The Phenomenon of Time in “Àlejò: Crossing Times”
1st Place Winning Essay in the Àtìpó Book Review Prize by Adjarho Evidence Egwuono
The past, present, and future are only different times existing in different spaces, for how else can one go back to the past if it no longer exists, or to the future if it is yet to be?
Wole Olayinka’s novella delves deeply into philosophical explorations of the nature of time, examining how the past, present, and future are inextricably intertwined yet exist as distinct worlds that can be readily manipulated through supernatural means.
The book conforms to the structure of a story within a story. Laraoye, a Yoruba deity, narrates the account of a temporal anomaly, where two individuals are abruptly uprooted from their respective realities and transplanted into each other’s worlds. Ileri is transported to an obscure past with an undisclosed mission, while Baantale is hurled to a future he must acclimate himself to for survival. The exchange maintains equilibrium between the two worlds, but how do they navigate their divergent epochs?
The dynamic representation of time in this young adult novel sparked my curiosity. Ileri, a student at the University of Lagos, suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar world. Through questioning and reasoning, she discovers she is living in the past. However, this appears incomprehensibly nonsensical because the past has become a ‘was’. Conversely, Baantale, a young boy from an ancient Yoruba village, is transported to a future that ‘will be’. Interestingly, both characters continue to exist within these distinct periods - the past and present. Therefore, the book posits that the past and future are as vibrant and tangible as the present.
The novella is also infused with the cultural and spiritual beliefs of Yoruba tradition. There appears to be as well, an internal refutation of Western misconceptions regarding Yoruba spirituality. In Yoruba culture, Eṣu is merely one among many gods, and although he may be playful at times, he does not equate with Satan or the Devil as perceived in Judeo-Christian philosophy.
“Wole Olayinka masterfully blended the realms of fantasy and reality to create a captivating and almost mystical literary work”
The literary work also embodies significant global motifs that have emerged throughout history. Among these is the topic of gender subjugation, which is eloquently depicted within the book’s pages. The novella aptly portrays how such issues have always been pervasive. For instance, in the past, Ileri narrowly escaped sexual assault by Aremo, and in the present, Iyade faces wrongful accusations of murdering her family, resulting in her being stripped of her wealth and subjected to sexual advances from her landlord as payment for rent.
The crux of the novella revolves around climate change. Laraoye deftly employs temporal time switches to enable Ileri’s acquisition of the India plant, which would ultimately rescue their planet. Symbolically, this serves as a clarion call to preserve our environment. While no one can deny that technological advancements have greatly facilitated progress in modern societies, it is imperative to temper their excesses, which is precisely what this novel seeks to underscore.
Wole Olayinka masterfully blended the realms of fantasy and reality to create a captivating and almost mystical literary work. He expertly structured the book, assigning each character a unique voice that allows readers to empathize with their experiences of elation and anguish, enhancing the story’s verisimilitude.
The paramount aspect of this novel for me lies in its ability to captivate and enchant readers while simultaneously prompting them to contemplate the intricacies of time. Without a doubt, Àlejò: Crossing Times serves as a resounding summons for individuals to make discerning use of their temporal resources because, ultimately, akin to Ileri and Baantale, we all become mere Àlejòs of Time.
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Adjarho Evidence Egwuono (21) is an undergraduate pursuing a degree in English at the University of Lagos. She recently developed a particular fascination for African literature, although her enthusiasm knows no bounds. An ardent reader, astute book reviewer, and writer, Evidence pours her heart and should into the world of words. Beyond her academic pursuits, she thrives as a freelance writing wizard who writes essays, short stories, and scripts. Evidence has an upcoming essay in Kalahari Review.
Evidence is the 1st Prize winner of the Àtìpó Book Review Prize.
