Bust-Down Books
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth: A Novel | Wole Soyinka
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth: A Novel | Wole Soyinka
Couldn't load pickup availability
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth
by Wole Soyinka
A New York Times Notable Book of the Year
🇳🇬 POLITICAL SATIRE & LITERARY ALLEGORY
A searing tour de force from the first Black Nobel laureate in Literature, blending murder mystery with a scathing indictment of power, deceit, and corruption.
Extended Synopsis
In Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth, Wole Soyinka constructs a vivid, imaginary Nigeria where the social fabric is unraveling under the weight of extreme corruption. The narrative centers on a macabre and cunning entrepreneurial scheme: the theft and sale of body parts from Dr. Menka’s hospital for use in ritualistic practices. When Dr. Menka confides in his oldest friend—Duyole Pitan-Payne, a star engineer and Yoruba royal on the verge of a prestigious UN post—the two find themselves targeted by a powerful, invisible enemy determined to prevent Duyole from reaching New York.
This novel is a masterful blend of genres, described as an "Alice in Wonderland-like modern allegory" that functions simultaneously as a crafty whodunit and a fierce political call to arms. Soyinka uses his signature wit and linguistic prowess to explore how absolute power corrupts absolutely, creating a "literary hoot" that is as entertaining as it is devastating. It is a profound exploration of the soul of a nation and a testament to the enduring courage required to confront systemic abuse.
Author Biography
Wole Soyinka is a global literary giant and the first Black recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature (1986). A playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist, he is equally renowned for his fierce political activism and lifelong commitment to justice. Soyinka has been imprisoned for his beliefs and forced into exile, yet he continues to be one of the world’s most potent voices against the abuse of power. His work frequently draws upon his Yoruba heritage while engaging with global political themes.
Reader Targeting
- Contemporary Fiction Readers: Those who appreciate complex, multi-layered narratives that challenge the status quo.
- Political Satire Enthusiasts: Fans of searing social commentary and allegorical world-building.
- Academic Researchers: Students of African literature, post-colonial studies, and the works of Nobel laureates seeking authoritative editions.
Accolades & Awards
- Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.
- New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
- Praised by the Los Angeles Times as a "searing political satire" and a "modern allegory of power."
Product Specifications
| ISBN-13: | 9780593314470 |
| ISBN-10: | 0593314476 |
| LCCN: | 2021006092 |
| Publisher: | Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Publication Date: | 2022-08-02 |
Bust-Down Books: A Name You Can Trust
Bust-Down Books: More Than a Bookstore
Share
