Menace In My Blood

About the Book

Sickle-cell disease is a unique inherited and incurable condition of the blood cells which, according to doctors, has similarities with virtually all disease conditions known to mankind. Commonly affecting Africans and those with an African ancestry, the disease is also prevalent among Arabs, Turks, Greeks, Italians (chiefly Sicilians), Iranians and Indians. As a result of migration and other factors, the disease is rampant the world over. Nigeria hosts the largest population of sicklers in the world - over 6 million at the last estimate.

Suffering from a severe form of the disease, author writes about his childhood, the pains of growing up with a major health impairment. He also talks about his early cigarette and alcohol abuse and of being sexually molested at the age of 7.

In this first of a series, the author touches on the social and political milieu into which he was born and weaves into his story the life experiences of significant others in his web of relationship.

This book will be a source of encouragement to all whom the medical profession gives little prospects, whether of healing or survival

REVIEWER'S COMMENT:

"This is a personal account of a man's struggle through the threatening spasms of life. The novel offers a great deal of information about the sickle-cell disease, the Yoruba, their anthropology, religion, and family systems. It is a definite statement about African culture and belief patterns. The crafting of the story is rich and captivating."

Professor Charles Ogbulogo Former HOD

Department of African & Asian Studies

University of Lagos

Nigeria

"The book has me laughing on one page and on the next I am crying. An extremely interesting autobiography'' Maxine Taylor, Texas, USA

About the Author

Afflicted with sickle cell anaemia from birth, Tamedu attended schools in Nigeria and holds degrees in Sociology (1984) and Psychology (1987) from the University of Ibadan.

The vagaries of life encapsulated in his health condition find a parallel in his working and professional life: at one time a doctoral student, he once 'plunged' to the level of a commercial motorcycle and bus driver in Lagos, despite the very fragile nature of his health. Tamedu has also worked as a teacher and journalist, and enjoys playing table tennis. Olajide is now editor of AFRICAN SICKLE CELL NEWS & WORLD REPORT

For more information, please visit www.scdjournal.com