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Title: House of Symbols Author: Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo Publisher: Oracle Books, Lagos,.Nigeria. Year Of Publication: 200 1 ISBN: 978-80110-4-7 Pages: 375
Reviewer: Anthonia Makwemoisa
Sequel to The Last of the Strong Ones published in 1996, Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo 's latest novel, House of Symbols, appeals to any prospective reader with the attractive design and colours of its cover, and its robust volume. The front cover depicts a work of art from Ivory Coast: two sculptured figures, female and male, with arms stretched out sideways, one pointing to the past, and the other to the future. They, the figures, are Now, representing the present. Her previous novel, The Last of the Strong Ones, though standing in for the past, has some of its vital tentacles submerged in the present one, House of Symbols, which in turn offers a beckoning arm to the one that would soon come to complete the trilogy of memorable women, who lived at one time or rae other in the author's town, Umuga.
The plot of the novel revolves on two axes that continually shift and expand to reflect the complexities of human beings. Conflicts between the old traditional religion and the imported western religion (i.e. Christianity) are sensitively and acutely portrayed in this remarkable novel. The major characters in this second part of the trilogy are Josiah Okwara (Osai) and Ugonwayi Obiatu (Eaglewoman). Dogged by envy and admiration from every nook and cranny, the two lovers forge ahead, trying to give meaning to their lives and to the lives of others around them. However, when misfortune crashes into their lives, they find strength, succour, and hope in a spiritual home called 'House of Symbols', wo-manned by the indomitable presence of Ezenwanyi, the priestess.
The story constantly shifts, showing pictures (like slides) of opposites. A major issue addressed in the novel is the advent of Christianity into the peaceful Umuga and neighbouring towns. Suddenly, neighbours became enemies overnight. Indeed, the biblical prophecy in Matthew 10:34-35 comes to pass. Parents disowned children, and vice versa. Suspicion, ridicule and anger fanned the embers of enmity...