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Fine Boys: A Novel
A coming-of-age tale told from the perspective of Nigeria’s Generation X, caught amid the throes of a nascent pro-democracy movement, demoralizing corruption, and campus violence.
Ewaen is a Nigerian teenager, bored at home in Warri and eager to flee from his parents’ unhappy marriage and incessant quarreling. When Ewaen is admitted to the University of Benin, he makes new friends who, like him, are excited about their newfound independence. They hang out in parking lots, trading gibes in pidgin and English and discovering the pleasures that freedom affords them. But when university strikes begin and ruthlessly violent confraternities unleash mayhem on their campus, Ewaen and his new friends must learn to adapt—or risk becoming the confras' next unwilling recruits.
In his trademark witty, colloquial style, critically acclaimed author Eghosa Imasuen presents everyday Nigerian life against the backdrop of the pro-democracy riots of the 1980s and 1990s, the lost hopes of June 12 (Nigeria’s Democracy Day), and the terror of the Abacha years. Fine Boys is a chronicle of time, not just in Nigeria, but also for its budding post-Biafran generation.
Ewaen is a Nigerian teenager, bored at home in Warri and eager to flee from his parents’ unhappy marriage and incessant quarreling. When Ewaen is admitted to the University of Benin, he makes new friends who, like him, are excited about their newfound independence. They hang out in parking lots, trading gibes in pidgin and English and discovering the pleasures that freedom affords them. But when university strikes begin and ruthlessly violent confraternities unleash mayhem on their campus, Ewaen and his new friends must learn to adapt—or risk becoming the confras' next unwilling recruits.
In his trademark witty, colloquial style, critically acclaimed author Eghosa Imasuen presents everyday Nigerian life against the backdrop of the pro-democracy riots of the 1980s and 1990s, the lost hopes of June 12 (Nigeria’s Democracy Day), and the terror of the Abacha years. Fine Boys is a chronicle of time, not just in Nigeria, but also for its budding post-Biafran generation.
278 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2012
About the author
Eghosa Imasuen
2 books28 followersNigerian novelist, medical doctor, Warri boy, father and husband. Latest novel is Fine Boys.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
July 24, 2015
Never having lived in Nigeria or knowing (other than what we studied in broad history books) the strife of the period within which the book is set, I didn't expect it to be such an easy read. While some of the scenarios painted are entirely foreign to me, the humanity of the camaraderie between the characters made it quite relatable. This is a delightful book that has left me wanting to know more about the space, time and places that inspired it. Well done Eghosa!
August 7, 2019
DFN... sadly. It was so pedantic and repetitive that it became tiring really fast. It read more like a memoir than a work of fiction... and not in a good way. I do not think Imausen had developed his craft in creative writing well enough. At some point, I stopped caring for the protagonist, Ewaen, with his overly self-righteous behavior. He was naive and spoilt and just got on my nerves. The blurb promised the turmoil of the socio-political climate of Nigeria in the 90s, which of course I was completely interested in having grown up there during that time, but up to the point I stopped reading (25%) there was nothing really mentioned except in passing. The political climate promised does not really emerge in the story being told except to point out the constantly recurring strikes. This is a subpar novel.
January 27, 2018
This book took me back to boarding school days except with a lot more freedom. I love the pace, the camaraderie between Ewaen and his boys and most of all, the banter. This book made me laugh so hard. It's a very heartfelt read and I highly recommend it.
August 4, 2016
My two star rating is a bit misleading. It is not that I don't like the book but I don't feel like it is a three star book for me. It took me a while to get into it and the book only started for me at about page 200. The best part of this book was the last 3-5 chapters. The book read more like a story being told. I don't know how to rate this book. It reminded me so much about university but then at times it got boring. People were described 10 000 times over and over again and I understand why but that didn't make it any less annoying. I would read another book by this author simply because the story was extremely familiar and one I could relate to. I haven't read another story about Nigerian university life that I have found so convincing that I could see myself in the story.
July 8, 2022
This is the right kind of book for me to push myself to read. I only understood 75% of it but it’s good for me to read things I don’t understand. The protagonist is exactly my age, going to college at exactly my same years. But wow so much difference. And yet so much the same. I wanted to know all about the politics and I wanted explanations of the cultural and historical and political references and yet I need to see a complex world that isn’t clear to me. Watching the death of idealism and the dream of democracy through the lens of young adulthood with its loves and jealousies and family dynamics was especially instructive.
