An audacious narrative experiment in Umar Abubakar Sidi’s ‘The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus’

By Sumaila Isah Umaisha

UMAR Abubakar Sidi is well known for his bold disregard for conventional narrative structures. The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus represents a radical departure that further consolidates his reputation as a literary experimentalist. The 271-page novel, published by Masobe (2024), embarks on an unflinching quest to subvert and transcend genre boundaries, masterfully blurring the distinctions between prose, poetry, and essay to create a work of genre-defying masterpiece. Through a narrative that intricately interweaves storylines and characters across vast expanses of time and space, Sidi constructs a richly unique and multidimensional exploration of the human experience that resists easy categorisation. The outcome is a work that not only extends the frontiers of narrative innovation but recalibrates the very parameters of the novel form.

Through the prismatic lens of the protagonist, Garba Dakaskus, a resident of a mental institution, readers are transported to a realm where mysticism, surrealism, and magical realism converge. As Garba narrates the enigmatic tales of the 1,000-year-old manuscript, ‘A Guide to the Secrets of the Alphabet,’ he embarks on a complex journey with the reader, replete with unforeseen twists, turns, and surprises.

The narrative style resonates with the adventurous ethos of H. Rider Haggard’s She: A History of Adventure, wherein the main characters, Horace Holly and Leo Vincey, undertake a perilous odyssey into the African interior, guided by the ancient and cryptic ‘Sherd of Amenartas’. Similar to the novel, The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus conjures a haunting and enigmatic atmosphere, probing the profound philosophical implications of knowledge and power dynamics. Both works prominently feature ancient artifacts which serve as potent symbols of the quest for forbidden knowledge, embodying the tensions between epistemological desire and the risks of unchecked power. The poetic and cryptic syntax employed in both texts not only amplifies the aura of mystery surrounding these artifacts but also contributes to a sense of temporal dislocation, evoking the esoteric quality of ancient manuscripts and inviting readers to engage with the texts on multiple levels of interpretation.

One of the most salient attributes of The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus is its seamless balance of philosophical depth and narrative complexity, yielding a richly textured and intellectually stimulating work. The author’s exploration of knowledge raises a profound interrogation of the human condition, prompting readers to engage with fundamental questions regarding the nature of reality, the human experience, and man’s place within the broader scheme of things. The novel invites readers to re-evaluate their assumptions and consider alternative perspectives. The motif of attaining illumination as a benchmark of discernment is skilfully interwoven throughout the narrative, as characters navigate complex existential dilemmas and grapple with questions concerning the nature of knowledge, truth, and understanding.

The novel’s structural and stylistic configuration is deliberately disorienting, serving as a narrative correlative to Garba’s fractured consciousness and the inherently fragmented nature of human experience. This aspect of the novel bears a striking resemblance to Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, in which the protagonist’s disjointed and fragmented ‘notes’ function as a poignant expression of his existential alienation and disaffection from the trappings of modern society.

Sidi’s masterful deployment of language orchestrates a dreamlike atmosphere, effectively drawing readers into the novel’s surreal and labyrinthine world. This scene is a glaring example: ‘As he (the Viper) entered the room, his eyes became enlarged and his breath heavy, his heartbeat increased and within seconds he passed out. His thoughts faded into a hallucinatory oblivion. He saw himself in a valley with an interlocking network of mountains in the distance…’ Reading this novel is like being immersed in a vivid dream where the author and characters effortlessly command your thoughts, drawing you into their world with mesmerizing clarity.

Like the distinctive narrative economy of Ernest Hemingway’s works, every action, dialogue, and image in the novel is imbued with a profound significance, necessitating close attention and interpretive alertness from the reader to fully comprehend its thematic resonance and symbolism. Even blank pages, such as those on pages 210 and 211, are surprisingly pregnant with meaning, inviting readers to fill in the gaps and uncover the significance that lies between the absent lines.

The novel’s comparison of the Golden Age of Islam with the present is a striking and thought-provoking gesture that underscores the stark dichotomy between an era of unparalleled intellectual and scientific efflorescence and the contemporary state of education in Northern Nigeria (part of the story’s setting) marked by stagnation and decline. This juxtaposition serves as a scathing critique of the current educational reality in the region, highlighting the imperative of fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and rigorous inquiry. In other words, by this comparison, the novel issues a clarion call for reform and renewal.

Just like the narrative style, the characters are complex and multifaceted, reflecting the complexity of human experience. Garba Dakaskus, the enigmatic narrator-protagonist, embodies this complexity, his identity shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, evoking parallels with the anonymous narrator of Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground. The other characters in the novel are equally unique and multidimensional, each possessing a distinct voice and perspective that contributes to the rich tapestry of the narrative. The Caliph is one of such characters. ‘Oftentimes, he was seen deeply engaged in conversation with dogs, ducks, and pigeons. The increase in the Caliph’s ability to communicate with animals began to alter the equation of power in the kingdom…’ Sidi’s characterization is as masterful as his narrative style, bringing to life a cast of characters that are both enigmatic and remarkably relatable. This blend of mystery and familiarity draws readers into the novel, encouraging a deep emotional connection that transcends mere fantasy or historical reference.

The end of the story eerily echoes the notion proposed by quantum physicists that reality is not fixed, but rather a construct of the mind, blurring the lines between the tangible and the abstract. ‘Then the pages turned into gas and evaporated. The giant ropes of stories woven by the literary immortals parted… The sun expanded, whitened, and began its slow sojourn towards a luminous river in the closing sentence of The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus.‘

In an era where reading habits are dwindling, some readers might be hesitant to tackle a novel like this, a masterpiece that demands intellectual effort. However, for those willing to dive in the novel’s complexity and depth prove to be its greatest allure. The narrative richly rewards close reading and introspective reflection, highlighting the importance of critical engagement. Ultimately, readers who persevere will experience a sense of satisfaction akin to solving a challenging mathematical problem.

In conclusion, The Incredible Dreams of Garba Dakaskus stands as a masterstroke of narrative craftsmanship, captivating readers with its enchanting and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Sidi’s remarkable ability to weave a narrative that seamlessly integrates intellectual rigour and aesthetic appeal, while challenging readers to engage critically with the world around them, is a testimony to his exceptional skill as a writer. This novel is an indispensable read for scholars and the reading public interested in exploring the complexities of existence. Its innovative deployment of metafictional techniques, coupled with its richly distinctive characters and profound engagement with mystical and philosophical themes, renders it a landmark contribution to the literary canon. The novel’s rapid ascension to Brittle Paper’s list of ‘100 Notable African Books of 2024’ just a few months after publication attests to its critical acclaim and a sure sign that it is poised to win numerous awards.

* Umaisha is a writer and literary journalist