[This] chronicling of the forces that helped to shape Christopher Okigbo's life, his sensibility, and poetry is commendable. Hopefully, the biography will help to expand interest (both locally and internationally) in Okigbo and his work.
JOURNAL OF AFRICAN HISTORY
An impressive work. The author comments that we so far have few biographies of African writers; and I doubt ... Read moreif there has been another of this thoroughness and care. [...] An exemplary work of scholarship, written with deep affection and without illusion.
AFRICAN LITERATURE TODAY 29
Benefiting greatly from interviews of people who intimately knew Okigbo, Nwakanma's book is a compelling read. . Nwakanma succeeds in contextualizing Okigbo's poetry and resurrecting the man to claim his rightful place as a modern (not just African) poet. Okigbo, it seems, is still thirsting for sunlight.
AFRICAN STUDIES QUARTERLY
Nwakanma's authoritative biography of Christopher Okigbo makes an important contribution to our knowledge and understanding of Nigerian creative writing from 1960 onwards, but is also a fitting tribute to the man. There is no comparable critical or biographical study of Okigbo. [...] It is hugely well-informed and is an indispensable reference not only to the work of a fine poet [...] but also to the sometimes dangerous times in which he lived.
LUCAS BULLETIN
One need go no further than this volume to learn what there is to know about Okigbo and his tragically shortened life and literary career. Those interested in supporting an international curriculum, whether or not they are directly involved with African literature, will want this volume. Highly recommended.
CHOICE
Puts Okigbo in the context of African writing and politics, giving detailed descriptions of his personal and public life.
DAILY NATION (Nairobi)
A powerful narrative of a brilliant, mischievous, wandering soul trying to find himself, and eventually doing so through the creative act of writing poetry. [...] But this book, for all, or maybe because of his craziness, shows why he is placed securely among the greats.
BUSINESS DAY LAGOS
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