The Fishermen (Obioma novel)
 | |
| Author | Chigozie Obioma |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Little, Brown and Company |
Publication date | April 2015 |
| Media type | |
| ISBN | 978-0-316-33837-0 |
The Fishermen is the debut novel by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma, published in 2015. The novel follows four brothers in a quiet neighbourhood of a Nigerian town, who are given a violent prophecy which shakes their family to the core. It is set in the 1990s, during the rule of Sani Abacha.[1]
It was shortlisted for the 2015 Man Booker Prize.[2][3][4] The novel received a number of accolades, and positive reviews from critics.
Plot
The Fishermen" by Nigerian author Chigozie Obioma tells the story of four brothers who live in Akure, southwestern Nigeria, whose lives are tragically changed by their encounter with a madman named Abulu. The prophecy of the madman predicts that one of the brothers, Ikenna, will be killed by a "fisherman" after they start going fishing in the nearby Omi-Ala river. The novel explores the consequences of the prophecy, with the family struggling to escape their grim destiny. While the novel conveys impending doom in a compelling way and explores the psychology of the characters with subtlety, it is marred by inconsistencies and improbabilities. The search for symbolism in the novel leads to some awkward repetitions, and the use of scenes designed to create climaxes undermines credibility. Despite having some of the ingredients of a remarkable work, the novel is weighed down by its own cleverness.
Development and writing
Obioma has seven brothers and four sisters, and wrote the novel as a tribute to his siblings.[5] Two of Obioma's brothers fought violently when they were children, and Obioma was inspired by what he imagined was the worst possible outcome of those fights.[5]
Reception and criticism
The novel has garnered comparisons to Things Fall Apart in part due to the central role prophecy has in each novel.[6] However, some critics disputed the validity of the comparisons.[7] It also references the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, and has been referred to as a "retelling" of the story.[6][8]
Multiple critics referred to the novel as a Bildungsroman given that it is told from the perspective of one brother, and charts his youth.[9][10]
References
- ^ Fiammetta, Rocco (14 April 2015). "'The Fishermen,' by Chigozie Obioma". The New York Times. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ "Pulitzer winner makes Booker Prize shortlist". BBC News. 15 September 2015. Retrieved 15 September 2015.
- ^ Sharp, Naomi (8 October 2015). "Man Booker Shortlist 2015: The Fishermen". The Atlantic. Retrieved 31 October 2016.
- ^ Martin, Tim (24 September 2015). "The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma, review: 'full-force'". The Telegraph. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ a b Curtin, Amanda (23 February 2015). "2, 2 and 2: Chigozie Obioma talks about The Fishermen". looking up/looking down. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ a b Tsouderos, Trine (14 April 2015). "Review: 'The Fishermen' by Chigozie Obioma". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ Morosetti, Tiziana (9 October 2015). "Review: The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma". The Conversation. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ Twidle, Hedley (15 September 2015). "Making myths: Chigozie Obioma's The Fishermen". The New Statestman. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ "Fathers and sons". The Economist. 28 March 2015. Retrieved 1 November 2016.
- ^ Habila, Helon (13 March 2015). "The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma review – four brothers and a terrible prophecy". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 November 2016.