Oil On Water by Helon Habila Book Review — Samuel Saintmark
Oil on water revisits the chilling tale of the uprising of the evolution, activities and missions of the Niger-Delta militants in Nigeria. After their farmlands and rivers have been extensively damaged as a result of oil spillage from drilling, and the subsequent lack of clean-up of their environment, the Niger Delta implodes. In order to fight this perceived sin of injustice and dehumanization against their people, a faction of the Niger Delta youths resort to bombing oil rigs and kidnapping workers from the oil companies.
Helon Habila gives an insight into this period by telling the story of the kidnapping of the wife of a British oil Engineer — Isabel Floode. Zaq and Rufus, both journalists, find themselves in the murky waters of Port Harcourt on a journey to the kidnappers’ den to confirm if the white woman is alive before the ransom is paid. They are plunged into an adventure as their seemingly easy quest turns dangerous.
Helon Habila is a master storyteller. The way he effortlessly portrays the Niger Delta struggle in this story of a kidnapping case, encompassing the perspective of the Niger delta people, the kidnapping victims, the soldiers and even the journalists.
Helon Habila stood on the fringes, a silent observer and gave a glimpse into the life and perspective of all involved, without seeming to take sides.
A point worthy of note was how he kept flawlessly switching from the present to the past and back again, creating perfect backstories for each character without losing the reader.
From the vivid and entrancing way the author painted the Niger delta, one would think he was on these waters during that period and we are seeing directly through his eyes.
I recommend this book to everyone.
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