Review by Ray Anyasi
In the landscape of contemporary Nigerian fiction, Peace Anazodo has carved out a space for the gritty, the vengeful, and the deeply human. Her latest offering, “You Can Get Back at Them,” is not just a sequel to a journey; it is a clinical dissection of what happens when a woman pushed to the brink decides to stop running and start hunting.
The story reintroduces us to Osas Ediku, a protagonist who is less a victim and more a survivor “forged in the fires of betrayal.” Anazodo does a masterful job of rendering Osas’s isolation. We feel the weight of Edafe’s treachery and, perhaps more painfully, the “soul-crushing silence” of Bayo. This emotional vacuum sets the stage for a thriller that is as much about psychological reclamation as it is about social justice.
One of the most compelling layers of this narrative is the relationship between Osas and her only ally, Esther. Anazodo introduces a fascinating tension here:
Is Esther’s push toward a “honest livelihood” a lifeline or a cage?
The book brilliantly explores the suffocating pressure of being “good” in a world that has been consistently “bad” to you.
This subplot keeps the reader off-balance, echoing the sentiment of my endorsement: you truly do not see the next scene coming because the betrayals are not just coming from the villains, but potentially from the safety nets themselves.
The narrative shifts gears significantly when a “cryptic invitation” pulls Osas from the Diaspora back to the volatile heart of Nigeria. This is where Anazodo’s plotting shines. The transition from the desperate immigrant struggle to the “glittering surface of high society” allows for a sharp critique of power and leverage.
For the first time, Osas is the one holding the cards. The “precious opportunity” she discovers isn’t just about money—it’s about dismantling empires. The author forces the reader to grapple with a heavy moral question: How much of your soul is a fair trade for vengeance?
“You Can Get Back at Them” is a propulsive, cinematic read. It captures the essence of the “Japa” experience while adding the high-octane flavor of a political thriller. Anazodo’s writing is fluid, her pacing is relentless, and her characters are unapologetically complex.
“Osas is back, and the debt she’s collecting is paid in the most expensive currency of all: power.”
If you enjoy stories where the underdog finally gets their hands on the leash, this is a must-read. It is a testament to the idea that while the elite may orchestrate the humiliation, they rarely prepare for the survivor’s return. The book is due to be released worldwide on Amazon and select bookstores.
Ray Anyasi is one of Africa’s most published author, poet, comic creator and screenwriter. He sits on the board of Literature Alliance Scotland and is the Global Director at Bookause.
About the Author
Discover more from Geek Digest
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
