Publisher's Synopsis
TEARS of the DANCER is a fictional literary work aimed at adolescents, young adults, and anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the cultural diversity within traditional Igbo society. The story is set during the period of British colonialism in the region around the lower Niger.
The story centres around Ogene, a raffish, poor man of 28 whom the villagers ridicule as a ne'er-do-well, despite being a highly talented dancer. It begins with a flashback introducing Amaechi, the pine wine tapper, who played a vital role in Ogene's early life. Amaechi committed suicide because of depression following his wife's open revelation of his impotence. Much later, Ogene's path crosses that of Obioma, a handsome boy whose father is one of the community's illustrious sons. Obioma has a free spirit that refrains from bending to the unsophisticated ways of the villagers. The story takes a dramatic turn when Ugbala, a 22-year-old woman, becomes infatuated with Obioma. Obioma rejects her bold romantic advances, prompting her to seek revenge.
