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Jerry Chiemeke’s Dreaming of Ways to Understand You is a compelling collection of 15 short stories, written in a simple, clear, and humourous style while carrying profound emotional depth.
Each narration immerses the reader in the lives of its characters, offering a unique perspective on human relationships, societal expectations, and deeply personal struggles.
In Not for Long, a woman follows her Tinder date home, leading to an unexpected and intense turn of events.
This story is intricately connected to Dreaming of Ways to Understand You, functioning almost as a prequel. Both narratives are skilfully intertwined, creating a seamless reading experience.
Another standout story, What Am I Supposed to Say to You? follows a young woman in a long-distance relationship with a controlling and obsessive partner.
She fails to recognise the signs of emotional abuse, mistaking possessiveness for love.
The story expertly illustrates the fine line between love and obsession, highlighting how past experiences shape our perceptions of affection and control.
Striking Aspects in Dreaming of Ways to Understand You
One of the book’s most striking aspects is its exploration of personality disorders.
As someone interested in abnormal psychology, I appreciate the nuanced portrayal of how mental health conditions influence relationships in Dreaming of Ways to Understand You.
In one story, a male protagonist grapples with the challenge of suggesting therapy to the woman he cares about—yet he wonders, would she even believe him?
Memories Floating on a Glass of Whiskey is particularly poignant, addressing the lasting psychological effects of trauma and the difficulty of finding closure.
A man attending his secondary school reunion realises that his former tormentor has likely moved on, while he continues to grapple with the scars of past abuse.
Dreaming of Ways to Understand You also examines broader societal issues. The Road Gets Thirsty Too presents a diverse array of perspectives from bus passengers, including young Northern boys who communicate only in Hausa.
Their presence evokes suspicion among other passengers, who wrongfully assume they are terrorists. In reality, they are refugees, fleeing the destruction of their homes and the loss of their families to insurgents.
Conclusion
Dreaming of Ways to Understand You provides a sharp critique of ethnic biases and the deeply ingrained prejudices that shape social interactions.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its authenticity. Chiemeke masterfully captures the essence of Nigerian life—the challenges, the humour, and the resilience of its people.
He also sheds light on the societal pressures that force individuals into choices misaligned with their personal desires, such as entering marriages dictated by external expectations rather than personal convictions.
Chiemeke’s seamless integration of Pidgin English into his prose is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating a rare linguistic dexterity that adds richness to the storytelling.
