Wunmi Semudara
A new memoir, The Race: Childhood Memoirs of the Biafran War, is authored by Justina Nnenna Opara.
The book is offering a deeply personal account of life during the Nigerian-Biafran War (1967–1970).
According to the author, the book provides a rare, ground-level perspective of the conflict, told through the eyes of a young girl growing up in Owerri and nearby communities.
She said the book is unlike conventional war narratives that focus on political and military developments,
“The work centers on the lived experiences of civilians, particularly women and children.
It is written in a reflective tone shaped by years of hindsight”.
“The memoir documents the realities of displacement, hunger, and uncertainty, while also capturing moments of resilience and communal strength. Through simple yet vivid storytelling”. Opara illustrates how ordinary life persisted despite the disruptions of war.
A notable passage in the book recounts the “Last Race” of January 1970, when civilians fled advancing troops.
The author describes carrying a heavy metal trunk filled with food without feeling its weight, highlighting the psychological intensity of survival in extreme conditions.
According to the author , The Race explores key themes including resilience through routine, the moral complexities of scarcity, and the heightened vulnerability of women and girls during wartime.
” It details how communities adapted to hardship, with everyday activities such as trading, storytelling, and children’s games serving as forms of emotional and cultural survival.”
“The memoir also contributes to historical documentation by incorporating war songs, folktales, and communal chants, preserving aspects of Biafran cultural life often absent from formal records.
In addition, the author acknowledged the role of international humanitarian organisations, including the Red Cross and Caritas, while reflecting on inequalities in aid distribution.
Literary observers noted that the book helps fill a longstanding gap in Biafran War literature by focusing on civilian narratives rather than dominant political and military accounts.
“Its emphasis on personal memory and oral history offers valuable insight into the social impact of the conflict.”
Although some sections of the memoir are concise, its strength lies in its authenticity and commitment to preserving lived experiences.
The author concludes with a message advocating peace and unity, reflecting on the enduring lessons of the war.
The Race: Childhood Memoirs of the Biafran War is recommended for readers of African literature, historians, and anyone interested in understanding the human dimension of conflict.
