Counting the Tiger's Teeth : an African Teenager's Story - Book Report/Review Example

Analytical Book Review Introduction Toyin Falola is one of the outstanding authors and scholars in Africa. In the past, Falola has received recognition for his different works with a unique writing style that has attracted attention and interest from across the globe. In 2014, Falola authored his latest book, which is a memoir of historical events that he witnessed during his teenage years. The memoir titled Counting the Tiger's Teeth: An African Teenager's Story is a recollection of Falola’s experiences in 1968 to 1970 when a Agbekoya rebellion happened in Nigeria. Falola belongs to the Yoruba group and reveals the Yoruba culture in his memoir as he narrates the unfortunate events that happened during the rebellion. Worth noting is the fact that Toyin Falola is one of the distinguished historians who had the opportunity to witness some of the historical events that he writes about. In this memoir, Falola adopts a modern classic style by describing the Yoruba culture in English. The readers of this memoir become familiar with cultural aspects such as African traditional religions, sacrifices, polygamy, education, and other definitive aspects of life in Africa, specifically in Yoruba, Nigeria. Although the Agbekoya rebellion has received attention from many historians, Falola’s memoir remains outstanding because he focuses on events that he witnessed. This paper will present an analytical review of Toyin Falola’s book. Summary of the Book Falola’s memoir comprises of eleven chapters with each focusing on the main aspects of the Agbekoya rebellion in accordance with Falola’s perception. The eleven chapters detail some of the touching experiences of Falola as a teenager during his participation in the peasant Agbekoya rebellion. Notably, Falola faced the compulsion of dropping out of school in 1968 and became a member of the peasant Agbekoya rebellion. Being a member of the rebellion, Falola had fast hand experience of all the events that defined the rebellion. The Agbekoya rebellion happened in 1968 and extended until 1970. The rebellion occurred in the western region of Nigeria killing many innocent people. Falola describes the happenings during the rebellion and narrates how innocent people, including his grandfather lost their lives during the rebellion1. The memoir covers some of the unfortunate events resulting from poor governance in African countries. The post-colonial government in Nigeria oppressed the people, a factor that triggered the rebellion. Worth noting is the fact that African countries have a close attachment to cultural values and norms. The post-colonial government in Nigeria introduced new approaches of leadership that disregarded the traditional forms of authority. The Nigerian citizens expressed their grievances concerning the new approaches of leadership and power. Falola describes how many Nigerians pleaded for justice and fairness, but to no avail2. The Agbekoya rebellion was a new course of action taken in order to in order to compel the government to consider the traditional forms of authority. Rural communities in the western region of Nigeria organized the rebellion that Falola witnessed as a teenager. Falola’s memoir describes how the rural communities, specifically the Yoruba staged a struggle against an oppressive government in order to pave way for a better government in the future. In his narration, Falola introduces the reader to the magic powers used by many Nigerians as well as the sacrificial rites they practiced. In the first chapter, Falola presents a detailed description of how a dog became a sacrificial object3. In the second chapter, Falola describes how he became part of the rebellion discussing his initial missions as well as the relationship with his grandfather. In chapters 3 and 4, Falola brings the reader into the realization that there were numerous mysteries governing the rebellion. However, it was evident that the rebellion was not in support of peace. The rebellion triggered a war that many Nigerians will never forget. In chapter 5, Falola explains how the participants in the rebellion practiced high levels of secrecy. Many of the people did not understand the chain of command that gave order during the rebellion. In chapters 6 and 7, Falola introduces the reader to the agriculture of Nigeria, especially cocoa plantations4. In the other four chapters, Falola described the Harmattan war, rebel gangs, the fall of Agodi, and Esu at the crossroads. Throughout the chapters, Falola exposes the corruption practiced by the post-colonial government as well as the cause of action taken by the rebels in an effort to restore a better government. Correlation of the Book to Course Material Falola’s main theme is to expose the corruption practice of the post-colonial government and its failure to give regard to the traditional form of authority. The text introduces critical aspects concerning governance tackled in the course material. Evidently, the Nigerian post-colonial government did not consider the wishes of its people. The grievances of the citizens went unnoticed by the government. The rural communities staged a rebellion in demand for democracy. As the people, they had a right to determine the forms of government they wanted. Falola’s memoir reveals how the existences of tyrannical leaders in different parts of the globe have contributed to rebellions and revolutions. It is unfortunate that revolutions and rebellion have the best intentions, but end up leading to the death of many citizens5. As Falola highlights, the peasant rebellion emerged after the government introduced new policies that would govern the sale of cocoa. Many peasants had the conviction that the new standards introduced in the determination of quality cocoa. In addition, the peasants felt that they received lower prices for their products6. Falola’s memoir reveals the outcomes of the rebellion, which were notably tax reduction, increased cocoa prices, and replacement of local government officials. In different parts of the globe, citizens have used rebellions and revolutions to achieve goals such as this. Therefore, Falola’s memoir is of critical relevance to different aspects of governance, democracy, and the struggles for achieved democracy discussed in the course material. Personal Thoughts and Views After reading Falola’s book, it became evident that Falola uses a unique style to describe his teenage experience during the peasant rebellion. Falola carefully integrates his narration with poetry, a factor that reveals his expertise in writing. Reading the different chapter made me recognize his potential in retelling history in an outstanding style. His memoir proves to be one of the historical tests that bring back the memories of the peasant rebellion. Many people in Nigeria have forgotten the details of the rebellion. However, Falola’s memoir is a timely reminder of an uprising against a corrupt government. As a modern reader of the text, there is an evident motivation by Falola’s memoir to reconsider the progress made by the Nigerian government. It is unfortunate that the effects of the revolution were only short-term and that the Nigerian government has only moved into darker ages. I have a conviction that Falola sought to rekindle the people’s desire for a democratic government that has been evident since the peasant rebellion. The use of poems in the author’s narration and tales serves to make the reader familiar with his teenage experiences. Without doubt, the author serves as a reliable source for first-hand information concerning the peasant rebellion7. Falola’s expertise is evident in his narrative style that keeps the reader hooked to the story. The themes addressed in the memoir concerning the struggles towards democracy and the revelations of the two sides of rebellions are of critical importance in modern historical studies. Conclusion Toyin Falola’s book is one of the outstanding historical texts authored in the modern day, but that described events that transpired in the 20th century. The tales in the book help a reader reconnect with the critical part of the Nigerian history. More importantly, reading the memoir helps readers develop an attachment with Falola’s teenage experiences that have probably shaped the historian and the author he has become. The text is highly recommendable for students interested in understating the African history. Notably, the book elaborates the existing connection between African governments and cultural values. The book depicts the author’s powerful command of his narration style that rekindles his teenage experiences and describes them for the modern reader. Bibligraphy Falola, Toyin. Counting the tiger's teeth : an African teenager's story. Ann Arbor : The University of Michigan Press, 2014. Read More