Love usually wins but Olabode Ogunlana’s vividly drawn characters in Yoruba Love Stories suffer from separation, mistaken identity, ethnic conflict, self-doubt and jealousy. The author tells these stories beautifully, with an ear for the nuances of Yoruba, bringing the tales to life for contemporary audiences. In a companion volume, The Quest for the Rare Leaf and other Yoruba Tales, Ogunlanashares the Yoruba folklore oral tradition that stretches back centuries. Both Yorubaand non-Yoruba speakers will discover a world of noble farmers,women warriors, and over-reaching kings, checked by their subjects.
Olabode Ogunlana Books
After a long career in insurance, a return to art school and a master's degree with distinction from Buckingham University, Olabode Ogunlana transformed his knack for proverbial storytelling into fiction writing. He aimed to create collections of short stories that would serve as a useful resource for an international audience interested in Yoruba or Yoruba-inspired narratives. Ogunlana offers a unique perspective on Yoruba culture, from the syntax of proverbs to the historical geography and subcultures that inform contemporary trends in Southwestern Nigeria.
OUT OF THE BLACK POT AND OTHER STORIES
Volume III of Glimpses into Yoruba Culture
- 212 pages
- 8 hours of reading
Exploring themes of redemption, faith, and the supernatural, this collection features diverse narratives. A devotee of Èsù seeks forgiveness after a tragic crime, while a boy learns about divine providence through a letter to God. Other stories delve into miracles, kindness, and the consequences of jealousy, as characters confront their pasts and seek meaning. The collection also reflects on the interplay between wealth and morality, and the author's personal journey highlights nature's spiritual significance, inviting readers to ponder deeper truths.
The story revolves around young journalist Tanímò la, who delves into the life of Laiyemö, a moneylender with a dark past tied to his own family history. As Tanímò la uncovers Laiyemö's downfall and regrets, he learns about the themes of pride, destiny, and the consequences of one's actions. Laiyemö, once a powerful figure in Agbajó, now lies in ruin, haunted by his past and the impact of his father's piracy. The narrative explores the destructive nature of greed and the haunting legacy of familial ties, culminating in a poignant reflection on morality and redemption.