By JAPHET ALAKAM

With the present economic situation in Nigeria, where the corrupt leaders had made life difficult and people tend to identify only with those that made it , there is the need for one to be focused and dedicated to his work so that he can be able to make it and be recognised by his kinsmen. But the ugly side of it is that while one is planning for a smooth ride to success, the challenges of life always call on their way thus making it difficult to attain to that level.

This is what is at the heart of After Pressure, the debut novel by upcoming writer Eze Rita Ogochukwu. In the 46 page, six chapters book published by Amah press Owerri, the young graduate paints a picture of a family whose life was filled with a kind of unpredictable and incomprehensible tales and how they were treated by their towns folk in different situations.

The book tells the story of Mr Okafor who was described as a kind  man, how he battles to make it in life but was cut down by death, and his children tries to pick up but were also confronted by the trials of life until succuor came their way and they laughed at last. In broad strokes, the novel explores the challenges that confront man in his quest to make a living.

After Pressure is a beginners attempt to express her love for writing, though it is written for young readers especially pupils in the lower classes with some moral lessons for every body, but the book lacked the basic ingredients that makes a good book.

The business of writing books is not an all comers affair, any person who is interested should learn the basic skills and make use of the services of good editors and publishers who will help him to come out with something good for the reading public. However, I commend the author for making her dreams come true.