Baron’s Café unveils London Tailors

BARON’S Café, a Fairchild Media publishing imprint, has unveiled Friday Aja’s novel, ‘London Tailors’.

The firm’s chief operating officer, OluwasogoFaloye, described the novel as a seamless narrative that evokes empathy and nostalgia.

He further explained that Baron’s Cafe published the novel because of its originality and relevance to postcolonial realities.

“‘London Tailors’ is a story of different thematic arms. It is a story of boyhood as well as a story of coping mechanisms to subvert hardship. It is also about the growing internet scam industry and migration. The seamless storytelling by Aja draws the readers into a world flooded by the resonances of postcolonial African countries in the shadow of Nigeria,” Faloye said.

He added, “The cinematic story makes narrators evolve consciously. They find themselves at a crossroads where they must choose within the range of their reason and exposure. The novel stresses the implications of the predisposing culture of society and how the twin evils of societal expectations and peer pressure stifle independence for young people.”

Some other writers also commended the work, with the author of ‘Rogues of the East’, Ikenna Okeh, describing it as “a coming-of-age story narrated most seamlessly, pulling you in, only to tickle and, at the same time, rattle you…an easy and most delightful read.”

Former Vice Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Lagos Chapter, Eziafakaego Brenda Nwafor, said, “The novel is a treat for readers who love characters evolving from small towns to megacities. The book bears tales of juvenile mischief, exuberance, unguided ambitions, and its resultant effects. It gradually sucks you into itself, making you feel sympathetic to Uba, a young man left with a set of odd choices.”

Akintayo Abodunrin