By Happiness Chuzaram Stephen
Can generational patterns be broken, or do they inevitably resurface in our lives?
“The evil that men do lives after them. The good deeds is oft interred with their bones” –William Shakespeare , Julius Caesar.
This Shakespearean quote opens the first part of Olukorede S. Yishau After the End and sets the tone for a reflective and layered narrative. As the title suggests, the novel unravels events following the death ( or “end”) of one of the major characters, Ademola. With simple yet evocative prose, Olukorede explores grief, betrayal, and healing, while subtly posing a powerful and recurring question: “can we truly escape the weight of inherited patterns, or are we bound to relive them?”
Olukorede employs a non linear storytelling style using a series of flashbacks to highlight past events that shape present circumstances. The novel is also divided into two parts marking a shift in situations. His use of simple language, vivid imagery, well- paced suspense and emotional depth enhances the delivery of key thematic concerns. Additionally, the syntactic use of Nigerian English expressions like ‘Abeg’, ‘wahala’, and references to amala(a Nigerian cuisine) in a novel set largely in London reinforces the characters' cultural proximity and their effort to preserve identity in a foreign land. Another significant literary device used to convey the novel’s themes critically is symbolism. The term ‘Brexit’ which is a blend of ‘British Exit’ referring to the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union is symbolic within the narrative. It parallels Google’s (Ademola Phillips’) exit from the lives of Idera and their children. Just as Brexit triggered numerous political and social issues in the United Kingdom, Google’s departure foreshadows the emotional and familial upheavals that unfold in the wake of his absence.
The novel explores a range of themes, including infidelity, betrayal, discrimination, abandonment, healing and insecurity. One of its central themes, infidelity, can be critically examined through the lens of psychoanalytic theory. This perspective allows readers to consider how an individual’s background, childhood experiences, and unresolved emotions influence their actions and relationship choices. In the text, several of the characters, particularly Ademola, embody this tension, as their decisions and the resulting consequences reveal a recurring clash between generational patterns and personal will.
Another significant issue that drives the plot of the novel and that deserves critical attention due to its relevance in the real world contexts is single motherhood and its societal impact. This theme is introduced early through the character of Suliat, Idera’s best friend, who becomes a single mother after being rejected. Her son, Deji is portrayed as an emotionally unstable teenager, which is claimed to be as a result of Suliat’s high-handed parenting according to
Idera’s observation, who has also become a single mother based on the death of her husband.
The issue of single motherhood also surfaces in Ademola’s childhood experience, His mother is left to raise him alone while dealing with the trauma caused by his father’s actions. The theme is also reinforced through the character of Tunmi’s attempted murderer, who is shown to have been raised primarily by his mother. His upbringing is marked by the presence of emotionally unstable male figures ranging from his uncles and his mother’s ex to his cousin whose reckless desire to impress led to the violent act. These layered portrayals raise a critique question that echoes beyond the novel’s pages: “Should the burden, discrimination and blame for social vices committed “mostly” by children raised by single mothers be placed on the parent who stayed to care for them—despite the trauma, abandonment or difficult circumstances that led to single parenting in the first place?”
Based on my observations, the novel tries to address infidelity, while hinting at its complexities with love, and irresponsibility both in the family setting and the larger political setting that has been normalized, especially in the Nigerian context. It also raises important issues such as bullying and discrimination, linking them creatively to instability in both family and administrative structures. While the portrayal of family stability through the presence of an intentional male is commendable, the novel in contrast appears to underplay the agency of its female characters to an extent. Many of the women seem unable to make critical decisions, pursue happiness and self fulfillment outside of male attachment. A good example of this assertion is Lydia’s speech to Idera at the hospital. This depiction risks diminishing the real life resilience and competence of single mothers who embody emotional, financial and parental stability while raising well rounded children unlike Ademola’s mother who endures humiliation for her son’s sake but ends up in a pitiable state, thereby unconsciously recycling trauma.
In my opinion, while the image of a stable, well-rounded family is admirable, the complexities presented in this novel reveals that this ideal is not always attainable. Thus, female characters should be portrayed with more self agency and awareness to navigate reality and make informed choices. Likewise, male characters should be encouraged to take more accountability, responsibility and intentionality in their actions, rather than attributing their failures to excuses like generational patterns when consequences arise.
Moreover, the author’s attention to character development in After the End is commendable. Despite the range of characters across different settings and timelines, each one evolves distinctly, allowing readers to grasp their complexities and perspectives. From Ademola, whose readers’ reaction to his character formation keep varying to Idera and others, like Justus, whose portfolio as an investigative journalist matches the author’s profession, every character meaningfully contributes to the story’s suspense, emotional impact and occasional humour.
In summary, Olukorede S. Yishau’s After the End creatively weaves together socio-cultural realities, human complexities and the fragile nature of relationships. Using vivid imagery, simple language and colloquial expressions, the author reflects on history, present-day issues and recurring generational patterns. The novel’s strength lies in its ability to ignite introspection and encourage behavioural change in an interesting and relatable way, making it both an engaging and thought-provoking read.
