Pen and Paper

 Review of the book The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman. Some novels entertain. Some educate. And some leave you silent after the final page, because the story feels too real to forget. Sam Wachman’s The Sunflower Boys is one of those novels. Introduction The Sunflower Boys by Sam Wachman is a heartrending modern war novel that depicts the emotional and psychological destruction of the war between Russia and Ukraine by the experience of Ukrainian children. In contrast to the traditional war story where one can predict in advance the military strategy or the politics, Wachman develops a civilian-driven plot in which war is being perceived as a disruption of the ordinary world, an interruption that alters the concept of childhood into the survival. The novel is organized into two parts: Peace and War, which structurally supports the strong opposition of normality and ruin, the way in which violence invades the nation domesticity without even notice. The novel is based on the adv...

“Diaspora, Memory, and Emotional Burden in The Tiny Things Are Heavier : A Critical Analysis” Research Statement This article suggests that the Okonkwo applies the use of the unspoken as a key location of struggle in diaspora. Dwelling upon the overlaps of memory and emotional load, the research assumes that it is the little things that cause more weight, those silent traumas and the awful sense of guilt in abandoning a struggling sibling and the haunting memories of home that weigh heavier than the actual difficulty of moving. Introduction The experience of the Nigerian diaspora in the modern global context is often decontaminated in a neoliberal framework of economic advancement and the gleeful American Dream. But in her debut novel The Tiny Things Are Heavier, Esther Ifesinachi Okonkwo interrupts this narrative badly because she reveals the emotional and psychological depth of the payment of migration. Sommy, the lead character, struggles to survive in a new world, Iowa, which she ...

Donald Trump and Today’s World: Peacemaker or Problem Creator? The world today feels more complicated than ever, and many people are confused about the role of powerful leaders. One of the most debated figures is Donald Trump. Some see him as a leader trying to protect peace and his nation’s interests, while others blame him for increasing global tensions. The truth is somewhere in between. During his time in office, Trump often spoke about avoiding new wars and bringing American troops home. In some cases, he reduced direct military involvement, which his supporters saw as a positive step toward peace. Yet, other decisions raised tensions instead of lowering them. For example, his “maximum pressure” strategy on Iran, including harsh sanctions, caused serious difficulties for ordinary people without significantly changing political leadership. This shows how economic policies can affect civilians more than governments. Trump also strongly backed Israel, supporting controversial deci...

  Existing vs. Living: Finding Meaning Beyond a Paycheck Have you ever found yourself staring at a paycheck and asking: “Why did I study so much? What am I even doing with my life?” If your answer is yes, you are not alone. For many graduates, especially those with higher degrees like MPhil or master’s programs, the reality after years of studying is not a dream job, but a low-paying position that barely covers basic living costs. And worse, it leaves you questioning your purpose, your value, and even your existence. This blog is for anyone who has felt trapped in a cycle of work, survival, and dissatisfaction, wondering whether life is just about existing or if there’s a way to truly live . The Promise of Education vs. the Reality of the Job Market Education comes with unspoken promises: Respect – People should recognize your effort. Financial Security – A stable job that supports a comfortable life. Personal Satisfaction – Work that feels meaningful. Independence ...

 The Silent Pressure of Becoming successful. Nobody ever mentions it, but it is always present. During the interludes between the discussion. In a manner that individuals will question, “So... what are you doing now? In the silent comparisons that we make as we scroll through the lives of other people. The stress to make something out of oneself is seldom high-pitched. It doesn’t shout. It whispers. And that weighs it down somehow. Success Is No Longer a Dream It is a Deadline. Success ceased to be something we desired and something we were supposed to attain--so fast, so conspicuous, so much sooner than we had predicted, so much sooner than we should have imagined, so much sooner than we might have imagined, so much sooner, in a word, than we ourselves forecasted. It has an unspoken clock on it: At this age, you ought to have your purpose. At such an age, you have to be making good income. You should be settled. Recognized. Certain. And when you are not you begin to think you are ...