‘In his 2015 debut novel, Born on a Tuesday, Elnathan John gives a face, a voice and a life to the Almajirai through his young protagonist Dantala: ‘I wanted to talk in my book about invisible people, to tell the stories that aren’t being told. But they have stories, feelings, dreams and aspirations, just like everyone. People only notice when they get violent. From early childhood onwards, they’re alone in the world and must earn their living as errand-boys, street vendors or beggars: ‘in their own country they’re treated like numbers. The story of young Dantala’s search for a place in society offers a human perspective on the violent ideological conflicts of the contemporary world.Īccording to Elnathan John, the most invisible people in North Nigeria are the Almajirai, the multitudes of Quranic scholars.
Told in Dantala's naive, searching voice, this astonishing debut explores the ways in which young men are seduced by religious fundamentalism and violence.Born on a Tuesday Photo and © Carmen McCain | Photo: © Carmen McCainĮlnathan John’s debut novel, Born on a Tuesday, is an arresting depiction of life in North Nigeria at a time of Islamic radicalisation.
When bloodshed erupts in the city around him, Dantala must decide what kind of Muslim-and what kind of man-he wants to be. Before long, he is faced with a terrible conflict of loyalties, as one of the sheikh's closest advisors begins to raise his own radical movement. With his quick aptitude and modest nature, Dantala becomes a favored apprentice to the mosque's sheikh. He makes his way to a mosque that provides him with food, shelter, and guidance. When their attempt to burn down the opposition's local headquarters ends in disaster, Dantala must run for his life, leaving his best friend behind. During the election, the boys are paid by the Small Party to cause trouble. In far northwestern Nigeria, Dantala lives among a gang of street boys who sleep under a kuka tree.
From two-time Caine Prize finalist Elnathan John, a dynamic young voice from Nigeria, Born on a Tuesday is a stirring, starkly rendered first novel about a young boy struggling to find his place in a society that is fracturing along religious and political lines.
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