Book Review: Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi

 

The first word that comes to mind when I think about this book is "chaos." People often associate Lagos with chaos because of its fast-paced environment and large population. It's one of the most crowded cities in Africa, with constant traffic, busy streets, and noise all day and night. The city doesn't sleep and its rapid growth has led to problems like congestion, making it feel overwhelming. These factors contribute to the perception of Lagos as a hectic place. The most interesting thing however is that it's also a city of power and affluence. It's also known for it's vibrant arts scene and its thriving music and film industries, producing some of the country's most popular artists and movies. It's a city that loves to party, with an energetic nightlife and countless events that keep the city buzzing. The blend of creativity, affluence, and celebration adds to the unique character of Lagos. This sums up what the book "Little Rot" is all about. A power struggle between people and a story of survival in the most chaotic city in Nigeria. But there is a twist to the book. The author referred to the main setting of the book as "New Lagos," and not Lagos, distinguishing two specific areas as the "highland" and "lowland," which in reality correspond to the Island and Mainland of Lagos. Additionally, the writer made references to other locations, including London, Houston, Johannesburg, and Turkey.

The names in the book are short and easy to remember, which I appreciated. The book doesn't overwhelm the reader with too many characters, making it easier to follow the story without getting confused. The characters were fully developed, with backstories that revealed glimpses of their past. The writing was so vivid that I felt like I could almost reach out and touch these characters. It all felt incredibly realistic, which is highly commendable. The tension started building up right from the beginning of the book. I found myself reading faster, almost as if I was being chased, eager to reach the moment when the author finally drives the point home. I'm amazed at how the writer managed to evoke such a strong feeling in me, especially with everything happening so quickly. 

I have mixed feelings about this book, to be honest. Mostly, I felt agitated and irritated. The book is filled with extremely vile characters, and if you’re sensitive, it could really affect your mental health. The book also features admirable characters who are self-aware, nonchalant, and confident, making them reliable and resilient. However, as you read, you’ll discover the struggles and experiences that shaped their strength and bravery, revealing what lies beneath their tough exteriors. There are also characters who start off naive and innocent, but they don’t stay that way for long. Their eyes are eventually opened to the harsh realities of who they've become. I couldn’t relate to any of the characters, not because their stories weren’t valid, but because I’ve never encountered anyone like them in real life. However, I could still sense their pain, which made the experience quite depressing. Their humanity and individuality were utterly shattered, with the darkness, evil, or "rot," as the book calls it, magnified to reveal the raw and naked nature of being human. The book goes on to suggest that this rot exists in everyone; no one is truly innocent. You might recognize the evil in others but fail to see it in yourself, simply because circumstances haven’t yet allowed it to surface. But regardless of your judgments, you are just like everyone else. New Lagos has a way of proving that to you.

The book explores friendship in various dimensions. Some of these friendships are unconventional, yet still filled with loyalty and an unspoken bond of brotherhood and love. Relationships like those between Ahmed and Kalu, Ijendu and Aima, Ahmed and Thursday, and Ola and Souraya showcase unique connections that are sealed by love and blood. However, these friendships have also crossed into something darker and more troubling, though it remains unspoken and buried. There's another level of friendship and loyalty that extends to friends of friends, where they would literally put their lives on the line for each other. This is why my favorite characters in the book are Ijendu, Ola and Thursday. I love how the author portrays friendship, highlighting how these characters stand up for each other, even in the most chaotic and disturbing situations.

The buildup, intensity, and heat that the book gathers, especially toward the end, are unlike anything I've read before. It kept me on the edge of my seat. However, I must acknowledge that some scenes were graphic and deeply disturbing, particularly the part involving the pedophile pastor, Okinosho. I was thoroughly disgusted and found it extremely unsettling. The author delves into the insecurities of the characters, exposing the ugliness of their behavior and the extent of how psychologically damaged they’ve become due to their experiences. This, in turn, can be very unsettling for the reader as well.

The story is incredibly fast-paced; it feels like a million things happen in just one day. The entire plot unfolds over two days, during which the characters experience significant changes, struggle to survive, show a willingness to kill, and face eventful deaths. They are all interconnected, each relationship relative to another, which is something I thoroughly enjoyed about the book. I was often surprised by how one character knew another, adding to the complexity of the plot. The author also cleverly kept the reader in suspense—for instance, not revealing whether Aima stayed in Ahmed's car with the body at Okinosho's house or left earlier with Ijendu. It almost gave me a heart attack, but I loved it. The author is smart and skilled with words.

If you're familiar with Akwaeke Emezi, you'll know she’s a controversial writer with a distinct style. There's a stubbornness to her writing that makes me really want to meet her someday. She is very bold and she is always challenging societal norms. After reading her book "You made a fool of death with your beauty" and now this book,  i have so many questions for her. Her writing style is rich with depth, darkness, and sadness. It makes me want to sit down with her and truly hear her story. I'm really impressed by how she captured the heat and intensity of New Lagos, making it come alive for the readers. I also believe this book would be perfect for a movie adaptation. This is a great and commendable book. It's very graphic and not suitable for readers under 18.