August 4, 2015
Fine Boys follows a character steadfastly through its entire course. The novel is a coming-of-age tale of a teenager who narrates his initiation into real life at the university after being divested of the protective cocoon of family. His experiences are colorfully charted from his first sexual intercourse to his first cigarette and bottle of beer. His story is framed after that of every Nigerian who attended tertiary institutions in the 90s. The growing spate of cult groups and its attendant problems, illegal bootlegging of handouts by lecturers and victimization of erring students, and the uneasy atmosphere that characterized the military regime is palpable. Farad also shares this uneasy atmosphere of military regime: that of strict censorship, massive inflation and hard living conditions.
August 15, 2019
What a book and what a ride through memory lane. I for one can't be sure if this is a reality or fiction because there is very little or none to say it doesn't depict reality of youth, family, student life in Nigeria.
Thumbs up for the style of writing which the author used to present sometimes sensitive matters. It was humour full and engaging.
Thumbs up for the style of writing which the author used to present sometimes sensitive matters. It was humour full and engaging.
June 21, 2021
Reading Eghosa Imasuen’s Fine Boys was like getting a preview of what life would be like for people in present-day Nigeria.
Set in the 90s and published in 2012, Fine Boys is reminiscent of recent happenings in Nigeria. The unending ASUU strikes, protests, looting, sanctions, political unrest, banditry, and so much decadence.
Using the University of Benin as a backdrop and young Ewaen to tell his story, Eghosa Imasuen weaves a timeless tale that reveals the stagnancy of the Nigerian system.
In Fine Boys, we experience what life as a Nigerian student in the early ‘90s were. We follow the life of Ewaen, a 16-year-old Bini boy, based in Warri, who forms life long relationships in the few years he spends at Uniben.
Many factors contribute to this bonds; mutual respect, hunger, classes, childhood friendships and the unbreakable Warri bond that “no confra could break.”
Starting as a light read, Fine Boys will have you laughing out loud as you flip through the pages. However, you’d be sure to notice that not everything in the book is easy to laugh off. Imasuen subtly included issues within the flippant statements and jokes made by Ewaen and his friends.
For Ewaen, Wilhelm, and several of their roommates (turned friends), studying at the University of Benin is more about dodging the ever-present pressure of joining a confraternity than anything else. Their struggle goes beyond studying for exams, dealing with the consequences of ASUU and NASU strikes or sleeping in a six-man room with 12 boys; they have more to contend with.
Being rich, intelligent, fine boys causes a lot of unwanted attention for them. Several confraternities vie for their attention, wanting to brand these teenagers as one of their own. However, having heard about the dangers of joining a fraternity, the boys do everything within their power to avoid it, even if it entails calling in a favour from the leader (Capo) of said fraternities.
Fine Boys is riddled with the usual antics of school life (cutting classes, pulling all-nighters, sexual relationships, friendships, enmity, etc) but it also has many undertones within the story. These subtle themes include the military rule in Nigeria, the emergence of the Niger Delta militants, racism, politics, corruption and the struggle for democracy.
It was interesting to read about the sporadic protests which were similar to the #EndSARS protest. Also, I couldn’t help comparing the looting in Fine Boys to the ransacking of the Oba of Lagos’ palace and warehouses for COVID-19 palliatives.
The deplorable state of the universities highlighted in Fine Boys will bring many memories to readers who attend(ed) public universities in Nigeria. We all know the story of those terrible hostels; pesky bed bugs, faulty water outlets, bad toilets, unreliable power… the list is endless. The humans of these schools are also something to write home about, and Eghosa Imasuen did it splendidly. He highlighted different characters; the stingy people, liars, thieves, proud, stubborn, shy, carefree, religious and more.
While the book is mostly about Ewaen’s days in University, we also get an insight into those who helped define him: his family. Ewaen’s twin siblings are just as headstrong as the parents who birthed them, and his extended family is not lacking in stubbornness, intelligence or funds either. His grandmother’s get into the picture during the biannual domestic scuffle that occurs in his home like clockwork.
