A new book exploring the good, the bad and the nostalgic sides of life and living in America is out. The book, “Long Road to America” is written by Sly Edaghese, a U.S trained writer, based in Nigeria.
“Long Road to America” tells the enchanting story of a young immigrant’s incredible journey from his local village to New York City, the capital and epicenter of the world.
Written in flowing prose and presented in easy to understand English language, the story of the protagonist in “Long Road to America” is laced with sarcasm, humor and the expected awe typical of very immigrant’s experience of culture shock.
A multi city launching and public presentation of “Long Road to America” is scheduled for the following American cities: New York (Nov.17, 2014); Connecticut (Nov.22, 2014); and Ohio (Nov.26, 2014)
A statement from the author stated that the Special Guest of Honor will be Eng. Paul Equabor. Chief Launcher will be Prince IG. Mr. Monday Obonofua Inegbenebo is expected to do the official review at the launching of the book in United States.
Copies of the book will be available for sale at the venue and online for the American reading public. Separate public presentations and launchings are being planned for Lagos and possibly also in Ubiaja, the author’s hometown.
“Long Road to America” has 200 pages and 16 chapters.
BOOK FOREWORD by Kelvin Eze Ake (Ph.D)
Just when you thought the art of storytelling is dying, someone new comes along with something special. Sly Edaghese’s emergence on the Nigerian literary scene has added a brand new voice to our rich artistic heritage whose power and eloquence is definitely on par with some of our finest literatures.
Long Road to America is a fictional biography that takes the reader on an incredible journey from the remote Nigerian village of Ubiaja, where Robert Oki was born, to New York City, the capital of the world. Like many Nigerians of his generation, Robert Oki’s childhood dream was to go to the United States of America. Despite his early struggles in school, he was able, against all odds, to open the door to his future through education and ended up attending one of the most prestigious universities in the world.
The novel chronicles the trajectory of Robert Oki’s life starting with a mysterious event that happened on the day he was born, to the death of his father, the sweet and sour experience of his school days, the grueling process to obtain an American visa, the transit through Amsterdam and London to his arrival at JFK Airport, the wild lifestyle in New York to his homecoming five years later. In all, this book takes the reader on a journey marked with sacrifices made, challenges met, hardships endured, struggles overcome, failures corrected and a dream fulfilled.
Long Road to America is a beautifully-crafted narrativ
e that demonstrates Edaghese’s prowess as a writer. His repertoire of stories, garnished with a great sense of humour, makes this novel a sheer delight to read. His firm command of narration and his uncanny ability to capture with clarity the experience of Robert Oki puts him high on the esteemed list of Nigerian writers.
This work presents a strong moral compass that is only matched by the excellence in presentation. The truths in it are deep and the lessons profound. Surely, it will inspire our young people as they embark on their own life’s journey. Read it and be wise.