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A review by girlfriday4
Infinite Riches: A Novel by Ben Okri
5.0
The final book of three wild, immersive, surreal books about Nigerian independence from the perspective of a spirit child born into a poor family.
I'm not sure if this is the best of the trilogy, or I'm just appreciating Okri's style more as the series progresses, whatever, I just loved this book. I loved the rich, visual language, the vivid characterisations, the layer upon layer of symbolism and meaning, punctuated with sharp insights into the human condition, such as this - as resonant today as when it was written:
"Some say there is no greater breeding-ground for evil than when a people's reason falls asleep, their dreams unencumbered, and when the air seems clear."
Having even a little familiarity with West African cultures & history helped me appreciate these books, but I'm sure I missed a lot. I borrowed them from the library but may have to buy my own copies as they will give more with every reading, I'm sure.
I'm not sure if this is the best of the trilogy, or I'm just appreciating Okri's style more as the series progresses, whatever, I just loved this book. I loved the rich, visual language, the vivid characterisations, the layer upon layer of symbolism and meaning, punctuated with sharp insights into the human condition, such as this - as resonant today as when it was written:
"Some say there is no greater breeding-ground for evil than when a people's reason falls asleep, their dreams unencumbered, and when the air seems clear."
Having even a little familiarity with West African cultures & history helped me appreciate these books, but I'm sure I missed a lot. I borrowed them from the library but may have to buy my own copies as they will give more with every reading, I'm sure.