Dreams and Assorted Nightmares: Intersection between Realism and the Supernatural
this is Zango, and here, we have assorted dreams and nightmares in bottles. You only need to choose one, and it shall be yours. (26)
As someone who typically shies away from short-story collections, I approached this book with a hint of scepticism, wary of the abrupt endings that often leave readers yearning for more. Yet, from the first paragraph, I was captivated by Abubakar Ibrahim’s work, Dreams and Assorted Nightmares. Abubakar Adam Ibrahim is an award-winning writer whose books often spark conversations about Northern Nigeria, offering a unique perspective that piques curiosity. When asked during an interview with Moveee Media about how satisfied he is with his growth as a writer, He said, “…And I’m happy that I have won some prizes. But I’ve always maintained that winning readers’ hearts is the most important prize any writer could wish for. That your writing would impact the life of somebody, make that person think about things and recognise themselves in your writing, in your story.” Hence, it is no wonder that he writes with the sure-footedness of one who understands how to immerse readers in his art, crafting prose that resonates deeply, evokes emotions and provokes thoughts.
Dreams and Assorted Nightmares is a collection of eleven interconnected stories, each unfolding in the fictional and magical city of Zango. Ibrahim’s focus on Northern Nigeria, a region often underrepresented in literature, adds a distinct flavour to his writing. With a captivating title and intriguing book cover, Dreams and Assorted Nightmares is no exception. Zango, a Hausa word for resting place or stop-over, is not just a setting but a character in itself. Ibrahim’s masterful storytelling takes the reader through Zango, where the most extraordinary and unforeseen occurrences come to life. From a woman vomiting a long braided strand of hair to a lady transforming into a sorrowful apparition after death to haunt her admirer, and even the dramatic nature of death itself, where men perish as leaves fall from the life tree—each twist and turn unveils the fantastical and vivid tapestry of life in Zango.
This is Zango... Strange things happen here.
Ibrahim’s Dreams and Assorted Nightmares is a captivating blend of mysterious, strange, and dark narratives that traverse the realms of magic, realism and the supernatural. One thing to note is that the book offers no room for ease, as Ibrahim sets the tone early. Like all his other books, Dreams and Assorted Nightmares is a collection of sad and relatable stories.
Dreams and Assorted Nightmares, the first story, introduces us to Zango, delving into the town's origins and introducing some of its prominent citizens. This particular story sets the stage for subsequent stories and ends with the poignant plight of a first wife compelled to imprison herself and her daughter against Zango. While I had hoped for a different outcome, the ending underscores the unfortunate reality that some individuals escape accountability for their actions and that misfortune often befalls good people.
Mororo’s Masterpiece, the second story, features a philandering artist whose dalliances leave a mark in nearly every household in Zango. The end has a beautiful twist I didn’t see coming, and I love it. Talk about people who can’t accept half of what they dish out. Ibrahim knows how to end a story epically and unexpectedly, a quality that shines consistently across the stories in this collection. What particularly stands out in Mororo’s Masterpiece is the author's seamless movement between the past and present, illustrating his mastery of storytelling.
In House of the Rising Sun, Ibrahim explores the profound impact of mental illness, portraying the anguish of a mother coping with the condition of her son and a wife grappling with the aftermath of her husband’s tragic demise. One thing I noticed is that even though Zango is an imaginary community, the stories in this collection have relatable scenarios and events, like the effect of insurgency. Sajah is one story I find both amusing and sad as we witness a family's dashed hopes and fleeting joy. It revolves around a man who, after decades of saving, finally acquires his first car in his forties. Treating it with adoration akin to a beloved, he christens the car and cherishes it as the love of his life. Yet, true to the narrative style of Ibrahim, misfortune befalls the protagonist. His wife falls ill, his shop is engulfed in flames, and he is forced to part with his beloved car, Sajah, to save his wife. Despite the trials, the tender essence of love illuminates the pages of this story, contrasting sharply with the cowardice depicted in A Very Brief Marriage.
Sajah never returned, but Mum did, with ruddier cheeks and haunted eyes. Her smile too returned not long after. Sometimes it started in her eyes when she gazed at Father the way I had seen Aminu gazing at Zaynab, the way Father used to look at Sajah. (89)
A Very Brief Marriage is a funny yet heartbreaking story of a cowardly husband who left his three-day-old at the mercy of armed robbers. It is one of the very brief stories in this collection, yet it stands out as one that delivers the satisfying conclusion I sought. It prompted many questions, leaving me to wonder where people buy audacity. On second thought, I contemplated whether the outcome might have been even more dire had the husband acted courageously. Regardless, it served him right! I love how Ibrahim seamlessly connected the stories and how he made references to characters we've encountered or are yet to encounter in other stories. For instance, the mention of Abba Mororo, the painter, in Sajah's tale is a brilliant example of this narrative connectivity. It also allows understanding of characters from other characters’ points of view. Notwithstanding, the stories in this collection stand out individually, each conveying its distinct message while remaining connected to their shared origin, Zango, which makes this short-story collection a masterpiece.
