I Do Not Come to You by Chance

The Age

Saturday July 11, 2009

Cameron Woodhead

I Do Not Come to You by Chance Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani Weidenfeld & Nicolson, $32.99 NIGERIAN author Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani has produced a remarkable debut. This is an engaging chronicle of urban life in Nigeria, as well as a social satire that sparkles with intelligence and dark humour. At the heart of the novel are the widespread Nigerian internet scams that have tarnished the nation's reputation. Kingsley, an idealistic engineering graduate, puts his faith in education as a sure road to a prosperous, enlightened future. When calamity strikes his family, he is forced into the arms of his uncle Boniface, aka "Cash Daddy". Cash Daddy is an ebullient opportunist, with deep pockets and a network of eccentric operatives who fleece the world's gullible from internet cafes. How can Kingsley stay true to his ideals while doing Cash Daddy's dirty work? Perhaps the narrative structure is a little too pat, but it's a minor flaw in a lively and witty novel.

© 2009 The Age

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