For Ewaen, the domestic violence his father metes out on his mother is not unusual to him, but he hates it as much as he hates the idea of joining a confraternity. He vows throughout the book that he’d never hit a woman, the same way he vehemently declares never to join a confra. He regards the friends who ultimately join confra with the same frustration, shock and resignation he subjects his father to.
As the first child of his parents, Ewaen knows he’s creating a pathway for his siblings, which is why he takes attending a Nigerian university in stride, despite wanting to school abroad. Ewaen is a calm, self-aware young boy who carefully finds himself and understands the people and things around him, which is how he gets on the good side of everyone.
However, his world comes crashing down when a tragedy strikes close to home. Despite his studies as a medical student, he is unable to alleviate the pain of the suffering.
Fine Boys is a book that should be on the list of every, “Books to Read Before College” listicle. Can you tell I really enjoyed reading this book? You will too. It will make you laugh, it will make you reflect.
***
This review was originally published on https://folioreview.wordpress.com
Set in the 90s and published in 2012, Fine Boys is reminiscent of recent happenings in Nigeria. The unending ASUU strikes, protests, looting, sanctions, political unrest, banditry, and so much decadence.
Using the University of Benin as a backdrop and young Ewaen to tell his story, Eghosa Imasuen weaves a timeless tale that reveals the stagnancy of the Nigerian system.
In Fine Boys, we experience what life as a Nigerian student in the early ‘90s were. We follow the life of Ewaen, a 16-year-old Bini boy, based in Warri, who forms life long relationships in the few years he spends at Uniben.
Many factors contribute to this bonds; mutual respect, hunger, classes, childhood friendships and the unbreakable Warri bond that “no confra could break.”
Starting as a light read, Fine Boys will have you laughing out loud as you flip through the pages. However, you’d be sure to notice that not everything in the book is easy to laugh off. Imasuen subtly included issues within the flippant statements and jokes made by Ewaen and his friends.
For Ewaen, Wilhelm, and several of their roommates (turned friends), studying at the University of Benin is more about dodging the ever-present pressure of joining a confraternity than anything else. Their struggle goes beyond studying for exams, dealing with the consequences of ASUU and NASU strikes or sleeping in a six-man room with 12 boys; they have more to contend with.
Being rich, intelligent, fine boys causes a lot of unwanted attention for them. Several confraternities vie for their attention, wanting to brand these teenagers as one of their own. However, having heard about the dangers of joining a fraternity, the boys do everything within their power to avoid it, even if it entails calling in a favour from the leader (Capo) of said fraternities.
Fine Boys is riddled with the usual antics of school life (cutting classes, pulling all-nighters, sexual relationships, friendships, enmity, etc) but it also has many undertones within the story. These subtle themes include the military rule in Nigeria, the emergence of the Niger Delta militants, racism, politics, corruption and the struggle for democracy.
It was interesting to read about the sporadic protests which were similar to the #EndSARS protest. Also, I couldn’t help comparing the looting in Fine Boys to the ransacking of the Oba of Lagos’ palace and warehouses for COVID-19 palliatives.
The deplorable state of the universities highlighted in Fine Boys will bring many memories to readers who attend(ed) public universities in Nigeria. We all know the story of those terrible hostels; pesky bed bugs, faulty water outlets, bad toilets, unreliable power… the list is endless. The humans of these schools are also something to write home about, and Eghosa Imasuen did it splendidly. He highlighted different characters; the stingy people, liars, thieves, proud, stubborn, shy, carefree, religious and more.
While the book is mostly about Ewaen’s days in University, we also get an insight into those who helped define him: his family. Ewaen’s twin siblings are just as headstrong as the parents who birthed them, and his extended family is not lacking in stubbornness, intelligence or funds either. His grandmother’s get into the picture during the biannual domestic scuffle that occurs in his home like clockwork.
For Ewaen, the domestic violence his father metes out on his mother is not unusual to him, but he hates it as much as he hates the idea of joining a confraternity. He vows throughout the book that he’d never hit a woman, the same way he vehemently declares never to join a confra. He regards the friends who ultimately join confra with the same frustration, shock and resignation he subjects his father to.