In Daughters of Bappa Avenue, a teenage girl is forced to make a heartbreaking choice after the disappearance of her mother. This was an overwhelmingly sad story that left me angry. One of my favourite stories in this book is The Weight of Silence. Here, a woman reveals a terrible secret to her childhood friend, who is in a coma. The question is, how do you quantify the weight of silence or gauge the impact of a lie? Ibrahim explores guilt, lies, and their far-reaching consequences. I also enjoyed the author's writing style in this particular story, where he employed rhetorical questions in telling the story.
In Naznine, the author explores loss, capturing the trauma experienced by a woman dealing with miscarriages and the devastating toll of the relentless pursuit of motherhood. The characters are portrayed with remarkable authenticity, and as a reader, you are forced to sympathise with their pains, grief, and diverse circumstances. The character in Naznine is no exception, as the story unfolds with profound sadness and heartbreak. The Book of Remembered Things unfolds through the entries of a diary penned by a sister and her brother, aimed at preserving memories during their mother's period of illness-induced confinement. It shows how religious brainwashing can turn a man into a monster his family struggles to understand.
Making Monsters gives us insight into Audu Kore, a notorious bandit who instils fear in Zango alongside his gang, causally mentioned in A Very Brief Marriage. Additionally, the narrative delves into legacy, the burdensome expectations it carries, and the consequent disappointments that arise from defying such expectations. Melancholy, aptly named, revolves around a woman consumed by her infatuation with a married retired soldier. She kills herself and haunts the man and his wife. This story stands out for its supernatural elements, adding an eerie dimension.
What the Sand Said is an apt choice for wrapping up the stories in Dreams and Assorted Nightmares. Zaki, the protagonist in the story, stumbles upon an unnamed white tree in the forest whose falling leaves could probably foretell death. Despite his knowledge of the potential consequences of his actions concerning the tree, Zaki appears completely unperturbed by it. What the Sand Said provides the needed connection between the stories told and shed light on the root source of Zango’s strangeness. While the author leaves us hanging with the book’s conclusion, it ignites curiosity about the fate of Zango, and I think that was the author's intention.
With its richly layered and memorable characters, Dreams and Assorted Nightmares explores profound themes, such as loss, pain, insurgency, grief, murder, mental health, depression, religious fanaticism, and rivalry, among others. One of the things I find interesting is the author’s mastery at crafting memorable characters, delivering punchy first sentences that immediately draw a reader into the story. Despite their flaws and misfortunes, the characters remain compelling and relatable. Ibrahim also demonstrates mastery in building suspense; when he finally lands, it usually comes with heart-wrenching and unpredictable conclusions.
Ibrahim’s writing style is unique; his words are infused with poetry that flows through every line. His captivating storytelling prowess will hold you spellbound, even amidst the emotional rollercoaster this collection dishes. The author showcases exceptional skill in employing literary devices, particularly imagery, and his mastery of weaving words shines brightly throughout this collection.
When he knelt by Naznine, he heard her humming “River Lullaby.” He peered into the bundle in her arms. The pale-faced infant lay swaddled, a still-born marble angel in the powder-pink shoes Naznine had forced on its limp little feet. She cooed at the baby and tried to coax an engorged nipple into its mouth. At that moment, he knew he had not only lost a child but a wife too. (Naznine, 141).
And then he had assaulted her with this news and these ululations, and these women had brought a stranger into her house and projected snide missiles in her direction. (16)
Dreams and Assorted Nightmares examines the influence of Zango in the lives of its characters, illustrating how their actions and decisions have far-reaching consequences that affect the whole. The characters in Zango will keep you on your toes, immersing you in a world where reality and the supernatural intertwine. Although I would have appreciated clear definitions for the Hausa words occasionally used, there's no denying that Dreams and Assorted Nightmares is a remarkable short-story collection that skillfully explores its diverse themes.
Writer’s Biography
Ilerioluwa Olatunde is a creative writer and book reviewer interested in fiction, creative nonfiction, and performance poetry. She recently tried her hands at business writing, and she finds it amusing. She is a fellow of Sprinng and Speakin' Fingers Academy. Her work, which focuses on book reviews, lifestyle, and the human condition, has been published on platforms such as Sprinng and Shuzia. She draws inspiration from the books she reads, societal and economic issues, her personal life, and her relationship with God.
She is also an Economic Research Analyst and enjoys volunteering. When she is not writing, she reads, listens to music, has fun in her head, or does research.
