Sunday, July 17, 2016

FS ROMANCE CLASSIC OUT AGAIN





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.

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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!"

3 comments:

RAPHAEL said...

An exciting development indeed...to see a brand new edition of a classic...well done

TM THIBA said...

Classics will always be priceless and always goes a long way. For Mr Bolaji who has commited himself to the growth of literature from South Africa to overseas, including his home country 'Nigeria', many pundits revere his work and consider him as a great mentor.'Impossible Love' clearly shows Malome, have a soft spot in his heart and republishing his fictional novel many people who don't know about it will now enjoy reading it again and know more about the author and his more than 30 books in his belt and many accollades.

PAUL LOTHANE said...

Strangely enough, this great novel hardly garnered many major reviews over the years....I remember the full length study of the late Pule Lebuso where he devotes a chunky chapter to Impossible Love, but generally over the years there has always been plenty of praise for this book here and there, but not substantive critiques or reviews of the work. This is probably the time to put this right