As the first child of his parents, Ewaen knows he’s creating a pathway for his siblings, which is why he takes attending a Nigerian university in stride, despite wanting to school abroad. Ewaen is a calm, self-aware young boy who carefully finds himself and understands the people and things around him, which is how he gets on the good side of everyone.
However, his world comes crashing down when a tragedy strikes close to home. Despite his studies as a medical student, he is unable to alleviate the pain of the suffering.
Fine Boys is a book that should be on the list of every, “Books to Read Before College” listicle. Can you tell I really enjoyed reading this book? You will too. It will make you laugh, it will make you reflect.
***
This review was originally published on https://folioreview.wordpress.com
September 1, 2019
I was filled with trepidations before beginning this book, the fact that it was set in a era in the Nigerian history that was known for the rise of cult activities and the death of students in universities I knew that someone whose storyline we followed would die and it happened and when it did I was filled with despair because I didn't expect it although from two pages before the death I knew that was what was coming. The writing of the book is so amazing that while reading it you laugh that you are still filled with that sense of premonition that something was going to happen and this stays with you all through.
This is the first book of this writer I have read and it was and is amazing, gripping, startling and suspenseful. Overall a very amazing read and the ending was so unexpected and it fits the narrative style the author employed.
This is the first book of this writer I have read and it was and is amazing, gripping, startling and suspenseful. Overall a very amazing read and the ending was so unexpected and it fits the narrative style the author employed.
Read
October 22, 2015So after reading Joy Isibiwi's 'What Pain May Bring', I can say I have read another witty colloquial Nigerian novel which I utterly enjoyed. This is d shortest period I have read a book in a while. Worth my money n time
November 10, 2021
Having heard stories about the federal university system in Nigeria and not experiencing it firsthand, this was an enlightening read.
It tells the story of the Ewan boys expertly, and the pacing is nice as well.
The ending, though sad, couldn't have been better.
It tells the story of the Ewan boys expertly, and the pacing is nice as well.
The ending, though sad, couldn't have been better.
April 5, 2024
I just don't like when the LAST SECTION of the book is the most interesting. But yeah, this was alright. Funny in some places, dragged in others, but otherwise a pretty chill read.
May 16, 2019
Помните ли еуфоричните юлски нощи, когато Пеневата чета биеше наред на световното 1994, а ние се събирахме на Аптека на масова какафония от клаксони с развети знамена в бяло, зелено и червено, а? (а п��сле пиехме кафе на караваната зад Александър Невски)
В тази книга откриваме и обратната страна: „В първия мач Нигерия направи България на пух и прах с 3:0. Чудесен ден беше! Ни��ой, даже от онези, които кокетно се преструваха, че не се вълнуват от футбол, не можеше да удържи на еуфорията. Знамена в бяло и зелено, съшити от прости найлони и чаршафи, плющяха развети по вратите, предните и задните капаци на колите“.
"Момчета от добри семейства" е кампус драма за студентски банди и братства от нигерийския град Бенин (да не се бърка с държавата Бенин) в началото на 90-те. Която ми е близка, защото и аз бях студент по същото време и в моята страна по онова време се ентусиазирахме освен по същото световно и по същите обществени процеси – падане на авторитарен режим, свобода на изразяване, първи демократични избори от десетилетия. Героите коментират ехидно как африканските реге изпълнители трябвало набързо да си пренаписват текстовете, след като Мандела вече бил наистина свободен. Разликата обаче е, че при тях нещата не стигат докрай. Резултатите от изборите са анулирани с груба сила, крехката демокрация е погазена и до края на хилядолетието се установява по-зловеща и едновременно по-корумпирана и от най-мрачните им африканските представи диктатура. И на тоя фон Еуан и няколко други негови връстници, произлизащи от, да го наречем, интелигентската средна класа, се опитват да следват, да бъдат фънки и да изкарат едни естествени студентски години с момчешки преживявания, наравно с връстниците си по света. Скучни лекции, мизерни общежития, изтощителни купони, момичета, мода, футбол, музика … Да се събират на Деликатесния щанд за банга и пиперлива супа на мама Таджу (представяте си дървена беседка с огнище �� мушамен покрив край прашно кръстовище) и да обсъждат световното или концерта на Фела Кути (гуруто на афробийта и нигерийския антиконформизъм още от 1970-те) в спортната зала. Или - дупките от куршуми по учебните трупове в залите по анатомия, които ужким съзнателно били завещали тялото си на науката (какъвто бил стандартът на медицинските академии, но … в Европа). Или – привлекателния чар на източноевропейските столици. Има един от героите, който мечтае да иде в България. В държавата, а не в ексцентрично именуваното общежитие на по-бохемски настроена група студенти. Или в краен случай можело - в Белград или Будапеща.
