Teenage life crisis

It is not so often that you come across Gambian writers (excuse me, that is not to say they do not exist!); but even more uncommon is to meet young Gambian writers, as young as Irene Touray. In fact meeting with a writer is one thing, but to meet with one worth their while is an altogether different matter.

Of late though, this country has seen a fair level of increase in literary performance, thanks to sporadic discourse on the problems facing the men and women in the profession. There is every chance that there are more writers than have really surfaced. But it is also highly probable that while some prospective authors have been eclipsed by financial constraints, in terms of ability to publish their works, others have been mere victims of naivety. And still for others, it is a case of them not having discovered their ‘hidden talent’, like Ngasireh Irene Touray apparently had some five years ago.

The author of a new book soon to be published, Irene, in her early 20s, seeks to address contemporary issues, based mere observation, like any of us would observe in real life situation.

Teenage Life Crisis, as the title suggests, explores life’s unseen side. The 112 page-book contains three short stories, with the first depicting the life of a young lady called Kelly. Caught up between trust and love, young Kelly had defended her love for adorable.

But, at the end, it turned out to be at her detriment. Based on her experience, she vowed to protect her only family member in the world, Janet, from the poisoned hands of people as ruthless as his presumed lover, John. Get a taste of part one of the thrilling book.

"As soon as I finished reading the letter, I fainted. I woke up and found myself on a hospital bed. The first person I saw was my mother. She told me that one of the tenants in John’s compound had found me lying on the ground and had rushed me to the hospital and later informed her about it.

My mum happily told me that the seamstress had called to inform her that my wedding gown had been ready and that I should go to her boutique as soon as possible for the last fitting. I was lying down, staring at her, absent mindedly, when she gently helped me up, urging me to comb my hair and wear my shoes quickly, since the doctor had discharged me. She went on telling me that she had asked the bridal consultant to add more pearls to my gown. She said the gown was a confection of white satin, lace and pearls. As she was talking, I stared at her, crying bitterly. My mum assumed that it was tears of joy. So she cheered me up. And told me how it was like for her when she was getting married to my father.

As she was explaining to me, the doctor came in and congratulated her. He told us that I was three weeks pregnant. My mum was very surprised, but before she could say anything, the doctor gave her the letter John had written to me. He said the tenant had found it in my hand. My mum took it from the doctor, but I insisted that she should not read it. And, against my wish, she did. After reading it, she fell to the ground and died soon after. The doctor said she had a weak heart so she could not bear the shock. My mum was very close to my heart. I blame myself for her death…."

Teenage life crisis is an epoch-making thriller that goes far beyond entertaining the reader. As captivating as it is, it redresses pertinent issues such as HIV/AIDS and forced marriage, as it is in the story, Musa’s wife. A beautiful and intelligent girl with a bright future has everything it takes to excel and make the right choices in life. But what happens when she is forced into an arranged marriage with the wrong man…..

Irene highly solicits the support of sponsors, to help her achieve her dream. Given the significance of the issues being discussed, helping Irene will be like helping to address these issues of immense global concern. The young writer can be reach on:

Tel 9954089, 7954089, 6954089 or email: princessirene9@yahoo.co.uk