When someone who deals with economic policy picks up a pen to write a novel, one wonders what kind of result is expected of an economist. The author begins his literary career where most beginners start: with a novel. It is a mode that allows the writer to explore life’s conflicts in simple, uncomplicated episodes. And that is what Osi Ogbu achieves with concise and direct language in this book, The Moon Also Sets.
The plot revolves around a widow (Mama Oby) and her daughter (Oby) who struggle to survive in a world dominated by men. The book describes how Mama Oby struggles to raise her children on her own while facing the requirements of tradition, as shown by Pa Okolo. She believes in the importance of education and spares no effort to help her daughter get a college education.
The book can be described as a conflict of tradition, modernity and Christianity. People are constantly faced with situations in which their actions and words are evaluated by the three competing value systems. In the novel Mama Oby, a devout Catholic and other Catholics in Isiakpu rejected the church’s decision on Obeta, who was accused of murder. They prefer to adhere to the tradition that ostracizes any accused murderer who refuses to dress before the idol of the people. Also the Igwe, who should be the custodians of the Isiakpu culture and traditions, got rid of the tradition when it was on its way to success. Once again, the modernity represented by Oby was not clear, as he was always quick to defend traditional views and values in his conversations with Chris.
The book is easy to understand fiction written in a fluid style. Osi Ogbu addresses the many vagaries of life: sadness, joy, success, failure, victory and defeat; in this book. She embellished the novel with rich Igbo idioms, fables and proverbs.
This book was very enjoyable and I recommend it without reservation. If you’re looking for an African novel to read this month, read The Moon Sets Too.