A new book coming under the auspice of Purple Shelves Publishers, Nigeria titled ‘The Last Carver’ (TLC), will be hitting bookshelves soon.

The magnificently crafted novel written by Ositadimma Amakeze and set to unveil in September, comes in response to the growing concern about culture continuity and bequeathal of traditional values to the next generation.

Set in pre-colonial Igboland, the much anticipated novel is evocative of the spellbinding effects of old-style African classics such as Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. It makes insightful use of proverbs and nuanced narrative flair that portray African lifestyle in its pristine stage.

The plot revolves round Omenka who takes the center-stage immersing the readers,  navigating through the intricacies of cultural ideals which the present, in all its romance with exogenous influences, must consistently recourse to in order to retain its characteristic glory.

For Chinyere Chukwudi-Okeh, author of ‘From the Crevices of Corps Hearts’ who is fascinated with the culture evoking book, says, “In the generous and colorful deployment of folk wisdom and culture lies the depth and strength of The Last Carver. In this inter-cosmic world of man, masks, and masquerades where words are sent on gnomic errands are messages that transcend fiction to reality. This is whom we are, our own very story recollected in print.”

Ositadimma as a poet, novelist and a priest, seems to have a knack for exploring ancient stories that have inexhaustible relevance and this trait comes to play once again, as it did in his 2014 novel ‘Teeth of a Snail.’ TLC is another colorful feather in his prolific career cap, one that would undoubtedly receive resounding applause from the public.

Dr. P. J. Eze while reviewing the book said: “I know Ositadimma Amakeze as a poet of unusual ability. The effect of that flair on his creative story is so evident from the beginning to the end of this amazing novel.”