Eyes on Joseph’s ‘The List’

It’s not unheard of when a young man is asked why he isn’t contemplating getting married in Nigeria and you get the response, “I don’t have money.” And this isn’t because the young man isn’t working or hardworking or earning an income. It’s simply because the traditional bride price, along with other requirements, are hefty. […]

It’s not unheard of when a young man is asked why he isn’t contemplating getting married in Nigeria and you get the response, “I don’t have money.” And this isn’t because the young man isn’t working or hardworking or earning an income. It’s simply because the traditional bride price, along with other requirements, are hefty. This, including the place of background, is what Aito Osemegbe Joseph (the only Nigerian shortlisted for the 2016 Writivism Short Story Prize) shows in his short story ‘The List’.
Adaeze and Chris are in love, yet Chris’ background remains a daunting challenge for Adaeze’s parents. Although Igbo, there’s the fear by the bride-to-be parents that the man routing to take away their precious daughter for wife is uncultured and totally cut-off from the Igbo culture. And Chris’ manners and behaviour doesn’t help matters. He’s a typical picture of a black white man who has lost his way and is at sea.  There are things he should know, like how to behave around elders that he just doesn’t get. So Adaeze’s uncle, the man responsible for overseeing the proceedings at the formal gathering where both families gather as items requested by the bride’s family are brought forward decides he must frustrate the wedding plan.
Written in the first person narrative, Adaeze’s uncle’s words and thoughts take the reader into the heart of the event. One after the other, slowly, the items on the list are ticked off and the uncle pauses to ensure every rule is followed without fail. Note, Adaeze’s uncle’s eyes are set on spotting a flaw. And he does spot it when the list shows the prospective in-laws brought two kegs of palm oil instead of one. It’s his opportunity to preach and he does so. Everything has to be followed to the latter, no more, no less. Then all hell broke loose when the two goats demanded were deemed to be too small. The in-laws are irritated by the observation and Chris, with his thick American accent, doesn’t keep quiet. Soon, an argument ensues, then a quarrel, and everything went berserk.
While relatives on both sides raise their voices, Chris seeks out Adaeze and right under everyone’s noses they leave and disappear.
This uncle, who thought he will be rewarded for disrupting a union that would have been a mistake is surprised when he becomes the ‘bad guy’ the one that spoilt what was good. The couple leave the country and Adaeze is soon with a child. The uncle is left in the dark as Adaeze communicates with her parents and others in the village.
There’s hardly a thing to complain about in this skilfully weaved Nigerian tale. Joseph may just be on his way to becoming the winner of the 2016 Writivism Short Story Prize and one of the best short story writers the world has seen.