Of This Our Country: A Book Review.

“I realize that I am spending my life trying to bridge the distance between my love for the country and a hatred for it, between hope and despair, and between pride and punishment”

Chigozie Obioma. Pride and Punishment.

Of This Our Country is a collection of essays written by Nigerian writers in Nigeria and the diaspora about their experiences in Nigeria and as Nigerians. This book delves into the beauty of Nigeria, as well as its messiness, history, culture, and mindset.

Of This Our Country is one of those books that no one told me about or recommended to me. I saw it in the bookstore and was eager to read it. I also feared that I wouldn't enjoy it because I hadn't read any reviews on it. I approached the book with an open mind, and I have to say that it is one of my favorite books I read this year.

First and foremost, kudos to Nigerian writers for their talent. This book's writing was exquisite. Aside from the writing, what drew me to this book was how certain topics were articulated and certain things were highlighted. Some writers explored the experience of first encountering one's culture. How our preconceived notions about our culture are sometimes incorrect. I also appreciated how some essays addressed issues such as classism and how it has become the new normal in Nigeria. It emphasized how one's financial situation allows for more freedom and disregard of the protocol.

This book depicted Nigeria's failures, from the military to SAP to corruption, to failed democracy; to the ugly of Nigeria, which breeds fear in a man due to its insecurity, and how the names of the lost cannot be remembered because we continue to lose every day. Also, how education has lost its relevance and beauty due to a government ruled by low minds despite having the most educated people. This book explains how Nigeria is viewed as an irony, but we still have ways to cover our wounds with humor and our art.

I also appreciate how this book portrays the character of a Nigerian. The desire to always find enjoyment as a source of comfort, even in the face of a country fraught with difficulties. The hard work of Nigerians to remember that they are better than everyone which I would call the pride of a Nigerian.

The book also delves into Nigeria's revolution through a piecemeal acknowledgment of the F word, Feminism. Also, the youth movement in fighting for a better Nigeria, and how Afrobeats has helped us make a name for ourselves. It discusses past and recent events in Nigeria that have shaped us as a country.

Overall, one major takeaway from this book is the contradictions we face as Nigerians. According to Bolu Babalola's essay, Contradictions, we are in a situation where there is some form of disdain towards Nigeria but we love our Nigerianness.

This book was a roller coaster of emotions, laughter, and truth. I enjoyed every single essay, but my favorites were; Rites of Passage, One Season Many Decades, A Banner Without Stain, Pride and Punishment, Contradictions, Education as Savior, Nulli Secundus, and #RepresentationMatters: The Oppressor in the Mirror. I would highly recommend this book. If you are trying to understand Nigeria as a country and also a bit of its history, you should read.

I rated this book 5 stars.