Eze Goes to School

by Onuora Nzekwu, Michael Crowder

76 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1971

Reviews

[Buruji Mark]

I always wished I could write books for the young ones - but even when I was young I could not even construct plots that would interest kids. I thus respect African authors who wrote fine books for kids, like Achebe, Ngugi, Flora Nwapa, Naiwu Osahon, and of course the now late Onuora Nzekwu. This book of his has gone down as something of a classic over the years; read by an extraordinary number of students. We are able to identify with young Eze who has a difficult upbringing but realises education is very important. His story is not really thrills and spills but rooted in concrete reality, with fair amount of sadness. Hence it is an unforgettable book and story.

[Eric]

This book, written and published decades ago by a revered Nigerian academic, was a bestseller and a must-read for children for many years. Whilst the western world can boast thousands of important works published for children, the same is not the case in Africa. Or even general works. The author of Eze goes to School, Mr Nzekwu might even seem like an unlikely "candidate" to have written such a fine work for kids, as he is a superb author of adult novels; some pundits even claim that in some ways he was "better" than Chinua Achebe as a novelist. Those who might find this incredulous would do well to read Nzekwu's novels like Wand of Noble Wood, and Blade among the Boys. Interestingly, Achebe said he was not happy with the way Eurocentric writers portrayed Africa and its denizens hence he decided to write his own novel(s); and Nzekwu has also pointed out that he wrote this famous book for children when he found out that there were no such books written for kids by Nigerians who knew the society well. And hence this legendary work was conceived and born. For decades thousands and thousands of children in west Africa would identify with the protagonist, Eze and his travails whilst trying to garner the rudiments of western education. There are many difficulties in his path, and heart-breaking tragedy too, especially when he loses his father! The angst here lives on in the mind of many readers. But our Eze is not a quitter and plods on, ever resilient...and somewhat succeeds. The importance of education is highlighted in this book, which essentially is a long-standing triumph

[Akigwe Chidera]

This book was one of my primary school delights. From a privileged child to an orphan, to the misfortune of dropping out of school, Eze's life is like a spinning wheel of fortune and yet at the end Eze is well. His doggedness and that of his beloved mother is to be praised.
In all one cannot start this novel and drop it halfway,cause it is too interesting it contains all the elements of literature necessary to make your life a little bit more spicy.
Let us remember that even at the darkest moment that there is hope and when we do not expect help, help comes from the unexpected; from the place where we do not know it will come that is the story of Eze!

[Onyinyechi Wali]

This is teaching you that eze goes to school and he is in a companion

[Msugh John]

Eze a courageour boy all stance to be well

[Obebinaru Favour Obhuo]

It is nostalgic.

[Ozochi Aloysius]

Fascinating and educative for youngsters

[Fatimah Jimoh]

💖💖💖💖I really love this story it's recommended

[Aluya Precious]

A very nice book

[MORENIKEJI ODUBIYI]

i love this

[Femi]

How do I actually read the book naw

[Femi Olarewaju]

Thanks for giving me an opportunity to go back to my childhood age

[Iniye]

The book of every Nigerian growing up. Need to check it out again.

[Seyifunmi Isaac-]

It is very good

[Nneji Cordelia]

It is a very interesting story.

[Iheanacho David]

Nice book

[Ifeyinwa]

It hellped to shape my childhood days.

[Elias Igwe]

Very inspiring piece of work, fascinating aswell.