Book Title: Pulse: Beats of a Different Heart
Author: Ferdinand ‘Ladi Adimefe
Imprint: Styrax Publishing (2011)
ISBN: 978-978-915-708-2
Pp: 233
Reviewer: Sylva Nze Ifedigbo
It is hard to box the book Pulse into one particular genre of literature as it contains, in appreciable measure, elements of both fiction and nonfiction. It is also difficult to accord it the arbitrary label of “motivational/religious book” the likes of which glut the country’s bookstore shelves. Yet, it possesses features of all these, though presented in a refreshing manner such that a reader is treated to both the creativity and craft of the writer as well as with an intended message. Perhaps it is safe, for the purpose of literary classification, to describe it as “creative non-fiction”? Pulse as a book of the author’s letters to the country’s youth, letters in which he captures the issues that define the realities of his generation; he shares his experience and in the same breath announces that despite the daunting nature of these challenging realities, the possibility of a better future is borne on the idea of change.
Divided into two sections called “seasons” of eleven letters apiece, the book brings a new perspective to national discourse. The first section (Season One), aptly titled “For the Love of Country”, focuses on contemporary national issues—the sort you read about in newspapers every day, which young Nigerians expend great energy discussing on social media networks. These issues range from the rush to seek greener pastures abroad to job creation and the age-long question of “good leadership”. In Season Two, the writer takes things to a personal level, focusing his letters on the typical issues one reads in motivational books. The three words that form the section’s title, “Life, Love and Liberty”, summarize Ferdinand Adimefe’s concerns here.
It is important to note that the writer invented none of these issues. Indeed they are issues that have been discussed to every minute detail in books before his. What makes the difference is that in Pulse the writer brings them to the fore in a language that captures and holds attention employing characters that are familiar, existing in circumstances that can easily pass for the everyman’s. Each letter starts with the usual salutations of an informal letter—usually from the writer, who signs off as “Pulse”, to a fictional character who is a usually a close friend or a sibling. Each letter tackles a particular topic, ending with pragmatic advice.
The language is simple and the book is garnished with proverbs and quotes that add value to the reading experience. The editing is also surprisingly above board for a self published book. Pulse is a good read. It is a book that every Nigerian deeply concerned about the advancement of this country should read.
Sylva Nze Ifedigbo is the Features and Reviews Editor for Sentinel Nigeria Magazine and the Author of The Funeral Did Not End.
