The Last Days at Forcados High School

Last updated

The Last Days at Forcados High School
The Last Days at Forcados High School Cover 2013.jpg
Cover of the 2013 edition
AuthorA. H. Mohammed
CountryNigeria
LanguageEnglish
Genre Young adult fiction
Publisher Cassava Republic Press
Publication date
2013
Media typePrint (Paperback)
Pages89
ISBN 978-978-906-091-7
OCLC 862959016

The Last Days at Forcados High School is a 2013 young adult novel by Nigerian author A. H. Mohammed. The narrative follows Jimi Solade, a student at Forcados High School in Lagos, and his experiences with various aspects of life. The novel discusses themes such as youth, friendship, parental roles, school roles, transition, and child abuse.

Contents

Plot summary

The narrative begins with Jimi Solade finding his brother Wole in his room. [1] Wole has been disowned by their father due to financial misconduct. [2] Jimi, despite his feelings for his brother, is wary of Wole's influence. [3] Jimi goes to school with his friend and neighbour Ansa, who is an artist. [1] Jimi performs well in school and sports, and is close with Nene Ekpo, a girl who has feelings for him. [4]

A new student, Efua Coker, joins the senior class at Forcados High School. [1] She keeps to herself and attracts attention from many boys, including Jimi, but rejects their advances. [5] She becomes friends with Nene, who tries to introduce her to Jimi and Ansa, but Efua remains indifferent. [6] Efua reveals that she has moved from several schools due to her past. She was abused by her stepfather, and defended herself by stabbing him. [7] Her mother, a businesswoman, did not believe her, and sent her to various boarding schools. [8] Efua has a scar on her face, which she hides with her hair.

Jimi's mother dies from ovarian cancer. [9] His father, often away on business trips, leaves some money for him and Wole, and leaves again. [9] Wole, involved in illegal activities, introduces Jimi to smoking and drinking. [9] Jimi becomes depressed and rebellious, and his school performance suffers. He also distances himself from his friends, especially Nene, who is hurt and jealous of his interest in Efua. [9]

The school organises a mid-term dinner for the students. [6] Efua refuses to dance with anyone, including Jimi, which embarrasses him. [6] He accidentally spills wine on her dress. [10] Efua meets Miss Agbenenovi, a French teacher at the school. [9] They bond over shared interests and experiences, and Miss Novi introduces Efua to some social campaigns. [9]

One night, Wole returns home and takes the key to the chemistry laboratory from Jimi's school bag. [3] The next day, the school discovers that some lab equipment has been stolen, and Jimi, who was in charge of the key, is suspected. [3] Later, the police arrest Wole and his accomplice while they are trying to sell the stolen equipment. [3] Wole asks Jimi to take the blame for him, and Jimi agrees. As a result, the school punishes Jimi. [3]

Nene finds an unsent letter from Efua to Miss Novi in her diary. [9] The letter mentions Efua's gratitude towards Miss Novi. [9] Misinterpreting the letter, Nene thinks that Efua and Miss Novi are in a romantic relationship. [9] She shows the letter to Jimi, who is surprised. [9] The letter is stolen from his bag by Jolly, a student who dislikes Efua. [9] Jolly makes copies of the letter and distributes them around the school. [9] The principal, Mr. Mallum, questions Efua and Miss Novi. [9] They deny any romantic involvement and explain that the letter was an expression of friendship and mentorship. [9] Efua also reveals that she was abused by her stepfather. The students eventually understand that the letter was misunderstood. [3]

When Efua's mother returns from her trip, she decides to remove Efua from the school. Efua leaves without saying goodbye to Jimi but leaves him a letter through Ansa. In the letter, she thanks him for their friendship. [11]

The students finish their final exams. Jimi receives a scholarship to study engineering. Ansa plans to study architecture, and Nene plans to study accounting. [3]

Characters

Jimi Solade

Jimi Solade is a student at Forcados High School. He faces challenges such as his brother's illegal activities, the death of his mother, his father's indifference, and his feelings for Efua. [2]

Efua Coker

Efua Coker is a new student at Forcados High School. She has a history of abuse by her stepfather and has defended herself in the past. Her mother sent her to various boarding schools. She has a facial scar. She forms friendships with Nene, Jimi, and Ansa. She is interested in social issues, such as child abuse and the empowerment of girls. [2]

