Year of Publication: 1966
Genre: Fiction
Elechi Amadi’s ‘The Concubine’ is by far one of the best humorous books I have read and it even comes as a surprise as this was his first book published. (1966) In this book, Amadi writes in very short chapters yet achieving complete control over the events that brings humor to the reader.
In the village of Omokachi lived a young charming girl, Ihuoma who was widowed as a result of the death of her husband, Emenike. In as much as the people of Omokachi loved the union between these couple (Emenike and Ihuoma), there were others like Madume who envied their union and as a result, engaged him in a fierce fight until the unexpected happened (resulting in the death of Emenike).
The vacuum created as a result of the death of Emenike saw the face of Ekweme (an energetic and hardworking man and a colleague friend of Ekweme) who was interested in Ihuoma. As tradition play out its part in the story, we are left to watch through reading, what is in store for the hardworking Ekweme and the young charming Ihuoma.
Throughout the narrative, it is evident that the people of Omokachi believes in their traditions and as such, abounds in the society in which they find themselves. These traditions in the society seek to bind the people together, in that; going contrary to them could spell doom for an inhabitant.
In as much as the story deals with the traditions in the society and religion, it is also very much about the longing of love for one another. Not to exaggerate, Amadi’s ‘The Concubine’ is a delight to read.
Note: For Amy’s Nigeria Independence Day Reading Project.
yeah, its a wonderful book with astonishing names lyk agwatrombe(spelling might be wrong) loved it!
Loved it too. Thanks for sharing, Sarah.
This does sound like a really excellent story, and one that I would like to read. I am glad to hear that you found it delightful and that it was so satisfying for you. It sounds like one that I would enjoy too. Great review today!
I think you would enjoy this once you lay hands on it.
great choice and a new title to me ,all the best stu
You ought to add this to your library, stu.
Way back in Secondary School (or Senior High, as they now call it) this book was given to every student as part of the items the school gives out after paying the required fees. It is sad to know that I never read mine. Those were the days of pulp fiction. I will definitely read this.
You ought to pick this up, Nana. A lovely book.
OOh sounds very interesting. I must look it up! I love a good comic novel
You should like this book, Sarah.
I read this a long time ago. Oh, I need to read it again. Who says that older African writers are not funny? Thanks.
Its really, really a lovely book. I am looking forward to reading more from Amadi.
[...] Geosi Reads reviewed The Concubine by Elechi Amadi [...]
It’s hard to find well-done humourous novels, so this one is getting added to my list; thanks for bringing it to my attention. (BTW, I was quite intrigued to discover how many books bear this title: who would have thought?!)
Glad you are adding this to your list.
So glad to hear that you enjoyed this so much, I really liked it as well. Funny you are right
Thanks Amy. I did enjoyed this one.
[...] The Concubine by Elechi Amadi: Published in 1966, I remarked that it is by far one of the best humorous books I have read. The [...]
I am reading this novel, I will duly write my review when I am done. I will also be adding a link to your review. Cheers.
I love reading this Concubine book, more especially my interest laze in that young beautiful girl Ihuoma’s, who was very loving and commanded to her beloved husband. from where I read, I can tell you that every things that was said, they all truth. And from my comprehension of this book, is indeed a nonfiction story. And these things that happened, they are still happening today in the world.
I can tell you this story really tells me to write all of my experience I had and still having in life. I wish you all, long life to see by book in the world. and it will be beneficial to all African in every School in Africa.
Thank really enjoy reading the book.