Ayo Onatade is an avid reader of crime and mystery fiction. She has been writing reviews, interviews and articles on the subject for the last 12 years; with an eclectic taste from historical to hardboiled, short stories and noir films
The Lightseekers is a no-holds-barred debut set in contemporary Nigeria viewed through the lens of Dr Philip Taiwo an academic and psychological investigator whose specialism is in the harrowing field of crowd killings as he investigates a brutal murder.
Dr Taiwo who has been living in America finds himself back home in Lagos having being persuaded by his wife who unhappy living in America to return home. Back home, he investigates the brutal killing of the son of the Managing Director of the country’s third largest bank.
Kevin Nwamadi is one of the Okriti 3 - three young men who were accused of being thieves and killed by a mob. The whole incident was caught on camera and swiftly uploaded to various social media channels. In order to find the truth Dr Taiwo flies to Port Harcourt as part of his investigation. His arrival is unwelcome as he’s viewed as an outsider. With the help of his driver, he gains local knowledge and the understanding of a culture that he has long forgotten.
This novel brings back memories of my own life in Nigeria, such as the extreme wealth juxtaposed against the poverty. There’s also the lack of opportunities, the failing electricity, creaky infrastructures and the use of bribery by the military (on a regular basis) with the help of roadblocks. It also provides the reader with a reminder of Nigeria's troubling history.
As tough as this novel becomes, it is however beautifully written and a taut purposeful read, with social commentary. It has vivid characterization and a sense of place that is compelling.
The Lightseekers exposes many dire issues that form part of Nigerian’s daily life - which some might find difficult to comprehend. This includes the wide spread use of social media and its effects on the country, the Government and the people and the easy use of it to sow discord especially tribal divisions.
No quarter is given in this debut novel as it paints an authentic picture of Nigeria that had me at times remembering own my own life there.
Read The Lightseekers but be prepared to be immersed into a foreign world, that will make you ruminate about your own societal views.