Ansa Izaegbegbe

Ansa Izaegbegbe, a friend and neighbour of Jimi, is an artist. He supports Jimi and defends Efua when she is accused of being a lesbian. He plans to study architecture after high school. [12]

Nene Ekpo

Nene Ekpo, a friend and classmate of Jimi, is a Christian. She has feelings for Jimi. She shows a letter from Efua to Jimi, causing a scandal. She later apologises and reconciles with Efua. She plans to study accounting after high school. [12]

Wole Solade

Wole Solade, Jimi's older brother, has been disowned by his father for financial misconduct. He is involved in illegal activities and influences Jimi to smoke and drink. He steals the key to the chemistry laboratory from Jimi's bag and sells the stolen equipment. He is arrested by the police and asks Jimi to take the blame for him. [13]

Mr. Solade

Mr. Solade, Jimi's father, is a businessman. After his wife's death, he leaves some money for Jimi and Wole and departs. [12]

Mrs. Solade

Mrs. Solade, Jimi's mother, dies from ovarian cancer. [12]

Jolly Stephens

Jolly Stephens steals a letter from Efua to Miss Novi from Jimi's bag and makes copies of it. He distributes them around the school, causing a scandal. He is also involved in the theft of the chemistry equipment. [12]

Miss Agbenenovi

Miss Agbenenovi teaches French at the school. She becomes a mentor to Efua and introduces her to social campaigns. She is accused of having a romantic relationship with Efua, which she denies. [12]

Mrs. Coker

Mrs. Coker, Efua's mother, travels for work. She sends Efua to various boarding schools after not believing Efua's claim of abuse by her stepfather. She removes Efua from the school after a scandal. [14]

Mr. Mallum

Mr. Mallum, the principal of Forcados High School, admits Efua into the senior class. He penalises Jimi for the theft of the chemistry equipment. He later apologises to Jimi and Efua. [14]

Aunty Moni

Aunty Moni, Efua's aunt, takes care of Efua while her mother is away. [14]

Mr. Bade

Mr. Bade, Jimi's chemistry teacher, entrusts Jimi with the key to the lab. He is disappointed when Jimi is accused of stealing the equipment. [14]

Adaptations

In 2014, the novel was chosen as one of the books for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board direct entry exam. [15]

Reception

Critics and readers have given the novel positive reviews. [16] [17] Olawale Oluwadahunsi, in his review for the National Mirror , described the novel as a narrative about tolerance, self-discovery, family, friendship and life on the cusp of adulthood. [16] He noted that the novel did not extensively employ literary devices to reinforce the theme. [16]

Abarowei Felicia and Aformeziem Brendal, in their analysis for the Journal of Literary Studies, examined the novel. They identified the themes, characters, settings, narrative technique, and style of the novel. They stated that the novel addresses issues such as drug abuse, discrimination, and loss. [18] They also mentioned the author's use of language and point of view. [18]

Controversy

A.H. Mohammed, the author of the novel, accused the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the Cassava Republic Press of infringing his copyrights and defrauding him of royalties from the sales of his book. [19] He claimed that he had not seen the 2014 Memorandum of Understanding signed by the publisher and JAMB. He also alleged that he was undercompensated for the first year, and that he had not received any payment since then. He further alleged that JAMB replaced the book for the UTME candidates without his consent. [19]

The publisher, Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, refuted the allegations, stating that the author was informed of the terms and conditions of the contract with JAMB. [20] She stated that the publisher had paid the author his royalties for the first year, and that the delay in the payment for the second year was due to JAMB's failure to remit the money to the publisher. She also stated that the publisher had no control over JAMB's decision to change the book for the UTME candidates. [20]

JAMB refuted the allegations, stating that the author was not involved in the contract with the publisher. The registrar of JAMB, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, stated that the board had compensated the publisher for the supplied books. He further stated that the board had the authority to replace the book for the UTME candidates. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wole Soyinka</span> Nigerian writer (born 1934)

Akinwande Oluwole Babatunde Soyinka Hon. FRSL, known as Wole Soyinka, is a Nigerian playwright, novelist, poet, and essayist in the English language. He was awarded the 1986 Nobel Prize in Literature for his "wide cultural perspective and... poetic overtones fashioning the drama of existence", the first sub-Saharan African to be honoured in that category.

<i>The Color Purple</i> 1982 novel by Alice Walker

The Color Purple is a 1982 epistolary novel by American author Alice Walker that won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for Fiction.

