Book Review: I Do Not Come to You by Chance

By Lenient Amidu

Book Title: I Do Not Come to You by Chance

Author: Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani

Pages: 402 

Genre: Fiction

Indeed, this classic, heartwarming book doesn't come to the reader by chance.
A stinging satire of the harsh realities of life, Adaobi's fictional characters highlight the situations of everyday Nigerians. The book centers around the life of Kingsley Ibe, a promising young man, who finds himself stuck in the ditch of unemployment and ever increasing financial needs. 
 
I Do Not Come to You by Chance starts off with Augustina and Paulinus, who would later become Kingsley’s parents. As devoted disciples of the gospel of Western education, they imprinted these values into the hearts of their children, most especially their 'Opara' (first son), Kingsley.
  
It was easy to fall in love with the feistiness of Kingsley's mother, Augustina, whose educational level was a milestone in a community that did not uphold the idea of female education. Her husband, Paulinus, is a learned man whose heart is caught in Western ways. He is, however, a patriotic citizen, a good father, and a supportive partner.
  
As the story progresses, Kingsley's lover, Ola, jilts him because of his financial condition. The book, however, makes a case for Ola and her overbearing mother, who is not pleased with a man who has not shown serious financial commitment to her daughter.
 
Kingsley, hit in the face with a number of life's blows, gets disillusioned with the seemingly unrewarding values of education and decides to see his former 'good for nothing', 'satanic', mischievous, but now wealthy and opulent Uncle Boniface, AKA Cash Daddy, for help as his Father's health condition drains their slim family purse. Cash Daddy's lifestyle leaves a mark in Kingsley's heart after his first visit.

It was quite obvious that his uncle is a fraudster with a huge, successful financial crime syndicate with his activities flourishing at a time when email scams were a huge deal in Nigeria. Yet, in the small town of Aba, he was treated as a demigod because of his intimidating presence and generosity.
 
As his family's problems worsen, Kingsley is forced to seek more help from Cash Daddy. He becomes drawn to the pomp of his Uncle's lifestyle and finds himself at one of the biggest crossroads of his life. After being unemployed for a long time despite being a first-class graduate, losing the one woman he loved, and stuck in a life of lack and poverty, Kingsley makes the obvious choice that leaves an indelible mark on his life. He goes under the wing of his uncle and soon becomes bestowed with questionable wealth. His family rallies behind him with time, except his mother, who finds his new path despicable. At this point, the reader can only try to humanize his involvement with crime and empathize with him despite the looming consequences of his actions.
 
Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani dealt with so many issues behind the deteriorating state of societal health in Nigeria.
She also craftily introduced the reader to the peculiarities of the Nigerian Igbo community, its traditions, and its settings. It is no wonder that the book is being adapted into a film with a cast of talented actors and acclaimed Nollywood sensation Genevieve Nnaji spearheading its production.
 
We hope the movie lives up to this brilliant, timeless work by Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani.
 
I Do Not Come To You By Chance is worth more than one read and is available at our community library at 196, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi.

Click here to watch ZODML Quick Clips with Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani on why she writes.