Book review: Bitter Leaf By Chioma Okereke

A catchy title plays an important role in enticing readers to pick up a book. In this context, parallels can be drawn between books and people. When we see people, their dress or just something about them serves as their first impression. From that, we can tell who they are and even other details about them. This is also applicable to books. A catchy title serves as a book’s first impression, digging up the reader’s mind and allowing room for curiosity. In content creation, we have something called clickbait. It’s an element used by writers to trap readers into reading their works. Similarly, a catchy title acts as a literary hook, trapping the reader's attention and channeling their mind on a journey that the book offers.

The last book I read was "Bitter Leaf" by Chioma Okereke. Just last week, I found myself stuck in a boring class. Feeling confused and exhausted, my eyes aimlessly roamed around the room. Then, out of the blue, they landed on a book. "Bitter Leaf" - the title stood out boldly on the side of the book. As expected, my mind wandered to places beyond limits. “What does the author mean by bitter leaf?” “Is bitter leaf a figurative expression?” “What exactly is the book about?” These questions kept popping up in my mind, disrupting the flow of my thoughts.

To satisfy my mind’s cravings, I had to go meet the owner of the book after class. I just had to do it. I knew if I didn’t, my mind wouldn’t be at rest. Luckily, he was done reading the book, so borrowed it. I promised to return it as soon as I’m done reading. A promise that I’ve failed to keep. I finished reading the book on Sunday, but I’ve been too lazy to return it. Now, let’s get right into the book.

Chioma Okereke is a Nigerian-born poet, author, and short story writer. She started off her career as a poet, but after some years in that field, she diverted into other genres.

Bitter Leaf, Chioma Okereke’s first novel, was published in 2010. The novel takes us on a profound exploration of the complexities of love and jealousy. The play is set in Mannobe. One thing about Mannobans (inhabitants of Mannobe) is that they love traveling to the city for greener pastures.

After spending years in the city, Jericho, one of the major characters, returns to Mannobe after spending years in the city. She meets Babylon, a musician whom all village girls are obsessed with. Babylon is a charming character who has a sweet voice. He uses voice and charm to grab the attention of the village ladies and have his way with them. When Babylon meets Jericho, he falls in love with her and his heart longs to make her his own. Jericho on the other hand is unlike other ladies who would fall for his charm. She is educated and plays hard to get.

The climax of the novel hits when Babylon finds out that Jericho is getting married to another man- Babylon. Not only does his heart shatter, but he also starts to lose his mind and his singing skills. After a few eye-openers. Jericho realizes that Daniel isn’t the man he claims to be. She calls the wedding off. The resolution of the play ignites when Jericho meets Babylon at Silas’ tree where they hug and kiss.

One of the notable themes that is explored in this novel is the theme of pain and loss. Pain and loss. Babylon, Jericho, and some other characters went through pain and loss in their lives. Babylon feels pain when he finds out about Danie and his relationship with Jericho. He experiences loss when he loses the most precious thing to him- his guitar. It is safe to say that the guitar is also Jercho’s best friend. Another character who experienced loss and pain is Jericho. Jericho was rejected by Daniel even after she told him that she was carrying his baby.

Moving on, one of the elements that makes this book a masterpiece is the use of literary devices. Chioma Okereke skillfully weaves literary devices into her novel, adding depth and extra layers of "beauty" to the story. One standout device is the clever use of foreshadowing. The characters' names, like "Allegory," "Babylon," and "Jericho," serve as subtle hints or foreshadows of events to come in the narrative. The author also uses flashbacks to uncover and add details to the novel.

I'd totally suggest this novel to all book lovers out there! But here's the trick - dive into the book with full-on enthusiasm and read it super carefully. That way, you'll catch all the juicy details and really soak in the story.

Note: All images in this post are mine.

Thanks for reading.