Literary Fiction
Date Published: 08 May 2020
Publisher: The Roaring Lion Newcastle Ltd
The first collection of short stories by this multitalented author entwines
everyday events that are articulated in excellent storytelling. The title
story "Inferno of Silence" portrays men's societal challenges and
the unspoken truths and burdens that men bear. While "Black lives
Matter" shows the firsthand trauma of a man facing racism as a
footballer plying his trade in Europe.Stories range from "Return
Journey" where we encounter a techpreneur/ Poet/Serial Womanizer
confronting consequences of his past actions to "Blinded by
Silence" where a couple united by love must face a political upheaval
changing their fortune. Completed with stories of relationships:
"Trouble in Umudike" - family wealth and marriage, "Everybody
don Kolomental" where the main character deals with mental health
issues, and "In the Trap of Seers" when one's life is on
auto-reverse and with the death of her confidante, her mother as she takes
us through her ordeal and journey to redemption. This is a broad and very
inclusive collection.
Interview with Tolu’ A. Akinyem
For those interested in exploring
the subject or theme of your book, where should they start?
Readers interested in African Culture
and contemporary issues will find this a very absorbing collection of
short stories. With stories that touch on the core of racism, mental
health issues, trauma and abusive relationships, readers will find
the themes varying and the subjects relatable.
How did you become involved with the
subject or theme of your book?
With the title story “Inferno of
Silence”, I discovered that there are few stories that portrays the
agony men face in relationships and I wanted to write a story that
will draw readers into the dilemma that men in face in relationships
and how society expects a man to be a man while getting choked in a
relationship that is not working. While in the story “Black Lives
Matter”, as a football fan who has seen footballers endure racial
slurs in football stadia’s around the World, I wanted to tell a
story on a current issue that most people will relate with. With the
other stories — “Everybody don Kolomental”, I wanted to write a
story that portrayed mental health issues and coping mechanisms to
not getting consumed under the weight of issues. And with the other
stories, I wanted to write about current issues like prejudices
against the girl-child, gender inequality, and religious and tribal
fanaticism.
What were your goals and intentions
in this book, and how well do you feel you achieved them?
My goals for writing this book were not
just to write a collection of stories but to write an impactful
collection of Short Stories. I wanted my readers to read the stories
and feel the pain and emotions of my characters. I wanted my readers
to reflect and not be too hard on themselves. Also, I wanted to lend
my voice to the “Black Lives Matter” movement. And from the early
reviews and feedback, it’s been immense and mind-blowing.
Anything you would like to say to
your readers and fans?
Thank you for taking the time to read
my stories and for the reviews and feedback. I’m deeply satisfied
that you find the stories captivating and relatable.
What did you enjoy most about
writing this book?
The character development was one
aspect of the book that I truly enjoyed.
Can you tell us a little about your
next books or what you have planned for the future?
I have two poetry collections “Black
≠ Inferior” and “Never Marry a Writer”
scheduled for release in early 2021.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing since my early
teens but I always like to quote over 10 years, which to be fair
should read over 20 years.
Can you tell us a bit about the
characters in Inferno of Silence?
In the Story “Inferno of Silence”,
Kunle was a man, a man whose wife invoked unfamiliar emotions within
him. Which he did not bear so gracefully. With his wife Adaeze,
it was difficult to draw a line between feminism and extremism. How
well Kunle handled the situation was something he had to navigate.
With varying advice from his father, Uncle and Pastor? It’s a
conundrum that Kunle had to resolve.
If you could spend the day with one
character from Inferno of Silence, who would it be? Please tell us
why you chose this particular character, where you would go and what
you would do.
I would go out with “Adaeze” in the
story Inferno of Silence and would have a heart to heart with her in
an open field. My key message to her would be that men are also
emotional beings and whatever baggage of hurt and brokenness she
bore, should not be dumped on her partner “Kunle”.
I’d chose Adaeze because these days
there is a thin line between extremism and feminism.
About the Author
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi hails from Nigeria and lives in the UK where he has
been endorsed by the Arts Council England as a writer with
“exceptional talent”. Tolu is the author of seven outstanding
books, one of which is a collection of ‘short essays’
encouraging you to “Unravel Your Hidden Gems”. The five other
books form the basis of his poetry collection, ripe for future growth, and
which includes Dead Lions Don’t Roar, Dead Dogs Don’t Bark, Dead
Cats Don’t Meow, Never Play Games with the Devil and his latest
release, A Booktiful Love. He has also authored a widely acclaimed stellar
collection of Short stories titled “Inferno of Silence”.
A former headline act at Great Northern Slam, Crossing The Tyne Festival,
Feltonbury Arts and Music Festival, and featured in various Poetry
Festivals, Open Slam, Poetry Slam, Spoken Word and Open Mic events in and
outside the United Kingdom. His poems have been published in The Writers
Cafe Magazine Issue 18 and 57th issue (Volume 15, no 1) of the Wilderness
House Literary Review and many other literary outlets.
His books are based on a deep reality and often reflect relationships, life
and features people he has met in his journey as a writer. His books have
instilled many people to improve their performance and/or their
circumstances. Tolu’ has taken his poetry to the stage, performing his
written word at many events. Through his writing and these performances, he
supports business leaders, other aspiring authors and people of all ages
interested in reading and writing. Sales of the books have allowed
Tolu’ donate to charity, allowing him to make a difference where he
feels important, showing that he lives by the words he puts to page.
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