Easy Motion Tourist By Leye Adenle Book Review — Hilary Ogohi
This is one beautifully written thriller by Leye Adenle. I say thriller because all through this book are suspense filled “adventures”. The entire book was in the span of 3–4 days. Yet, the order of circumstances and happenings, and the way they were arranged made it seem like a book series. I love that the chapters alternated between each of the occurrences and characters; which leaves you in suspense but keeps you in the know. I also like the use of prologue to ground the readers in the story of the Easy Motion Tourist (even though the character of Florentine did not develop in the main story or make it to the epilogue). Adenle’s choice of diction is so simple, vivid and humorous. You don’t have to have lived or live in Lagos to relate; this is so because of the narrative technique used — a first person narrative by Guy Collins, the “Tourist”.
This book is completely fictitious, but also an apt directory to the Lagos hustle (though, some may argue that there are a few exaggerated representations; which could scare off prospective Guy Collins’ from visiting). It’s sad the level of barbarism and promiscuity that people have to go to survive and keep up with the status quo. But there is hope because of the likes of Amaka; a strong, fierce and fearless lady that looks after the “real female Lagos hustlers”. Through her charity organization- Street Samaritans, these girls and women who have become prostitutes; not by choice but by lack of choice, can have a glimpse of hope and some kind of assured safety in their hustle- a profession where sex and perversion are mixed freely with violence and death.
Reading this book has made me stay more woke on the issue of ritual killings. I think it’s really eye-opening that not all killings are actually ritual killings. There are many Chief Amadis out there — killing and taking vital organs to the western world for money. I guess it is ritual in a way but not in the way that I would have thought (the Juju way). Like our dear “tourist”, Guy, I always wondered how such act made its way into the 21st Century, but now I have a better understanding. It is also definitely not crazy to believe that there are real Knock Outs, Catchfires and Go Slows out there in the streets of Lagos. Young and desperate boys who find the solution to poverty in crime, murder, and betrayal. The saddest of all is the fact that behind all the crimes, ethical and legal violations are committed by the very people in front of the legislative arm.
I felt like an easy motion tourist just reading this book. Lots of curiosity arousal. This is one perfect thriller recommendation!
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