Babatunde's Heroic Journey: From Nigeria to Ukraine via Russia

An exciting new novel from South African author Nape Motana. Babatundes Heroic Journey is the story of Babatunde Okoronkwo a Nigerian recipient of a Russian scholarship who does not return to his country once his schooling is complete. As the Soviet flag tumbles into a new epoch he is consumed by zeal to be part of the transformation of a new society. He raises his hand and says Here am I send me!--having no idea where the answer to that prayer might lead him. Hungry crocodiles trail him on his tortuous journey determined to make minced meat of him and his dream. But Babatunde refuses to give in even if following his faith is like signing a death warrant. The burden becomes back-breaking so he asks to be blessed with a strong back.When hes eager to shout Hallelujah he senses a teeth-gnashing villain behind his back. And hes reminded that the tiger is not tame and never changes its spots. When he reaches the point of no return he ignores both real and false alarms--because he has something to learn about being an African hero in Ukraine.The novel is a captivating novel that kept me awake all through the night while exploring the trials and vicissitudes of Babatunde Okoronkwo. It is so well grounded in Igbo cosmology belief systems and aesthetics that one would hardly believe that it was written by a South African author.- Professor Femi Shaka University of Port Harcourt