TADUNO'S SONG

Nigerian author Atogun's debut novel is difficult to categorize. It's primarily a story of survival with elements of allegory, folk tale, and just a touch of magic. Prentice Onayemi's lilting African English adds its own melody as he narrates musician Taduno's struggles to reclaim his voice and his music, which he lost under an oppressive regime. The slightest modulations of volume and tone allow Onayemi to capture Taduno's anguish and anger as he wrestles with the choice of saving his imprisoned lover and himself, or saving his beloved country. Atogun's dark picture of life under authoritarian rule is leavened by the hope Taduno embodies as he upholds music as a powerful weapon of defiance. Onayemi's lyrical presentation of this short novel offers an intriguing choice for adventurous listeners. M.O.B. © AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine [Published: JUNE 2017]