One of the most outstanding works of fiction
in the pantheon of Free State Black Literature has been re-published. A brand new
edition of Impossible Love, a remarkable romance novel, written by Omoseye
Bolaji is out.
Confirming
this at the weekend, a spokesperson for Mbali Press, the publishers of the
work, said: "We are starting a new series wherefore old classics penned by
our black authors are being re-issued. We are kicking off with Impossible Love,
which many believe is something of a masterpiece,".
Already,
literary pundits are drooling over this development. Mr Pule Lechesa, renowned
author and critic said: "Many of us were enamoured in awesome fashion just
by being introduced to the novel (Impossible Love) many years ago, and reading
it over and over again with elan. What a work! Smashing, coruscating and marmoreal.
It would be a crime if new generations cannot get to read the
novel...".
Raphael
Mokoena, who has published many essays and critiques on Bolaji's work over the
years, also purred: "I think Impossible Love might well be regarded as a
monument of Bolaji's fictional works. It is one of those books that make one
tingle with excitement and pride, like Achebe's Things fall apart. I am delighted
a new edition of the novel is out again,".
Award
winning novelist, George Rampai, said: "I already have my own copy of the
new edition of Impossible Love! Probably the work is magnum opus for Bolaji,
though he has published dozens of books. Undoubtedly though, we can say that
Impossible Love is superb, a work of art, Bolaji at his very best,".
Ishmael
Soqaga, another pundit who has reviewed many of Bolaji's works said: "I
found myself shaking with excitement when I learned that Impossible Love has
been re-published. Actually Bolaji once told me that People of the Townships is
his favourite amongst his works of fiction, but I think most people will plump
for Impossible Love as his masterpiece,”
From the blurb of the latest edition:
When
Impossible Love was first published (2000) the pundits unanimously hailed it as
an irresistible, charming, gripping love story "with a stunning twist in
the tale". The unexpected denouement drew gasps of disbelief yet
interspersed with dollops of delectation. Mbali Press is proud to bring out
this new edition of the work for the titillation of a new generation of
readers.
The author, Omoseye Bolaji, has now published
over 30 books stocked in many libraries across the world. Amongst many awards,
he has been conferred with the Chancellor's Medal by the University of the Free
State. He has played a pivotal, phenomenal role in the startling growth and
proliferation of Free State Black Literature - a feat which has sparked off the
publication of sundry disparate studies world-wide.
----------------
Mr Omoseye Bolaji originally wrote Impossible
Love almost 20 years ago, and it was first published by Drufoma. The
book became a hit, and has been digitised by American universities
via Google Books.
Mr Rampai added: "The story behind the
fruition of the book, Impossible Love, is remarkable in itself...that is why I
find the Introduction in this new edition - which harps on the conception of
the work - as gratifying, and a bonus. I commend the publishers for bringing
out this classic again!"
