Dear earthlings, What is life?   Life-life is like most games we played as kids...  Especially those where we'd form a circle,  A real big circle, like  Our mother's cooking pot... Like "who is the garden". Like "fire on the mountain".   The game begins, then the reaper goes round Calling people to follow him One after the other...  Till no one is left...    When one leaves the circle, There's a little unrest,  But soonest we all go back to the status quo.   Every time one leaves, another replaces. So it goes on and on and on and on and on ... Till no one is left...   The game is life . The circle, Earth . The players, we. The one outside the circle, calling, the reaper. Replacement of people, birth...   This, dear earthlings, Is life...

Your best part of the evening, has always been listening to Mum and Dad's discussion, and mom laughing and chuckling like a highschool girl to dad's jokes; both those that are funny and lame. And saying "mmhn" or "eehen" at intervals to affirm or confirm certain statements. Also, dad constantly recalling some memories from his university days at the States, and mom keenly paying attention like a little village girl being told city tales. Theirs seemed like a perfect match, one you'd wish to have. You wish you could say the same about your just ended relationship.   Whenever asked about your previous relationship, your response was always "our ideas didn't align" but thinking about it now, you can't help but ask why? Why did he choose the other option and not you? Why was there even another option apart from you? Like a time bomb it ticked, you couldn't tell when it would go kaboom... But one thing you were certain of was it would eventually explode, and it'd explode or end as the case maybe.   Memories of what was began to make their way back from where you exiled them,your head begins to throb real bad, you need something to distract you from thinking about him because such thoughts always come with unbearable headache that you wonder if it is your heart that is broken or your head or both...

Not all love stories begin with love at first sight; some grow from mere dislike. This is precisely the case for Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy in Jane Austen's classical novel, "Pride and Prejudice". Elizabeth, the intelligent and witty second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, defies the societal norms of her time. Unapologetically herself, she doesn't conform to the traditional expectations of an ideal English lady in the 18th century. While she earns admiration from characters like Mr. Bennet and Mr. Darcy for being her, she also attracts disdain from others, such as the pretentious Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.   Moreover, Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud young gentleman, is another prominent figure in the novel. Through these two characters, Austen masterfully illustrates that not all love stories follow a predictable path. As shown by Mr. Darcy's initial disapproval of Elizabeth (driven by his pride) and Elizabeth's subsequent prejudice against him, first impressions can be misleading. "She is tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt me" (Chapter 3). This statement highlights Mr. Darcy's initial dismissiveness towards Elizabeth.   However, as the novel progresses, Mr. Darcy's opinion of Elizabeth undergoes a significant transformation. His later declaration of love, "In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you" (Chapter 34), contradicts his earlier statement, illustrating the complexity of his character.   Furthermore, Austen also explores the complexities of the class system and its impact on relationships, as seen in the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Their love story is both intriguing and relatable, offering a refreshing departure from the typical romantic tale.   Ultimately, as their relationship evolves, Austen skillfully exposes the vulnerabilities and flaws of her characters, making their ultimate love for each other even more believable and satisfying.  

The sun returns to his blanket made of clouds, while you sat across him. Mouth watering arts lavishly displayed on the table, yet his thoughts lingers on you..."You are too good a woman for God alone. Are you really sure about this decision of the sacred veil?" He asked, his hazel eyes boring into your's which was cocoa like...   Yes, of course you were sure. You couldn't bear hurting him any further, it's enough that he has to fight with his family because of you; a thought which proved impossible till when it happened... That fateful day was just like any other; peaceful and bright but there was this funny feeling in the pit of your stomach, you were so sure something was amiss but you could not just tell what exactly it was. By the evening, it revealed itself. Emma and you had gone on one of your many walks, when the air around him seemed dull and uncomfortable, you asked him what it was for like couple of hundred times before he finally opened up. His younger  sister whom he loved so dearly had told him about one of her many disturbing visions that had to do with you being barren. She said in his words "it was a generational curse". It was no generational curse nor vision. You knew that as much as she did. The fact she couldn't hold her tongue even after so many years annoyed you. But now you come to think of it, she was only trying to protect her only brother, you would do the same,were you in her shoes.   After much thinking, you made up your mind to go to the nunnery, if God had truly forgiven you like the priest had said at the end of your confession before he gave you your penance, then maybe he should be able to accept you without a womb. Surely, the consequences of your actions would live with you but you wouldn't be needing a womb as a nun either.         Happy New Year y'all...😌😌

For a novel set in Nigeria, during the military era (early eighties precisely), Ogadinma or everything will be alright by Ukamaka Olisakwe tells a tale woven through the fabric of time. A tale though old as time, seems to be a reoccurring phenomenon in our present day society. A tale of long suffering and endurance. A tale of a woman's journey to Independence.   Through the eyes of Ogadinma, the protagonist, Olisakwe masterfully portrays a typical African society, characterized by patriarchy, feminine subjection, and revolt. Employing an omniscient narrative voice, she sheds light on the various plights experienced by women in African societies, particularly those who are married.   One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its skillful use of imagery and figurative devices, which vividly brings the world of Ogadinma to life. The character development and tone are also noteworthy.   While readers who appreciate feminist literature will undoubtedly enjoy this book, some may find the plot development to be a minor shortcoming. In my opinion, the plot feels somewhat haphazardly constructed. Nevertheless, Ogadinma is a worthwhile read.   Unfortunately, the tale told in this novel may continue to reoccur in our society. However, as the title suggests, we can only hope that  ogadinma – everything will be alright. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in feminist literature and the experiences of African women.