In the Land of Promise
From Africa comes two enjoyable books. Each with something to teach about culture and of course, these are stories about crime and corruption.
Believers and Hustlers by Sylva Nze Ifedigbo
Heaven’s Gate Cathedral, is the new global headquarters of Rivers of Joy Church in Lagos, Nigeria. It is run by Pastor Nick or Daddy Founder as he’s commonly known. He is politically connected and has deep influence with the public.
One daring reporter mentions an unexplained death at the cathedral’s construction site and is fired by the publisher. What else can Ifenna Obumselu do but start his own blog: Exposing the Bad Shepherds and Unchaining the Sheeps.
The Truth is a Flightless Bird by Akbar Hussain
US President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit and Nairobi is abuzz. But the real story for us is related via several characters: Nice, Duncan, Ciru, and Toogood. All of them in difficult circumstances, all of them connected in some way to the illegal drug trade.
With their stories, comes the story of two cities, and much about the culture within. You are transplanted to the unsavoury parts of the drug world, good and bad. Much like the characters, also not all bad and not all good.
~ June Lorraine Roberts
Murder in Common is #33 on the Feedspot Top 100 Crime Novel Website
7 responses to “Iskanchi Books: Believers and Hustlers, and Truth is a Flightless Bird”
Interesting! I wanted to challenge the concept that “the truth is a flightless bird” given the wide influence of Twitter, but now I have to read the book.
Of course you do 🙂
Wonderful titles and covers. Also, both stories sound compelling. I will be adding them to my TBR list.
Thanks Laurie 🙂
Yes, the exploitation is astounding in Believers & Hustlers, and you will also see some of it in Truth is a Flightless Bird. Really such eye opening reading from many perspectives. Quite enjoyed both of them 🙂
Oh, these do sound absolutely fascinating, June! There’s such a mix of culture/setting, the crime layer, and more. I can see how you were drawn into them. I’m especially noticing Believers and Hustlers. It’s sad and sobering how often that sort of exploitation happens, and it’d be interesting to see how it goes on in other places.
They are good books Margot and certainly brought me to a place I’ve not been before. What more can you ask 🙂