А вместо това? „Гледам международните новини и всичко, което виждам е кльощави африканци, които се блъскат хуманитарни помощи или черепи на тутси, разхвърляни в пепелта на полу-изгоряла църква. Няма и белег от моята Африка. Моята Африка на музика и видео-игри. На Поколението X. Няма я тийнейджърска тревога, вирееща във всякаква среда. Няма готини момичета и фънки момчета. Младежи с дебели книги в медицински академии с трудни за впечатляване преподаватели ….“ - ядосва се Еуан. Еманципирал се вече от фантопиещ заек до второкурсник със самочувствие на умерен консуматор на бира. Който ми печели симпатиите с твърдия си отказ да бъде организиран в какъвто и да било комсомол. Било от агресивно промоцираща добродетелите си църква (от страна на приятелката му) или агресивно завладяваща територия студентска банда (от страна на момчетата в общежитието). И двете институции - настояващи за абсолютна лоялност, закалявана с кръщение. И приятелите му са подложени на същия натиск и го поемат всеки по свой начин. Не задължително със щастлив край. В негатив на традиционния американски наратив, постепенно осъзнаваш, че ако някой ще е умре, ще е белият, оѝбото (макар и да е само на половина бял, от майка си). Защото колкото и да не ни се иска, ако никой не умре, романът би останал ... с изпилени зъби.
И понеже, върнал се след няколко месеца, прекарани в Нигерия, всички ме питат за нигерийските измамници – да, и измамниците са в романа. Те изгряват през същия период. Наричат ги Момчетата 419 (по някакъв член от наказателния кодекс, по който никой никога не бил наказан). И другите им завиждат за лесните пари. И ги боготворят като герои и бунтари.
В тази книга откриваме и обратната страна: „В първия мач Нигерия направи България на пух и прах с 3:0. Чудесен ден беше! Ни��ой, даже от онези, които кокетно се преструваха, че не се вълнуват от футбол, не можеше да удържи на еуфорията. Знамена в бяло и зелено, съшити от прости найлони и чаршафи, плющяха развети по вратите, предните и задните капаци на колите“.
"Момчета от добри семейства" е кампус драма за студентски банди и братства от нигерийския град Бенин (да не се бърка с държавата Бенин) в началото на 90-те. Която ми е близка, защото и аз бях студент по същото време и в моята страна по онова време се ентусиазирахме освен по същото световно и по същите обществени процеси – падане на авторитарен режим, свобода на изразяване, първи демократични избори от десетилетия. Героите коментират ехидно как африканските реге изпълнители трябвало набързо да си пренаписват текстовете, след като Мандела вече бил наистина свободен. Разликата обаче е, че при тях нещата не стигат докрай. Резултатите от изборите са анулирани с груба сила, крехката демокрация е погазена и до края на хилядолетието се установява по-зловеща и едновременно по-корумпирана и от най-мрачните им африканските представи диктатура. И на тоя фон Еуан и няколко други негови връстници, произлизащи от, да го наречем, интелигентската средна класа, се опитват да следват, да бъдат фънки и да изкарат едни естествени студентски години с момчешки преживявания, наравно с връстниците си по света. Скучни лекции, мизерни общежития, изтощителни купони, момичета, мода, футбол, музика … Да се събират на Деликатесния щанд за банга и пиперлива супа на мама Таджу (представяте си дървена беседка с огнище �� мушамен покрив край прашно кръстовище) и да обсъждат световното или концерта на Фела Кути (гуруто на афробийта и нигерийския антиконформизъм още от 1970-те) в спортната зала. Или - дупките от куршуми по учебните трупове в залите по анатомия, които ужким съзнателно били завещали тялото си на науката (какъвто бил стандартът на медицинските академии, но … в Европа). Или – привлекателния чар на източноевропейските столици. Има един от героите, който мечтае да иде в България. В държавата, а не в ексцентрично именуваното общежитие на по-бохемски настроена група студенти. Или в краен случай можело - в Белград или Будапеща.