<i>Jane Eyre</i> 1847 novel by Charlotte Brontë

Jane Eyre is a novel by the English writer Charlotte Brontë. It was published under her pen name "Currer Bell" on 19 October 1847 by Smith, Elder & Co. of London. The first American edition was published the following year by Harper & Brothers of New York. Jane Eyre is a bildungsroman that follows the experiences of its eponymous heroine, including her growth to adulthood and her love for Mr Rochester, the brooding master of Thornfield Hall.

<i>Matilda</i> (novel) 1988 childrens novel by Roald Dahl

Matilda is a 1988 children's novel by British author Roald Dahl. It was published by Jonathan Cape. The story features Matilda Wormwood, a precocious child with an uncaring mother and father, and her time in school run by the tyrannical headmistress Miss Trunchbull.

<i>Matilda</i> (1996 film) 1996 fantasy comedy film directed by Danny DeVito

Matilda is a 1996 American fantasy comedy film co-produced and directed by Danny DeVito from a screenplay by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, based on the 1988 novel of the same name by Roald Dahl. The film stars Mara Wilson as the title character, with DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, and Pam Ferris in supporting roles. The plot centers on the titular child prodigy who develops psychokinetic abilities and uses them to deal with her disreputable family and the tyrannical principal of her school.

<i>The Moving Finger</i> 1942 novel by Agatha Christie

The Moving Finger is a detective novel by British writer Agatha Christie, first published in the USA by Dodd, Mead and Company in July 1942 and in the UK by the Collins Crime Club in June 1943. The US edition retailed at $2.00 and the UK edition at seven shillings and sixpence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Murder of Elisa Izquierdo</span> Child abuse case

Elisa Izquierdo was a six-year-old Puerto Rican–Cuban-American girl who died of a brain hemorrhage inflicted by her mother, Awilda Lopez, at the peak of a prolonged and escalating campaign of physical, mental, emotional, and sexual abuse conducted between 1994 and 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kōdai-in</span> Japanese aristocratic lady (1546–1624)

Kōdai-in (高台院), formerly known as Nene (ねね), One (おね), Nei (ねい), was an aristocrat and Buddhist nun, founder of the temple Kōdai-ji in Kyoto, Japan. She was formerly the principal samurai wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi under the name of Toyotomi Yoshiko. When she rose in higher political status, she took the title of "Kita no mandokoro". As the matriarch figure of the Toyotomi clan, she led all diplomatic affairs that had to do with the imperial court, and monitored the daimyos' families who were being held hostage at Osaka Castle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Efua Sutherland</span> Ghanaian writer, publisher, educationalist and cultural activist (1924–1996)

Efua Theodora Sutherland was a Ghanaian playwright, director, dramatist, children's author, poet, educationalist, researcher, child advocate, and cultural activist. Her works include the plays Foriwa (1962), Edufa (1967), and The Marriage of Anansewa (1975). She founded the Ghana Drama Studio, the Ghana Society of Writers, the Ghana Experimental Theatre, and a community project called the Kodzidan. As Ghana's earliest playwright-director, she was an influential figure in the development of modern Ghanaian theatre, and helped to introduce the study of African performance traditions at university level. She was also a pioneering African publisher, establishing the company Afram Publications in Accra in the 1970s.

<i>Tōka Gettan</i> Japanese adult video game

Tōka Gettan (桃華月憚) is a Japanese adult visual novel developed by Root, and published by Orbit, also known for the creation of the Yami to Bōshi to Hon no Tabibito visual novel. The game was released in Japan on May 25, 2007 in regular and deluxe editions. A PlayStation 2 version, called Tōka Gettan: Kōfū no Ryōō, was released on October 1, 2009, with adult content removed. A manga adaptation was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Comptiq. A 26-episode anime adaptation produced by Studio Deen aired between April and September 2007.

<i>Me & My Brothers</i> Japanese manga series

Me & My Brothers is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hari Tokeino. The collected volumes are published by Hakusensha under the imprint Hana to Yume Comics. It is licensed for English language distribution by Tokyopop and for distribution in South Korea by Seoul Munhwa-Sa.

<i>The Long Road Home</i> (novel)

The Long Road Home is a 1998 romance novel written by Danielle Steel. The book was released to commercial success, despite receiving unfavorable critical reviews. It is Steel's 42nd novel.

