You know that feeling when you find a story that just pulls you right in? That is exactly how I felt when I started reading Anyi Walkiya by the talented Hauwa M Jabo. If you are looking for something that feels real, full of family drama, and characters you will either love or love to hate, then you need to check this out. It is the kind of story that keeps you scrolling because you just have to know what happens next. You can find this and many other best Hausa novels over at Taskar Novels.
The story kicks off with so much energy. We meet Arfat, who is running for her life, rushing up the stairs to find her mother. She is terrified because her older brother, Abeed, is chasing her and threatening to beat her up. It is such a funny but intense scene. Arfat is crying out for help, and when her mother asks what is wrong, she shouts, "Mummy, isn't it brother Abeed chasing me? He says he wants to beat me." The mother steps in, but Abeed is not backing down. He is one of those guys who is full of himself, acting like he is the only one who matters. He is actually mad at Arfat because she gave his phone number to a girl he does not like. He thinks this girl is "sticking to him like glue" and he is just embarrassed by the whole thing.
Abeed is definitely the character you will love to talk about. He is the son of a rich businessman, Alhaji Bashir Nasari, and he acts like it. He has no time for "poor people" and he is very proud. He actually tells his mother, "She is just some poor girl, I don't want to be associated with her." It is honestly frustrating to see how he treats people, especially the household staff. There is a moment where he yells at one of the maids, Ladi, just for being near his food. He tells her, "Shut up! Get out of my sight, you nosy girl." He is so full of pride that it makes you wonder if he will ever learn a lesson. It is the same kind of tension you find in other great reads like ZUCIYA or the emotional journey in LAYLERH.
The drama does not stop there. Abeed is so obsessed with his "class" that he refuses to attend his friend Jabir’s dinner party just because he thinks the venue, Golden Dragon, isn't good enough for him. His friend Mubarak tries to convince him, but Abeed is stubborn. He says, "I don't want to go to a place and meet trashy people who don't have class." It is wild how much he cares about what people think. If you enjoy stories about people who have a lot of growing up to do, this book is for you. It feels just as gripping as A ZATO NA or the intense family dynamics in IDAN AN CIZA. It really makes you think about how money can change a person’s heart.
Hauwa M Jabo does a great job of showing us the family life inside the Nasari household. Even though the parents try to teach their children to be humble, Abeed just refuses to listen. He is convinced that because his family is wealthy, he is better than everyone else. He even criticizes the food at home, always making sure the house staff knows he thinks they are below him. His sister, Afrat, just rolls her eyes at him, knowing that he is just acting out. It is a very relatable family dynamic. It reminds me of the characters in DA BAN SANSHI BA BOOK 3 or the struggles in DAMA NI CE Book 2 - 2015, where the characters have to face their own pride.
What I love about this story is how human it feels. It is not just about rich people being rich; it is about the way they talk, the way they fight, and the way they try to navigate life. When the mother tells Abeed, "Poverty is from God, and so is wealth. The most honorable among you is the one who is most righteous," it really hits home. You just want him to listen to her. But he keeps being his usual arrogant self, acting like the world revolves around his bank account. It makes you want to keep reading just to see if he will eventually get his heart right.
If you enjoy reading stories that feel like a conversation with a friend, you are going to love this one. It is easy to follow and the characters feel like people you might know in real life. The way the author describes the scenes, from the dining table arguments to the office drama, is so clear. It makes you feel like you are standing right there in the living room watching the whole thing unfold. I honestly couldn't put it down once I started.
There are so many good moments in this book that I haven't even mentioned yet. You really have to read it for yourself to understand why Abeed acts the way he does and if he ever changes his mind about the girl who is trying to get his attention. It is a story about pride, family, and the lessons we have to learn the hard way. It is definitely worth your time if you love Hausa novels online. You can find so many options when you visit the site to download Hausa novels and build your own library.
So, if you are sitting at home looking for something fresh to read, go ahead and dive into this one. It is the perfect kind of story to lose yourself in for an afternoon. Just head over to Taskar Novels and look for Anyi Walkiya. You will not regret it. Happy reading, and I hope you enjoy the drama as much as I did!
