BY JAPHET ALAKAM
To many Nigerians, leaving the country to foreign land is the solution to the myriads of problems debilitating the country. But unknown to many it has been a harrowing tales of anguish. This is what Emeka  Mark Edeson, a German based Nigerian of Igbo extraction captures in his new novel titled Echo of Silent Wishes.

Emeka, whose stay in Germany for years afforded him the opportunity to come in terms with the sordid reality of African misadventures in Europe shared his expression on  Echo of Silent Wishes with book lovers when it was presented to the public in Lagos.

Mr Jonathan Nnaji,(m)Chairman of the occasion presenting the book, while Emeka Edeson, the author(l) watch

Interestingly, the novel takes the reader back to the harrowing tales of anguish suffered by Africans abroad, the way some writers have done in their works example Eddy Duru’s Europe: A Mission Misunderstood.

The book explores some of the  debilitating effects of societal ills in the society today as in the case of Heide’s parents where there was no solid foundation for their marriage and also highlights the untold stories of many Africans who travel to Europe with big ambitions, but end up like prodigal son as experienced by Abu.

The event which was held at the SWAN hall at the National Studium, Surulere, Lagos was  chaired by  Mr Jonathan Nnaji, Chairman of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation.  Nnaji in his remarks praised the author for his efforts and boldness in producing such book.

He however advised Nigerians to stop rushing out of the country to the foreign land in search of greener pastures as what they are looking for outside is in the country.

According to him, the coming of the book at this time is a welcome development to all especially to the young ones who are bent on leaving the country at all cost.  “Most of us believe that all that glitters is gold but it is not so. If you go to the embassies you will be surprised to see the way many Nigerians are living the country.”

He added. He then called on them to think twice before making such moves so that their story will not be like that of Abu in the book.

The book reviewer,  Engr. Patrick Mba said that the 220 pages book is an intellectual exercise by the author and a serious warning for those who thought that Dollars and Euros are found on the streets of Europe that they should think twice before embarking on the journey.

Set in Germany, the  2010 publication by Sam Iroanusi Publications Lagos, which is the author’s very first attempt is a fictional account of the travails of a young woman who did not receive good home training from his parents and decided to give herself comfort at all cost and that of a hard working African young man who was lured into marriage against his belief with the hope of making it outside his country but was later faced with racism which shattered his hope.

The chief launcher, Prince Basil Nwolisa while presenting the book to the public charged all to read the book so that they will grab the message as according to him “ sometimes you might have some silent wishes but it never comes to pass.”.

The elated author, Emeka  who described the day as the happiest moment of his life said that the book is a product of many years of intensive research and is a true life experience of some young men and women living abroad. It also tries to expose the problems of marriages between the most common races of the world, social injustices, challenges of legal and illegal migrations and the importance of moral training at the early stage of a child’s life.

According to him the book is educative, thrilling and most importantly a life teacher to all who are thinking of jetting out of the country.  To such people who are still interested in going out, Emeka has a word of advice, “before embarking on such move they should enrich themselves with enough information about where they are traveling to bearing in mind that some of the things that are obtainable here are not so outside.”

The event was attended by friends, colleagues, relatives of the author and many book lovers.