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It’s not over -A review of Tolu A. Akinyemi’s Everybody Don Kolomental

It’s not over -A review of Tolu A. Akinyemi’s Everybody Don Kolomental

Title: Everybody Don Kolomental

Author: Tolu A. Akinyemi

Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle

Year of Publication: 2021

Number of Pages: 63

Category: Poetry

Only a Nigerian would be moved by the title of this book, “Everybody Don Kolomental,” because it is either a reference to the song “Kolomental” by Nigerian musician Faze or a generalization about the craziness of Nigeria. However, readers unfamiliar with the language may be left wondering what the book is really about and what message, if any, it is trying to send.

If you look attentively at the cover image, you might be able to predict what the book is about. The blurb also provides additional detail regarding how the poetry collection deals with the issues that we face on a regular basis.

The author starts out the book by laying out a laundry list of issues, any one of which could trigger a mental breakdown. Life is unfair like that; we all have to go through tough times.

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He makes some suggestions for recognizing early signs of mental illness. It’s a long trip from being unable to cry as a boy child to continually stuffing their emotions inside. Some poems’ titles do an excellent job of setting the tone for what follows.
On the other hand, others necessitate a highly analytical mind to grasp the author’s aim.

The author’s metaphors are wonderfully written. Similar to this can be said about the similes he employs throughout the collection.

Akinyemi’s poems are, as always, relatable in the sense that some of the struggles he describes and possibly experiences are ones that you, the reader, may also have encountered.

Lagos, one of the author’s favourite cities, is mentioned in most of his books. Depending on your perspective, this fascinating metropolis has the power to either excite or depress you.

If you are familiar with the author’s previous works, you will know that this book, despite the fact that its title could lead you to believe otherwise, will in fact inspire or motivate readers.

At the back of the book, as is the author’s usual practice, he includes advertisements for his previous books. It is entirely up to you whether or not you decide to purchase any of his other works; nevertheless, who wouldn’t want to read something that inspires feelings of optimism in them?

About the reviewer

Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: [email protected] Social: @tiipreeofficial