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Looking For Transwonderland: Travels In Nigeria (2012)

by Noo Saro-Wiwa(Favorite Author)

3.72 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1847080308 (ISBN13: 9781847080301)

languge

English

genre

Memoir & Autobiography

publisher

Granta Books

review 1: As a diplomat currently serving in Nigeria, I found this book particularly relevant and very enjoyable. Saro-Wiwa does an excellent job of capturing the essence of Nigerian culture - from the Yoruba ebbullience to the more reserved Hausa of the north, to Nigerian's ability to made due without electricity, running water, and all the conveniences we Americans take for granted, to their inability to address the corruption that holds back development. I think this is a must-read for anyone coming to Nigeria.
review 2: At first I wasn't so sure about Looking for Transwonderland... Noo Saro-Wiwa's conflicted relationship with the country made me feel earlier on somewhat uncomfortable with her commentary, but as I got further into the book I did feel like I was on t... morehe journey with her as her hesitations, fears and frustrations were addressed and answered - in part. She does an excellent job of painting a realistic picture of Nigeria with all it's flaws and glory. There is also some interesting cultural and political analysis that gives further insight into the character of Nigeria as well as great revelations about Nigeria's rich history. One book is never going to be enough to do such a vast and varied country justice, but this is a great introduction to Nigeria - it is not patronising, it is not pessimistic, it's honest and insightful, and very well written. The personal anecdotes make a great dynamic that is both touching, illuminating and just brings further character to Noo's journey. It is also well-researched, so there's a balance between the personal, the political, the historical and the now. less

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