#Excuse Me

When a Nigerian says excuse me, he is trying to get someone's attention. He needs to be heard, and urgently too. It does not matter whether it is polite or followed by a long hiss; there is usually a reaction. "Excuse Me!" is a phrase that cuts across all boundaries; it is one that every Nigerian understands. 

Maybe that is why Victor Ehikhamenor chose the common Nigerian phrase, to catch our attention, to urge us to listen and to watch our reaction. Excuse Me! is a collection of essays that refuse to be categorized; they are funny and thought provoking essays; they draw our attention to see ourselves through the mirror of words. The book pokes us on the shoulder some times; at other times, it laughs in our face; and at other times it just calls us to look at ourselves, as a people, warts and all.

Excuse Me! let me introduce Ehikhamenor, the author, to you.  

Victor Ehikhamenor is an internationally known visual artist and writer. He received his BA in English and Literary Studies from Ambrose Alli University. He holds a Masters degree in Technology Management, as well as MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Maryland, USA. Widely exhibited at home and abroad, Ehikhamenor is a regular contributor to magazines and journals on social issues. He has won awards for his works; these include the 2008 Leon Forest Scholar Fiction Award and a Breadloaf Scholarship. He served as NEXT Newspaper’s first Creative Director and maintained a weekly column in the paper which forms the bedrock of this new book. He manages his own creative and strategic communication company, VEE Global Concepts. 

These skills – this creativity – are fused in Excuse Me! as words and art dance on pages to reach readers. Published by Parrésia Publishers Ltd and subtitled “One Nigerian’s funny outsized reality”, Ehikhamenor uses his skill for deft satire and incisive logic to paint a compelling picture of Nigeria, better than any of his famous artwork has succeeded in doing in the past. Each essay is not longer than 900-words, making for an easy yet comprehensive dissection of issues.

Excuse Me! was released on November 30th, 2012 and early praise has already come in from such people as Pius Adesanmi, Ikhide Ikheloa, Amma Ogan and ace comedian, Ali Baba, who has known Victor’s creative “madness” as a schoolmate and friend at Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. There will be a public release of the book in the second week of January, 2012 at an event in Lagos to welcome this collector’s item to Nigeria’s bookshelves.

#ExcuseMe, if you would like a copy of any new Parresia title: Excuse Me by Victor Ehikhamenor, Oil on Water by Helon Habila and Bofak by Tanimu Sule Lagi or any other Parrésia books, please call Femi Morgan for Roving Heights on 08181880536 or Servio Gbadamosi for WriteHouse on 08053164359 or a Parrésia rep on 08087304400 or send a mail to orders@parresiapublishers.com