<i>Candyfloss</i> (novel) 2006 novel by Jacqueline Wilson

Candyfloss is a novel written by Jacqueline Wilson and illustrated by Nick Sharratt. It was first published in 2006 by Doubleday.

Sarah Ladipo Manyika FRSL is a British-Nigerian writer of novels, short stories and essays and an active member of the literary community, particularly supporting and amplifying young writers and female voices. She is the author of two well-received novels, In Dependence (2009) and Like A Mule Bringing Ice Cream To The Sun (2016), as well as the non-fiction collection Between Starshine and Clay: Conversations from the African Diaspora (2022), and her writing has appeared in publications including Granta, Transition, Guernica, and OZY, and previously served as founding Books Editor of OZY. Manyika's work also features in the 2019 anthology New Daughters of Africa, edited by Margaret Busby.

<i>GraceLand</i> 2004 novel by Chris Abani

GraceLand is a 2004 novel by Chris Abani, which tells the story of a teenager named Elvis, who is trying to get out of the ghettos of Lagos, Nigeria. Chris Abani depicts the poverty and violence in Lagos and how it affects the everyday lives of Elvis and his family. Having emigrated from Nigeria himself as a result of the Biafran War, Abani's novel touches on many issues relevant to corruption, poverty, and violence within the country. Elvis's story also touches on issues related to globalization, and how Nigeria's impoverished communities are affected by this phenomenon. The main focus of this story is on Elvis and how he survives in the often harsh environment that is Nigeria's largest city; Elvis himself is a complex and sympathetic character who clearly cares for his family despite a turbulent upbringing. However, this is complicated by the numerous illegal and morally questionable jobs he takes part in with his friend Redemption.

<i>Felicias Journey</i> 1994 novel by William Trevor

Felicia's Journey is a novel written by Irish author William Trevor, first published by Viking Press in 1994. The novel was made into a 1999 film of the same name.

<i>Wonder</i> (Palacio novel) R. J. Palacio novel

Wonder is a contemporary children's novel written by R. J. Palacio and published on 14 February 2012. Wonder is in part inspired by an incident where the author's son started to cry after noticing a girl with a severe facial deformity. Inspiration was also pulled from Natalie Merchant's song of the same name. Several spin-offs have been published, including 365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts, We're All Wonders, Auggie and Me, and White Bird. A film adaptation was released in 2017, and a spin-off sequel film followed in 2024.

<i>Out of Darkness</i> (novel) 2015 historical young adult novel by Ashley Hope Pérez

Out of Darkness is a historical young adult novel by Ashley Hope Pérez, published September 1, 2015 by Carolrhoda Lab. The novel chronicles a love affair between a teenage Mexican-American girl and a teenage African-American boy in 1930s New London, Texas, occurring right up to the 1937 New London School explosion.

<i>In Dependence</i> 2008 novel by Sarah Ladipo Manyika

In Dependence is a novel written by British-Nigerian author Sarah Ladipo Manyika. Her first novel, it was originally published by Legend Press, London, in 2008.

<i>The Enchanted Isle</i> (novel) 1985 novel by James M. Cain

The Enchanted Isle is a novel by James M. Cain published by The Mysterious Press in 1985.

References

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 2.
  2. 1 2 3 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 9.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 5.
  4. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 6.
  5. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 2–3.
  6. 1 2 3 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 3.
  7. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, pp. 8, 9.
  8. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 8.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 4.
  10. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 3–4.
  11. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 4–5.
  12. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 10.
  13. ↑ Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 9–10.
  14. 1 2 3 4 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 11.
  15. ↑ "JAMB Registration Begins for 2017 UTME". Businessday NG. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  16. 1 2 3 Oluwadahunsi, Olawale (24 January 2014). "Exploring pre-adulthood experiences". National Mirror . Vol. 4, no. 773. National Mirror. p. 23. Retrieved 29 December 2023– via Issuu.
  17. ↑ Mohammed, A.H. (20 November 2013). "The Last Days at Forcados High School". Goodreads. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  18. 1 2 Felicia & Brendal 2016, p. 11–12.
  19. 1 2 3 Nigeria, Guardian (23 March 2017). "Author accuses JAMB, publisher of conspiracy". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  20. 1 2 "Author accuses JAMB of complicity in royalty feud". Punch Newspapers. 20 March 2017. Retrieved 29 December 2023.

Bibliography

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.