Everyone’s talking, nobody is listening, says Amaeshi, author of Sweet Crude Odyssey

In this interview, Lawrence Amaeshi, the author of an original and audacious debut, Sweet Crude Odyssey, speaks about his book which was published by Prestige Books, an imprint of Kachifo Limited.

The novel explores the tragedy unfolding in the oil-rich Niger Delta region. The story is told mainly from the point of view of Bruce Abel Telema, a poor Niger Deltan who has been hired to act as a middleman between global illegal oil dealers and the Niger Delta militants. The novel highlights the ills of oil theft as well as the machinations of the oil thieves and militants. Sweet Crude Odyssey is a well-researched novel and is mostly character-driven.

Amaeshi is currently studying Novel Writing at the prestigious Stanford University. This interview explores the ideas behind the novel, the plot, the narrative technique and style.

Sweet Crude Odyssey addressed the taboo subject of oil theft and the Niger Delta war in a time when the agitation for self-determination has increased. How does this make you feel? And do you think the Niger Deltans should be given full control over their own resources?

I think we as a nation should sit down and listen to each other. Everyone’s talking, nobody is listening. Truth- smaller doesn’t mean better. We can find strength in our diversity. Simply give room for each other to be who we are.

Sweet Crude Odyssey could be defined as a political novel. Did you set out to write a political novel from the beginning?

It is a multifaceted topic. It touches our lives in many ways. I set out to tell a story. And told it the best way I could.

In a Twitter interview, you said you’d met many militants and spent time with them. What was your general impression of the Bruces, General One Hand Jojos and Excellent Commanders?

You call them militants; I can tell you they are normal people like both of us. They crave the things we do and that is the truth.  I call them people who have been forced to respond the way they do. Remember, Nelson Mandela was branded a terrorist for decades by Western governments. He eventually left prison as a freedom fighter. Sometimes  better understanding changes the name we call people. Let’s talk about the problem.

What were the most difficult challenges you encountered in the course of writing and publishing the book?

The normal challenges every writer faces. These include, telling the story well, avoiding sensational detours and resisting the temptation to color the plot. With perseverance and determination, these challenges were easy to overcome.

The two main female characters, Daisy and Kathy were two completely different women. Did you set out to make his love interests opposites? And why?

Well, people change when their circumstances change. Bruce started off in a dark hole where all he wanted was ‘success.’ After that, he began to ask for more. That’s why a lady with more focus and direction like Kathy could become his desire.

As the god of Sweet Crude Odyssey, did you have to deal General One Hand Jojo and Excellent Commander such terrible fates?

First, I am not God. Well, what happened, happened. In their business, such fate is only a few steps away.

Apart from Lanterna Bookshop, where can your novel be found?

Sweet Crude Odyssey is now available on Barnes and Noble, Amazon and Okadabooks.

Thank you for your time.

You’re welcome.