The Madhouse is TJ Benson’s debut novel.
It is set in the 1980’s and 1990’s during a time of political uncertainty in Nigeria. This forms the background to the lives of an unorthodox family, Sweet Mother – an artist, Shariff – a writer and soldier, who is her husband, their children Andre and Max, and foster child Ladidi. The relationships between the family are complex and intertwined, as are their lives, with elements of tragedy throughout.
The home they live in, is at the end of Freetown Street in Nigeria’s Sabon Gari, and was once a sanatorium for colonialists, deranged by heat and illness. Hence the name of the book – The Madhouse.
The Madhouse becomes a place of refuge, and torment for the family, as Max and Andre grow and mature into complex, sensitive adults. Which is, no doubt, a reflection of their surroundings and upbringing. Ladidi’s path is equally difficult, leading to a tragic ending for this beautiful young woman.
The book is an artistic endeavour, filled with myths and imagery, and for me was not an easy read. I had to acknowledge each character, and their part in the journey this story takes. Also included are images of Sweet Mother’s art and clips that link to related music, adding to the nature of the book.
The Madhouse is a work that I can see being used as a set book for students, given the relationships, imagery, and messages throughout. A complex, thought provoking read.
TJ Benson is based in Kaduna, Nigeria. He is a Nigerian writer, portrait photographer and visual artist. His work has appeared in several online journals, and print magazines. Other works include We Won’t Fade into Darkness (A collection of short stories).
The Madhouse is published in paperback by Penguin Random House. ISBN 9781485904151. - Christine. E. Hann
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