А вместо това? „Гледам международните новини и всичко, което виждам е кльощави африканци, които се блъскат хуманитарни помощи или черепи на тутси, разхвърляни в пепелта на полу-изгоряла църква. Няма и белег от моята Африка. Моята Африка на музика и видео-игри. На Поколението X. Няма я тийнейджърска тревога, вирееща във всякаква среда. Няма готини момичета и фънки момчета. Младежи с дебели книги в медицински академии с трудни за впечатляване преподаватели ….“ - ядосва се Еуан. Еманципирал се вече от фантопиещ заек до второкурсник със самочувствие на умерен консуматор на бира. Който ми печели симпатиите с твърдия си отказ да бъде организиран в какъвто и да било комсомол. Било от агресивно промоцираща добродетелите си църква (от страна на приятелката му) или агресивно завладяваща територия студентска банда (от страна на момчетата в общежитието). И двете институции - настояващи за абсолютна лоялност, закалявана с кръщение. И приятелите му са подложени на същия натиск и го поемат всеки по свой начин. Не задължително със щастлив край. В негатив на традиционния американски наратив, постепенно осъзнаваш, че ако някой ще е умре, ще е белият, оѝбото (макар и да е само на половина бял, от майка си). Защото колкото и да не ни се иска, ако никой не умре, романът би останал ... с изпилени зъби.
И понеже, върнал се след няколко месеца, прекарани в Нигерия, всички ме питат за нигерийските измамници – да, и измамниците са в романа. Те изгряват през същия период. Наричат ги Момчетата 419 (по някакъв член от наказателния кодекс, по който никой никога не бил наказан). И другите им завиждат за лесните пари. И ги боготворят като герои и бунтари.
July 6, 2022
When my friend saw this at the Quintessence bookstore he immediately thrust it into my hands and said it was one of his favourite books. He had complained that many local books marketed themselves as “African fiction” or “Lagosian fiction” rather than acknowledging it as just “fiction”, and this book was an exception. I then realised that Fine Boys seemed to have a high awareness amongst the local population, so decided to check this out.
(I wouldn’t have picked up this book if I was browsing the bookstore independently)
This novel is a coming-of-age story seen through the eyes of middle-class Ewaen and his university days in Benin (1993-1995). We see his parents in an unhappy marriage, constantly quarrelling; the life and times of a boy falling in love, hanging out with his 11 other friends in the same dorm room; the pervasive threat of “confras”, short for “Confraternities”, secret societies in the university associated with gang fights; teacher strikes, Union strikes, police brutality, interrupted University education leading to people seeking refuge in completing their studies in the UK…
Overall, quite an interesting dive into the life and times of Nigerian university students who have to make do with a 750 Naira monthly allowance — and visualising some local friends in that context. But the plot and delivery didn’t particularly move me.
(I wouldn’t have picked up this book if I was browsing the bookstore independently)
This novel is a coming-of-age story seen through the eyes of middle-class Ewaen and his university days in Benin (1993-1995). We see his parents in an unhappy marriage, constantly quarrelling; the life and times of a boy falling in love, hanging out with his 11 other friends in the same dorm room; the pervasive threat of “confras”, short for “Confraternities”, secret societies in the university associated with gang fights; teacher strikes, Union strikes, police brutality, interrupted University education leading to people seeking refuge in completing their studies in the UK…
Overall, quite an interesting dive into the life and times of Nigerian university students who have to make do with a 750 Naira monthly allowance — and visualising some local friends in that context. But the plot and delivery didn’t particularly move me.
November 17, 2023
Fine boys is a book that deals with a lot. From cultism to police brutality to male friendships to toxic marriages and all of that.
It takes us through the journey of Ewaen, the main character, and his many, many friends in the university of Benin (uniben). (At a point, I stopped keeping up with Ewaen’s many friends.)
As always, reading Nigerian fiction feels like home. I always love seeing my reality (or in this case, history) and those of fellow Nigerians reflected.
The thing about this book, the narration is kind of all over the place. The events that occur for the major part of the book just seem to be randomly selected by the author. We can’t say this happened, so this happened, and then this happened.
