Every few decades, a book is published that reminds us of the common thread of humanity that runs through us. A book that fearlessly seeks to address the failings of the past generations, and stirs up the conscience of global citizens in mapping new directions and blazing new frontiers. Alexander Tetenta's When Mother Cries is such a book, with a unique story telling style that will appeal to diverse readers. Sequel to Shalom Road, this book tells of a British African, whose personal experiences of growing up in Nigeria relive the plight of many Africans facing corrupt and unaccountable governments. Alex, in his book does justice in bringing to light the grappling debacle of non-diversified economies, infrastructural decay and lack of progressive leadership plaguing third world nations alike and how that may have shaped and formed his thoughts. Not missing in this Volume though, is the beautiful and imaginative account of a young man's unique experiences that takes readers from the ordinary, through the peculiar, to the very exotic tales of Original African traditions mixed with a genuine, but progressive adherence to contemporary civilization. Brilliantly interwoven in this Volume of When Mother Cries are avid tales of history and adventure, which marry the complexities of African traditions to the modern concept of Western Civilization. As though an innocent observer of African culture, governance, Economics, family, and social evolution, Alex does justice to this Volume of the book by using his experiences a case study for those seeking to have a full insight into all aspects of African life. The book also touches upon those aspects of his rich African Heritage which are often not appreciated by people outside of the African Orientation. Alex tells his story in a way that weaves the unique stories of being a student in Africa with his experience of growing up in two different African Cities, including tales from an African village that leaves readers yearning for more.
About the Author: Alexander Tetenta was born in Scotland, but grew up in Nigeria where his family originated. He holds a degree in Politics from London Metropolitan University, where he penned his first major thesis titled: Democracy and Democratization in Nigeria- The Way Forward. The knowledge he gleaned from his academic thesis and his unique personal experiences came together beautifully in his recently published novel so well narrated in every literal sense. For Alex, growing up and attending school in Nigeria were both rewarding and punishing. Alex attended an elite primary school where as a bright kid, he was awarded the privilege of skipping the last grade to head straight for his secondary school education. Although Alex's secondary school days were liberating, that period was marred with the struggles of a youngling grappling with the harsh realities of boarding school and the growing pains of having to cycle through six secondary schools within the span of about six years. After sitting for the University Entrance Exams in Nigeria, Tetenta came out with flying colors particularly in subjects of Government & Politics. Tetenta had his sights set on pursuing a degree in the Humanities and Social Sciences especially after reading some of his mother's notes on the topic, but the family had other prospects for him to become an engineer like his brother. In line with his family's expectation, Tetenta enrolled into a Pre-Science degree which was short-lived after a lengthy strike action. It was at this fateful juncture that Tetenta found the British High Commission, obtained his passport and left Nigeria. Since returning to the U.K, Tetenta has diligently studied and worked hard, travelled around the world, and acquired many interesting and insightful experiences worthy of writing about. His Nigerian experiences could be found nicely written in Shalom Road, and in this volume of his trilogy; whilst many of my other insightful experiences since returning to the U.K and gaining some international experiences are contained in Volume 2: To Redeem a Generation; in When Mother Cries 3: Blessings of Tomorrow, as well as in his Post-Script "Will To Live: A Noble Cause". He also holds a Masters Degree in International Law from the University of Glasgow.