Goldrush Book Club

This book has eleven chapters and we shall take it from one chapter to another. In chapter one, Madam Bisi gets to meet Akin for the first time, as the writer puts it: Madam Bisi went towards the tree where the crowd was gathered. As she approached , her ears were thrilled by the most exciting drumming she had   ever heard… She forced her way through the crowd, and by the time she got as far as the boy, she was panting. ‘Akin’, she said. ‘Akin!’ The drummer boy turned round. There was a smile on his face, but his eyes were closed. Madam Bisi pressed the note into his hands ‘Take this boy, and God bless you’. He smiled again, but did not open his eyes. And then it dawned suddenly on Bisi that this boy had not merely closed his eyes out of the excitement of the day. He was blind. Such an attractive boy, too; and he was blind. Madam Bisi left. That was the first encounter Madam Bisi had with Akin. But Madam Bisi found it difficult to forget Akin which is be

ABOUT THE AUTHOR – CYPRIAN EKWENSI Cyprian Ekwensi is versed in the art of story telling. He was born in Minna in Northern Nigeria in 1921, and educated in Ibadan, Ghana, and London. He taught Biology and Chemistry in Nigeria before joining the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation where he became Head of Features.   He later became Director of Information in the Ministry of Information in Enugu. He has published several novels and books of stories. His books have also been translated into many languages

The   book for this week   is ‘THE DRUMER BOY’ written by Cyprian Ekwensi. This Book tells the gripping tale of blind but talented Akin, a wanderer, who despite his physical challenge, contributes his quota to the society by radiating joy with his   samba. The society, through the likes of Madam Bisi,   Ayike,   Nurse Joe, Mr. Marshall   and Mr. Fletcher, help Akin to overcome his fears, and all ends well with his getting a first rate formal education.    

  Why are you so down today Haven’t you hear d the sun is going to shine today Everybody is going to be dancing today So put on your dancing shoes today All of the pains is going to end today Don’t feel so lonely for you are not alone today The rain is over the storm has seized And we are singing today Wipe those tears let your face shine today Stand up for what you believe today As we pray to God almighty today Hoping that we are on the right course today You have to be bold today Always put in your best today For there is no reason to be down today.                      

  Take my fear and give me faith I do not need fear It will destroy me Take it away out of me Before it multiplies and kill me Its works are shoddy and so mean Fear is the harbinger of failure Faith works wonders With it I can inherit my blessings With faith I can move mountains And believe in the impossible Faith brings into existence That which never existed So take away my fears and give me faith