Benjamin Ifeanyi Abugu

The Widow And The Wolves Benjamin Ifeanyi Abugu

The Widow And The Wolves is an absorbing story of the agonies, struggle and victorious survival of an oppressed widow, Nwanyidinma. Her pain of losing a beloved husband and an only son is compounded by the vindictiveness of a menacing brother-in-law, Agada, whose carnal desires, covetousness and inhumanity appear legitimized by tradition. The novel captures the woes of the widow as well as the traumatic moments of her female children in a typically patriarchal Igbo society. Faithful, resilient and industrious, Nwanyidinma resolves to give her daughters good education in line with the wishes of her late husband. Her hard work yields surprising dividends in her gifted child, Ifeoma's academic achievements and elevation, which pave the way for the widow's metamorphosis. The reversal of fortune in this tragicomic story is in two opposite directions: explore the conflict between good and evil and find out how the beauty of character eventually triumphs over man's inhumanity to man. This moving story takes the reader into the hearts and spheres of individuals, families, governments and various social institutions, giving fascinating insights into life in an African society. From the rural to the urban settings, it mirrors the prevailing moral decadence in the society, and takes a swipe at the wolves among men and women. *** The artistic flair, with which the novelist has weaved the many different strands of the story together into a coherent narrative, makes the book a very interesting reading. - Daily Champion The book is written in lucid language and it addresses the importance of education. - Daily Sun As a novel, The Widow And The Wolves draws its strength from the author's ability to adopt a straightforward narrative laced with flowing language power. - Sunday Vanguard.