An Abuja lawyer and writer, Panshak Haggai, is offering a literal meaning to the popular saying that “Life begins at 40” as he presents his latest book Storm in a Pot as part of his birthday celebration on August 17.
The presentation will hold at Mungo Park (Shashaz Delight) Garden, 6a, Onitsha Crescent, off Gimbiya Street, Mungo Park Close, Area 11, Garki Abuja, by 3pm. It promises to be the dawn of a new era in the life of the author and celebrator.
The author had previously written two books: Principles of Nigerian Law and Nigerian Business and Cooperative Law. However, Storm in a Pot is his first attempt at writing fiction. Motivated by the resilience in human heart and societal themes, which amplify faith in humanity, Haggai unleashed his deep-seated love for creative writing while communicating pertinent moral truths simultaneously.
Storm in a Pot is a story on an incredibly resilient woman called Sikimi, a resident of Aisika village. Readers are ushered through her turbulent experiences of non-fulfillment, acute poverty and a miscarriage that almost cost her life. In addition to her personal challenges, she was faced with the task of parenting seven children after being abandoned by Edivo, her irresponsible husband. Her relationship with her adventurous teenage daughter, Nemsi, highlighted Sikimi’s personality as a typical lower level African mother. The unexplained disappearance of Edivo added pressure to Sikimi, but in spite of the challenges that followed Sikimi remained strong and resolved to tow the path of integrity and honour as she mothered her equally desperate offspring.
The unforeseen appearance of Qauna, Edivo’s daughter from another woman introduced an interesting twist to the story. It deepened the reality of betrayal for Sikimi, but it also proved to be a blessing in disguise for the family as the story progressed.
Through the eyes of Sikimi, readers are taken through the tortious journey undertaken daily by countless of women in Africa, who languish silently in poverty, oppression and diverse forms of economic, social and religious injustice. They courageously bear all these for the sake of their children and families. The story highlights the fact that with determination and courage, the human heart possesses the capacity to rise above the storms of life.
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