Four men. Different personalities. Different perspectives on life, but they are tight-knit friends all the same. Amaibi, Tubo, Kaniye and Doye.
Tomorrow Died Yesterday tells the intriguing story of four childhood friends who grew up together in the remote town of Asiama in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. These friends are reunited many years later by a kidnapping gone wrong. The book explores themes of love, friendship, corruption, failed systems, violence, and injustice. Published in 2010, it’s the author’s debut novel.
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Amaibi Akassa, the professor who was raised by a priest, is an idealist and a sanctimonious friend who believes in always doing things the right way. Tubo Peter is an orphan who has no idea of his roots. He loves his friends but he has no principles and can easily be swayed with money.
Kaniye Rufus, the lawyer and realist, sees things as they are and many times, the harsh realities in situations due to his family dynamics. Doye Koko believes violence is the answer to injustice, having been raised in a family where violence thrived—bad enough that his mum had to leave his dad.
So there was Amaibi fighting injustice, Tubo looking the other way as corruption thrived, Kaniye running his own restaurant (a passion passed on from his late mum) much to his father's disappointment, and Doye being a militant.
Going back and forth in time, we see the men as boys in 1970-1986, 1997, and in present day, 2003-2005. They had lost contact with each other at some point but they are brought together again by a crime Doye committed.
Being friends and having different morals affected the group. They all had reasons for their actions and although they don’t approve of each other's lifestyles, they love and support each other. This is obvious when Amaibi is arrested for a crime Doye committed and Kaniye has to defend him in court.
Amaibi has been framed but Kaniye tries his best to get justice for his friend while also trying to figure out his love life. Kaniye's character is undoubtedly the most enjoyable in this book which takes readers on a roller-coaster of emotions.
I think Doye knew what he was involved in and had an idea of how it would turn out, but he didn’t feel guilt for any of his actions. I really commend that. He didn’t have any hope that the government would take care of the people of Asiama so he decided to take the law into his own hands.
“You still don’t get it, Kaniye, do you? There is no future for the children of the Niger Delta. Their tomorrow is already dead. It died yesterday.”
As for Tubo, I have a great distaste for his character. His actions brought so much pain to Amaibi and his wife, Dise. Although he didn’t act alone, his role as the enforcer/executor of his company’s plan affected the whole town. He literally led the enemies into Asiama, without considering the potential damage. He also didn’t warn his friends. It could have been anyone else, it didn't have to be him.
In this book, we see how the different personalities of people and their upbringing can affect their individual lives and their community in general. The influence of the government and the role of enforcement agencies in places like the Niger Delta region are also illustrated—the greed, abuse of power, disregard for human life, and lengths they go to show power and enact fear. There’s also a bit of politics and courtroom drama, so you find yourself hooked, anticipating the end of their story.
“Are you a predator?” “Of course,” I replied. And as her big eyes popped in surprise, I flashed my most innocent smile. “But don’t worry, Deola. I’m a very gentle one.”
One thing I love about this book is the emphasis that love doesn’t impose or take away from you, but it understands and makes sacrifices; when you make sacrifices for the one you love who loves you as well, it mostly turns out to be worth it. Another thing is the reality it portrays; how one man's greed can end another person's life, the actions of powerful and corrupt people, and the damage that follows.
I enjoyed the sprinkle of love in this story and the enjoyable character of Kaniye. It would have been nice to see more of Bayo’s character; maybe he would have fought for Deola, or been a douchebag, we’d never know. Maybe the author didn’t want to overcrowd the book or stray too much from the main themes. I loved reading this book, feeling every emotion the authors intended readers to feel—sadness, grief, helplessness, love, and joy.
Have you read this book? What did you think about it? Kindly leave a comment.
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