THE IBO OF BIAFRA

by Sonia Bleeker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 17, 1969

Sonia Bleeker's last chapter is an astute capsule history of the Ibo in recent times -- as disoriented town dwellers, as disaffected British subjects, as freedom fighters first (against Britain) and last (against Nigeria); the bulk and base of the book, however, is a traditional examination of a traditional culture, much of which, whatever the outcome of the war, can never be-quite the same -- as per the medicine man quoted in the New York Times as bemoaning his loss of trade to Western-trained practitioners. Still it is good to see the culture as a productive, psychologically attuned entity: the elders dispensing justice democratically, the father as head of the compound, respected and served (rather competitively) by his several wives and children; the women busy with their allotted tasks which allow them considerable initiative; the children growing into adulthood through close identification with their peer-group. Provision is made for special talents and needs: the gifted speaker speaks for all, the elderly potter is advised by a women's society that also limits production to maintain price. Ever present and often spontaneous, art, music and dance are interrelated. In the course of coming to know the Ibo, the reader feels both respect and regret.

Pub Date: Sept. 17, 1969

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1969

Categories: NONFICTION