Policy Briefs

Skirt Review of Oseloka H. Obaze’s Regarscent Past and Here To Serve

I was at ZZZ HTSthe New Jersey book launch on 6 May 2016, and have a brief unsolicited book review, all my own to add.

It was in 1959, that the celebrated American novelist, Norman Mailer, who is considered to have been the innovator of creative nonfiction, said that “writing books is the closest men ever come to childbearing.” The metaphor in this case is not lost. From conception, nurturing of the idea, plotting the layout, writing, and eventual delivery of the book, the similarities are glaring. But writing like childbearing can be a wrecking experience. Writers sometimes spend enormous amount of time, just sitting at a spot trying to churn out a miserable sentence.

Whereas, female pregnancy lasts about nine months on the average, Oseloka’s collection of poems, “Regarscent Past” was approximately forty five years in the making. And, his second book, “Here to Serve” had a gestation period of about four years. Book launch comes with mixed feelings for authors; amazing sense of fulfillment for their work and a pinch of apprehension as to how the public will rate the book.

“Regarscent Past” is a collection of prose and assonances, free flowing, very fluid and yet instructive.  “Here to Serve,” the second book is a work of contemporary commentaries on Nigeria’s political landscape and governance. It highlights problems and identifies solutions appropriate to the problems. I have published some of Oseloka Obaze’s more recent commentaries on RenAfrique online. Obaze writes with clarity, insight and surprising mastery of politics and governance. He has an impressive intellectual range and is a compelling writer. I highly recommend the two books.

Chuma K. Uwechia, Esq.

New York, New York

Tel: (646) 319-3800

Author of “The Law and Practice Relating to Clubs and Associations”

& “Nigerian Arbitration and Conciliation Law and Practice”

 

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Oseloka Obaze, MD & CEO

Mr. Obaze is the former Secretary to the State Government of Anambra State, Nigeria from 2012 to 2015 - MD & CEO, Oseloka H. Obaze. Mr. Obaze also served as a former United Nations official, from 1991-2012, and as a former member of the Nigerian Diplomatic Service, from 1982-1991.

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