But that’s just a by the way, it doesn’t take away from the novel.
Uniben is famous for the concentration of confraternities and I love how the book manages to capture it and also reveal to the reader the consequences of participating in it without being didactic.
Reading about the political climate of Nigeria in the nineties, the role universities had to play and all the violence and the fluctuations of the military dictators was captured well and certain scenes were narrated so vividly that they’ll certainly remain in my mind for a long time.
The ending broke me inside and this book has been imprinted on my mind but yeah, I’ll definitely recommend.
TW for domestic abuse, violence, use of weapons.
It takes us through the journey of Ewaen, the main character, and his many, many friends in the university of Benin (uniben). (At a point, I stopped keeping up with Ewaen’s many friends.)
As always, reading Nigerian fiction feels like home. I always love seeing my reality (or in this case, history) and those of fellow Nigerians reflected.
The thing about this book, the narration is kind of all over the place. The events that occur for the major part of the book just seem to be randomly selected by the author. We can’t say this happened, so this happened, and then this happened.
But that’s just a by the way, it doesn’t take away from the novel.
Uniben is famous for the concentration of confraternities and I love how the book manages to capture it and also reveal to the reader the consequences of participating in it without being didactic.
Reading about the political climate of Nigeria in the nineties, the role universities had to play and all the violence and the fluctuations of the military dictators was captured well and certain scenes were narrated so vividly that they’ll certainly remain in my mind for a long time.
The ending broke me inside and this book has been imprinted on my mind but yeah, I’ll definitely recommend.
TW for domestic abuse, violence, use of weapons.
February 23, 2023
"Life is not just the moments you breathe; it's the moments that take your breath away."
Fine Boys by Eghosa Imasuen is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a journey through the bustling cities of Warri and Benin, Nigeria. The author's use of vivid descriptions and authentic dialect immerses the reader in the setting, making it easy to picture the characters and their surroundings.
One of the strengths of the book is its well-crafted themes and message, which are delivered in a direct and unambiguous manner. The story is centered around Ewaen, a young man caught up in the struggles of love, friendship, and societal expectations. The plot is well-written and keeps the reader engaged, but at times, the numerous characters around Ewaen can become overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of them all.
Despite this, the book manages to maintain its pace and ultimately delivers a satisfying ending. While the conclusion may be seen as generic, it is still spectacular, providing a fitting resolution to the story's conflicts.
Overall, Fine Boys is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that offers a valuable glimpse into the experiences of young people in contemporary Nigeria.
Fine Boys by Eghosa Imasuen is a captivating novel that takes the reader on a journey through the bustling cities of Warri and Benin, Nigeria. The author's use of vivid descriptions and authentic dialect immerses the reader in the setting, making it easy to picture the characters and their surroundings.
One of the strengths of the book is its well-crafted themes and message, which are delivered in a direct and unambiguous manner. The story is centered around Ewaen, a young man caught up in the struggles of love, friendship, and societal expectations. The plot is well-written and keeps the reader engaged, but at times, the numerous characters around Ewaen can become overwhelming, making it challenging to keep track of them all.
Despite this, the book manages to maintain its pace and ultimately delivers a satisfying ending. While the conclusion may be seen as generic, it is still spectacular, providing a fitting resolution to the story's conflicts.
Overall, Fine Boys is a well-written and thought-provoking novel that offers a valuable glimpse into the experiences of young people in contemporary Nigeria.
July 15, 2022
This book should be required reading in classrooms across the country, especially in senior secondary classes.
Fine Boys is a coming of age story about Ewaen, a young University undergrad and his friends, and their experiences on and off campus and the dangers of cultism.
It's a book that all Nigerian universities undergrad and graduates can relate to. Especially Uniben students where the book is set.
The book is set in the 90s and it is shocking to note that the plot hasn't changed in the present day Nigerian universities. Lecturers are still going on strike, cultism is still a major issue and students welfare non-existent.
It's a book that sheds light on the dark parts of Nigeria's history. A fantastic picaresque through the dark side of Nigeria's history.
Fine Boys is a coming of age story about Ewaen, a young University undergrad and his friends, and their experiences on and off campus and the dangers of cultism.
