All posts by Veronica Elias Ugian

By Veronica Elias Ugian

• Title: August Inmates
• Author: Chidubem Iweka
• Publisher: Kraft Books Limited
• Number of pages: 65
• Year of publication: 2015
• Category: Drama

‘There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice’. – Charles-Louis de Secondat

Chidubem Iweka’s August Inmates is a fascinating, satirical play. Addressing politics, democracy and governance in Africa, the play explores a very relatable story. Many readers will easily identify with the plot and the characters, as they are reminders of our present political sphere. The writing is suspenseful and leaves readers on the edge of their seats, wondering how events will unfold. As far as suspense goes in literature, this play provides the highest form. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian

• Title: Nyambura Waits for the Bus
• Author: Cath Alexander
• Illustrator: Catherine Groenewald
• Publisher: Jacana Media (Pty) Ltd
• Number of pages: 32
• Year of publication: 2017
• Category: Children

Nyambura Waits for the Bus is a fascinating story that reveals the essence of our journey in life, our humanity, our memories, patience, generosity and love. The author, Cath Alexander, lives in Johannesburg with her family. She began writing children’s literature when she realised there was a gap that needed to be filled in terms of sharing the diverse cultures and ways of life in South Africa with children. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian

• Title: Flame and Song
• Author: Phillipa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa
• Publisher: Modjaji Books
• Number of pages: 189
• Year of publication: 2016
• Category: Memoir

‘To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must cultivate our personal life; and to cultivate our personal life, we must first set our hearts right’. – Confucius

In 2016, the Ugandan author, Philippa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa, published a memoir on family, memories and survival during the periods of political violence in Uganda. Weaving poetry and prose to narrate her journey from birth to adulthood, all the circumstances that surrounded her and her family and how they were able to live through political violence, she shows that sometimes home is not about places or aura but about people, and maybe we can make people our homes. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian

• Title: Crocodile Girl
• Author: Sam Omatseye
• Publisher: Parrésia Publishers Ltd
• Number of pages: 276
• Year of publication: 2017
• Category: Fiction

Crocodile Girl by Sam Omatseye brings out the bold and unique storytelling abilities of the author and attests to his experience as a renowned columnist. The novel explores the history of slavery, witchcraft, love and bravery through the character of Alero. Although considered one of the most beautiful women in Orogun, she is called ugly and evil on suspicion of killing unsuspecting strangers. Believing her to be cursed, she and her family are ‘inxiled’ by the community, but in an unexpected twist an American by the name Tim Forester, the descendant of a family of slave traders with roots traceable to the village, turns up and alters her destiny. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian 

• Title: The Hundred Wells of Salaga 
  
• Author: Ayesha Haruna Attah
• Publisher: Cassava Republic Press
• Number of pages: 231
• Year of publication: 2018
• Category: Fiction

The Hundred Wells of Salaga is historical fiction that offers insights into contemporary life through two strong female characters, Wurche and Aminah, whose paths cross and whose actions smash stereotypes and open pathways for other trapped women. The novel’s female characters are imbued with strength and freedom of choice; they are initially silenced by the patriarchy but they are ultimately fulfilled. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian 

• Title: Life, Lessons… My Path to Happiness
  
• Author: Abisola Biya
• Publisher: Parrésia Publishers Ltd
• Number of pages: 116
• Year of publication: 2017
• Category: Essays

Is happiness attainable? In Life, Lessons… My Path to Happiness, Abisola Biya answers in the affirmative and further says it is a choice. The book seeks to develop the mind of readers in order to enable them see things positively and strive for happiness regardless of the prevailing situation. The lessons Biya explores cover different experiences that people go through. She advocates that anyone can live a fulfilled life if only they cultivate the right mentality by approaching challenges through the prisms of self-love, self-value and the right disposition. More…

By Veronica Elias Ugian 

• Title: The Square Pegs
  
• Author: David Obasa
• Publisher: Parrésia Publishers Ltd
• Number of pages: 190
• Year of publication: 2016
• Category: Fiction

David Obasa’s The Square Pegs is a novel that spans the journey from childhood through adulthood to old age of three protagonists. More…