The Usurper — Janvier Chouteu-Chando

When the strung Jeremiah Nana Njike visits his grandparents in rural Africa in what he planned to be a lazy vacation, and then spends time with his engaging grandfather, his seer friend and his uncle, he thinks he is only paying his respects to the old folks. Not until the sages help him understand the ancient culture of his people, does he start fathoming the sacredness of life as held by the wise and the contented.



Told in rich and distinctive voices, these stories reveal the way of life of one of Africa's outstanding people in a way that has never been known before, giving a vivid and engrossing account of their rich culture and traditions. They touch on fierce love, loyalty, kinship, betrayal, war and peace, tradition and the mysterious. And above all, they reveal the redeeming power of humanity. The listeners get involved in the story-telling with questions and remarks of their own. Told in such a way that each preceding story acts as a forerunner to the next in a smooth flow that is meant to eliminate any sense of disconnect, The Usurper: and Other Stories unveils a unique perspective of traditional Cameroonian life in the context of the modern world.



The Usurper: and Other Stories is written in an engaging manner for a broad readership, irrespective of region, race, culture, religion or creed.