It's a book that all Nigerian universities undergrad and graduates can relate to. Especially Uniben students where the book is set.
The book is set in the 90s and it is shocking to note that the plot hasn't changed in the present day Nigerian universities. Lecturers are still going on strike, cultism is still a major issue and students welfare non-existent.
It's a book that sheds light on the dark parts of Nigeria's history. A fantastic picaresque through the dark side of Nigeria's history.
May 26, 2018
Fine Boys reads like an autobiographical account of a coming of age period in the life of a young person. Narrated from the point of view of the protagonist, Ewaen, the book is very detailed about the day-to-day life of its subjects and nothing is off limit. It is written in a relaxed, humorous though heartfelt manner and will connect with most Nigerians who can easily understand the lingo and mannerisms described in the book. Read the full review here https://literaryeverything.com/2018/0...
May 24, 2023
I picked this up because it’s one of those books that everyone talks about and says you absolutely have to read. I agree with them. It was interesting and I don’t think I’ve ever read anything that quite talks about confraternities in universities like this did.
It also felt a little like I was reading an autobiography that did not really have a point. It got quite repetitive in some parts, and it could have been shorter.
It was still quite the reading experience and I’m glad I crossed this off my TBR.
It also felt a little like I was reading an autobiography that did not really have a point. It got quite repetitive in some parts, and it could have been shorter.
It was still quite the reading experience and I’m glad I crossed this off my TBR.
September 9, 2021
I always recommend this to everybody I know. It shows you how growing up in Nigeria is especially as an impressionable young person. I loved how they depicted the average university student and the lives they lived.
It was an eye opening experience on drugs, lifestyle and cultism. You could just picture the “fine boys” like you were there.
A great body of work. Definitely in my top 5 books from Nigerian authors.
It was an eye opening experience on drugs, lifestyle and cultism. You could just picture the “fine boys” like you were there.
A great body of work. Definitely in my top 5 books from Nigerian authors.
June 17, 2023
This book was particularly relatable cause i went to uniben so like the descriptions match and I know exactly where he was talking about and all. Wilhelm was a particularly foolish boy. Oh he was v stupid. I did not like the writers style of narration. It felt like a ramble by someone telling a story and getting sidetracked a couple times. It was a good story anyway, had me really holding my chest in pain.
December 15, 2023
While reading the book, I was trying to understand what it was leading to. It didn't feel slow, but it felt like it was going nowhere. I only got to fully comprehend the plot close to the ending. I like that the book spoke about cults in Nigerian schools
Although they're not as bad now, I grew up hearing about this bloody period in Nigeria pu lic institutions. Although I was annoyed that the book kept going with no direction but the ending salvaged it for me. A sad ending but expected.
Although they're not as bad now, I grew up hearing about this bloody period in Nigeria pu lic institutions. Although I was annoyed that the book kept going with no direction but the ending salvaged it for me. A sad ending but expected.
March 4, 2022
It’s definitely a five star for me. It was intriguing to read a story based on my hometown and it’s people. Intriguing every line of the way , brought back so many memories of school days, and I learnt a lot about the 80’s. Kept me hooked, fastest book I’ve finished in a while. This novel isn’t for everyone, it’s peculiar.
October 12, 2023
There was a lot of hype about this book and I had kept it on TBR list for so long. Finally picked it up, very excited to finally dig in. It took me a week, kept stopping because I just wasn’t enjoying the characters enough. It was a decent read. Just decent.
February 20, 2024
I was soooooo conflicted on what rating to give this book. But the piercing scream I let out when I realised I was done made me give it 5 stars. Nigerian authors, please stop the cliffhangers. STOP. Great book, too many thoughts, maybe I’ll come back later and give them. AHHHHHH
March 23, 2019
Glorious coming of age story that chronicles university life in Nigeria.
April 17, 2019
The voice, the story, the storytelling, the emotion. All of it. Five years later I still think this is the best book I have ever read.
July 23, 2019
Great telling! I was glued until the end.
November 23, 2019
Superfun, fast-paced story that brings you to Nigeria and to the hearts of young men everywhere.
January 24, 2021
Full review will be up on my blog, but this was a really beautiful and enlightening book. Ewaen's story though fictional is still sadly the reality of youths living in Nigeria
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