self-help, motivational, non-fiction, short read

Publisher : Ficus India Books

The Blurb:

    The success lies in never giving up your goal whatever be the situation. Our failure is our testing time. It questions us if we are on the right path or not.

    My inspiration in writing motivational and relationship book is from my own experiences in life.

    My life has been an intense emotional roller coaster ride that brought me closer to my actual soul calling, spreading positive vibes and healing. Frankly, I saw myself in many of my friends, family and even people whom I didn’t know. The suffering was the same everywhere.

    This book is a small attempt to show that you are not alone in such a situation and with self healing, the tables can be turned.

Add to goodreads

Buying link getbook.at/mirror

About the Author

    Paromita Goswami is a writer and storyteller by passion and a rebel by choice. She says the world is full of stories and as a writer she loves to pen them down. Her work is not genre specific. From literary fiction to children book to paranormal thriller and women fiction

    Paromita Goswami’s books offer the variety of life to her readers. This is her first attempt in self help motivational and inspirational book aimed at self healing.

    Besides writing, she loves singing and also organizes events for social welfare and cultural benefits for the community. She also hosts programs for all India radio. She lives in Raipur, Chhattisgarh with her big family consisting of furry babies and humans.

Stalk her @

Website - paromitagoswami.wordpress.com

Insta - @goswami.paromita

Twitter - @authorparomita

Goodreads – Paromita Goswami

Facebook page – Author Paromita

Z for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

In today’s material world how many of us are lucky to have friendships lasting for decades? How many of us have that bond with our schoolmates or college mates?

 

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is a cult movie that initially felt like a simple movie of three friends going on a road trip but then, the complexity of the characters, the issues of the individuals playing the three main leads somehow could relate to the real-life problems. Anyone could relate to what the three individuals were going through in their life. It is not about going distant from a friend due to misunderstanding or failing in a matrimonial relation misinterpretation of events. It is much more than all of that.

 

Every individual has some kind of phobia or history, that sometimes no one shares. But when friends like Arjun, Imran, and Kabir meet, skeletons tumble out of the closet. 

 

The movie is also above conquering our fears and overcoming our shortcomings by facing them. I just loved that movie and watch it again and again and again. I loved the manner the three male leads, Hrithik Roshan Bobby Deol and Farhan Akhtar have played their characters with their natural acting. It is a film which one requires to reduce your stress. It is a lighthearted, refreshing movie which you can watch alone or maybe with your group of friends and which will make you smile throughout and make you forget your worries and be happy. 

 

And that’s a wrap for this month-long blog challenge. I would like to offer my gratitude to all who have read and commented on my posts, be assured will do the same for you in the coming months.

 

Heartfelt gratitude to our WhatsApp group members, Deepa, Afshan, Renu, Jayshree, Anuradha, and Ranjana who not only supported, motivated, and but also encouraged each other throughout this challenge. Special thanks to Deepa who came up with the idea of making this group. 

 

Till next year, keep blogging, keep reading… Ciao!!!

 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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Y for Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

 

Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani is a coming-of-age romantic comedy movie featuring some of the best artists in the Bollywood industry. 

 

This film is one of my favorite, not only for the heart-warming music but also because I could instantly connect with Naina because of the way she was. Naina never got to enjoy life. She always concentrated on getting good marks in academics and how being an introvert bothered her. The locales, where the movie were shot are just mesmerizing. 

 

I loved the acting of all the artists, the rapport they shared, could be felt on-screen too. I can watch this movie any number of times for its humor, comedy, and the foot tapping songs, and for the actors and actresses, I just love this movie. Every time I watch this film, it not only brings a smile but always drives away the blues clogging my brains. 

 

Did you watch this movie? Which part is your favorite? Do let me know in the comments. 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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X for A movie 'X' based on your life (Guest Post)

Again today is a guest post written by a blogger friend Anuradha Khanna Pentapalli. She is a mommy blogger who blogs at Mom And Ideas, where she writes about her experiences and journey as a mom. I love reading her posts; they like a breath of fresh air. Her humour and how she makes light of every situation are commendable.

         Let us ask Annu (as she is lovingly called and known to us 💖💖) what she has to tell about her favourite movie in this post.

 

A movie ‘X’ based on your life

 

         Remember that X variable of your Mathematics problems? Oh, the joy we had when we found what it was and the disappointment when it left us confused!

         Now, what if there was a movie to be made based on your life? After all, our life is nothing less than a hit movie story, isn't it? Emotion, drama, romance or crushes, failures, achievements, struggles… It has all the ingredients of a movie script, right?

         Let me call it ‘X’, for now until you figure out (and please share in the comments) what you would like to call it.

         It is not that I am unable to find Indian movies with the letter X in the title, but let me assure you that your story would be way better than the four of these:

            Mr. X (1957): starring Ashok Kumar, involves a potion that makes him invisible. Innovative, particularly at that time, but it wasn’t a hit.

        Mr. X in Bombay (1964): is a romantic sci-fi film starring Kishor Kumar and Kumkum -  definitely not a hit but it had a beautiful song Mere Mehboob Qayamat Hogi.

           Xcuse Me (2003): would make the movies above seem much better. Excuse me, but let's not talk about it in this blog series that lists some of the most wonderful movies of our times.

           Mr. X (2015) is a 3D sci-fi film starring Emran Hashmi. No, not worth talking about it here. Don’t even ask why!

            So, coming back to your X, where X is the title of the movie based on your life. I am certain that it is way better and more interesting than the ones above. So what would it be? What would be the plot?

 Would it be about romance, finding or losing love?

Would it be about your struggles and challenges?

Would it be about friendship?

Or a thriller?

Or the drama in your life?

Or just the fun parts?

          Would it be a biography focussing on your achievements? Trust me no achievement is small when you overcome the difficulties in your life. You don’t need to be a famous person, everyone’s struggles are real.

            Okay, let me lead by eXample!

           My X would be a series as I can go on and on as you can figure out by the length of this post. I am still awaiting that call from some Academy award-winning director who would make a movie on my life… and then that movie would be a hit, then there would be a book, interviews, money… then a movie on the new success… it can go on and on ;)

Maybe my X is Daydreaming… LOL. What is yours?

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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W for Where'd you go Bernadette

 

Why is that every time a child is sick, a mother has to sacrifice her career, and her passion and stay home to take care of that child? Sigh! (Sadly, my Mom did the same when I had some health condition and Dad made her resign from her job and stay home so that I could be taken care of properly and recover. I can understand her plight now that I am a mother too).

 

I chanced upon this movie while flipping through the channels one fine day. I watched this movie for Cate Blanchett. It connected instantly and I think lot of moms who have given up their career and passion for sake of their kids or elders at home can easily relate to this movie. I love the manner Cate played the role of a frustrated, desperate mom Bernadette, who is a well-known and famous architect, and yet for sake of her daughter Bee gave away all her passion. But she is the apple of her eye and their lives revolve around each other.

 

I appreciate the director, writer, and Cate for showing the emotions of what of mother goes through, how she feels frustrated, and how isolated she feels when her husband, whom she trusted and loved refuses to understand her dilemma and calls her mentally unstable.

 

I loved watching this movie and would recommend one and all to watch it. 

To check out other posts of A to Z challenge click on links below

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