The Passport of Mallam Ilia by Cyprian Ekwensi was first published in 1954, and it tells the story of a man named Mallam Ilia who is desperate to obtain a passport in order to travel to the United States. Set in colonial Nigeria, the novel explores themes of identity, ambition, and the impact of colonialism on African society.
Mallam Ilia is a successful businessman in the fictional town of Anata, and he sees obtaining a passport as the key to achieving his ultimate goal of making it big in America. However, the process of obtaining a passport is a complex and arduous one, and Ilia faces numerous obstacles along the way. He must navigate a bureaucracy that is both corrupt and deeply racist, and he must also deal with the societal expectations and judgments of those around him.
One of the most striking aspects of The Passport of Mallam Ilia is the way it portrays the impact of colonialism on African society. The British colonial authorities are depicted as being indifferent and often hostile towards the needs and desires of the African people, and their policies are often portrayed as being motivated by their own interests rather than those of the people they are supposed to be serving. This is particularly evident in the way the colonial government handles the issue of passport applications, as they are shown to be more interested in maintaining their own power and control than in helping the people of Nigeria achieve their own goals.
Another key theme of the novel is the idea of identity and how it is shaped by societal expectations and cultural norms. Ilia is constantly trying to balance his own desires and ambitions with the expectations of those around him, and he often finds himself at odds with his own community. This is particularly evident in the way he is viewed by his wife and family, who see his desire to leave for America as a betrayal of his responsibilities to them.
The writing style of The Passport of Mallam Ilia is engaging and readable, and the characters are well-developed and believable. The story is told from Ilia’s perspective, and his thoughts and feelings are vividly portrayed, allowing the reader to get a sense of his struggles and frustrations. The novel is also rich in historical detail, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of colonial Nigeria and the complex social and cultural issues that were at play at the time.
The Passport of Mallam Ilia is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that provides a nuanced and complex look at the impact of colonialism on African society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in African literature or the history of colonialism, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on its readers.
