The Dazzling Tale of Love in "Dazzling Mirage" by Olayinka Abimbola Egbokhare
How do you cope when your sickle cell becomes a barrier to finding love?
Full Disclosure: This book took me, entrapped me without caution. I didn’t see myself go. I just kept turning, page after page.
I was first drawn to this book because I had heard a lot about its adaptation. I had sat in a film cinematography class taught by the man [Tunde Kelani. A legend] who directed the adaptation. He is known for making great films and so I wondered, “What about this book made him adapt it to the screen?”.
A few pages in, I experienced a significant moral dilemma. It made me ponder whether it is appropriate to marry someone even if you know their genotype, and have a child who may develop sickle cell anemia. Despite the risk, is it worth it to proceed with the marriage because of the deep love you share with your partner?
Funmiwo, the main character, had similar questions in her quest to find out exactly why she ended up being a sickler when both her parents were in health care.
"I'm yet to be convinced. How could you, with your medical background, take such a brash decision knowing fully well what psychological and physical torture it would bring in the future? There must have been a different reason, a selfish one at that."
"Mother, I haven't said you do not love me. What I don't know is why you both agreed to have me. Look, I know you share my pains, but why, why did you have to make me come to live a life of pain and uncertainty? At least you knew the life cycle of a stickler. Mother, why did you do it?”
Although there is a twist that follows these questions she asks her parents which takes the reader’s perspective about the parents and the story in a different direction, it was still a relevant question to ask—a debatable one for that matter. Why do some people do it? Is love a great reason to go ahead and marry (and have children) despite genotype incompatibility?
This book made me sad. It got my emotions and mind reeling. It is not a complicated book but it does tackle a very complicated subject. The author did an excellent job of bringing to life the struggles of sickle cell patients through their beautiful writing.
"Dazzling Mirage" achieves what few other works of Nigerian literature have accomplished: a thorough examination of the challenges faced by sickle cell patients in Nigeria.
I appreciate the fact that this author doesn't overwhelm the readers with too much research. Although this book is about sickle cell anaemia and aims to raise awareness about it, the details about the disease are presented in a way that feels well-researched yet not overwhelming. The information is layered and spread throughout the book beautifully and engagingly, making it feel like you're reading a novel rather than a research paper. This is a remarkable achievement.
Through this novel, you get to live the life of a sickle cell patient through the main character, Funmiwo, and other characters. You get to experience the stigma they face.
Having personally experienced the debilitating pain of migraines, I have a deep understanding of what it feels like to be in pain. However as I delved into this book and read about Funmiwo’s struggles with sickle cell anaemia, I was struck by the immense challenges faced by those living with this disease. The author's writing was so powerful that I felt as though I was experiencing the pain and discomfort alongside her. I believe that the book is an eye-opener and a powerful tool for raising awareness about sickle cell disease and breaking down the stereotypes and stigmas associated with it.
Let’s not forget that this is also a somewhat romance novel. As you read through the pages, you may find yourself wondering how to navigate a situation where this illness becomes a barrier to finding love. This can be a complex and multifaceted issue that requires patience, understanding, and support.
Mrs Fadipe got up and stood across from her son. She now spoke in the same tone she addressed him with when he was only a child. She was stern with him. "Now, listen, my boy, if you choose to be irrational about this, I’ll not let you off easily. I don't want a sickler for a daughter-in-law, understand? If you think I'll spend my old age taking care of a sickly daughter-in-law who may not even be strong enough to give me children, then you must be joking. I want your wife to be an asset to me, not a liability!"
She stormed away before Sanya could find the right words.
He knew his mother would be a hard nut to crack. He knew it would one day come to this. He shrugged and went out.
I was thrilled when Funmiwo found love and broke the stereotypes associated with marrying someone with sickle cell anaemia. I experienced a great sense of excitement and joy when I learned that Funmiwo had finally found true love. What made this love story even more remarkable was the fact that Funmiwo had broken the barriers and stereotypes that were commonly associated with marrying someone who had sickle cell anaemia. Her courage and determination to overcome the challenges associated with the condition were truly inspiring and a testament to her strength and resilience. It was heartwarming to witness such a powerful love story and a reminder that true love knows no boundaries.
I clearly see why the great Tunde Kelani adapted this book and I recommend it.
RATING: 🌟🌟🌟🌟⭐ (4.5)