Gabriel Okara stands as one of Nigeria's most significant literary figures, celebrated for his evocative poetry and compelling novels. His poetic works, widely disseminated through Africa's prominent journal, The Black Orpheus, profoundly impacted readers. Beyond his literary contributions, Okara also founded The Nigerian Tide, establishing a significant voice in media. His writing solidified his legacy as a pivotal force in both Nigerian and African literary landscapes.
Focusing on rural life in Rivers State, Nigeria, this adventure tale features two young protagonists on Juju Island who uncover the nefarious activities of Indian hemp smugglers. Their courageous decision to report the criminals leads to a dramatic confrontation with the law. Through their journey, the narrative imparts a moral lesson, highlighting themes of bravery and justice in the face of wrongdoing.
Arranged in six sections, Gabriel Okara: Collected Poems includes the poet's earliest lyric verse along with poems written in response to Nigeria's war years; literary tributes and elegies to fellow poets, activists, and loved ones long dead; and recent dramatic and narrative poems. The introduction by Brenda Marie Osbey contextualizes Okara's work in the history of Nigerian, African, and English language literatures