My Side of the Street

Written by Oluoch Madiang

One of the immediate feelings one has with Chris Lyimo’s book, MY SIDE OF THE STREET, has s that it is the product of good writing AND thinking.

Whereas it is expected that such an autostorying of a man’s lowest moments, especially with the stigma of alcohol abuse, will – if it is honest – elicit feelings of sympathy and curiosity, this book does go further to become a helpful read.

MY SIDE OF THE STREET is heartrending! The loss of Chris’ sister and son are told in simple and straightforward way, and elicits a profound and saddening reaction that makes one curse involuntarily. Chris’ book cover has an image of a broken beer bottle, and at the moment of reading these losses, and the violence that his close ones underwent emotionally and physically under him, makes one want to get crates of beers and smash the bottles to a smeethering.

MY SIDE OF THE STREET is a mirror. Not only are the stories and experiences relatable to many families and individuals, but there is also a sense of the reader seeing himself in Chris, or in his terrorized Mum, or in his disappointed Catherine, or in his sister, Brenda. The mirror of experiences and struggles with alcoholism holds up to the reader as we see the financial impact, familial breakdown, anger, disappointment and betrayal, and a desire to dis-bond from a blood relative. It is bold that Chris acknowledges his role and, later, mends things in his quest for help.

MY SIDE OF THE STREET is a dual creative and technical piece of writing. At once, the discerning reader will notice the elements of professional approaches to dealing with alcoholism, depression and mental issues, and at the same time, acknowledge the masterclass elements of creative composition. The writer succeeds in walking the line between teaching how to deal with any Chris in your life, and telling the story of character that journeyed from the abyss to the shores of an oasis.

MY SIDE OF THE STREET is infused with refreshing and tension-breaking entertainment and laughter. Amidst the flow of tears and anger, the reader will be chuffed at the scenes of life that border on hilarity: how chips and sausages thwarted a suicide; the police officer who had a ‘simple’ solution to all these and that would satisfy the alcoholic and his mother; the prophet who ‘saw’ Chris’ life yooote! I think this is important, as turning this book into a weeping jeremiad would have failed the purpose it was intended for: to share proof of possibilities, to seek forgiveness and to invite help. The humor saves it from being a pity-book, but a measured and entertaining life’s story.

MY SIDE OF THE STREET is a heartfelt confession and apology. The writer paints a contrite individual, honest in autobiographing himself in stigma topic(s), and clearly and patently committed to making amends where possible and shunning a backslide. As of 2011 when the book was published, the writer had been alcohol-free for 12yrs. That would make it roughly a quarter of a century as of today. As you read the book, you get a feeling and desire to be part of the healing that this self-flagellating and honest individual is pursuing. You want to be part of the unfolding good story.

I think that the importance of this book is its relevance to multiple audiences: the book lover, the home for which they are currently struggling with ‘in every home there is one as such’, for AA clubs, and health. It will be useful to teachers of creative writing, especially on how the craft can be used to help professionals tell healing stories without being pretentious.

This book shows a collaborative effort from some of the players in the creative industry – Kingwa Kamencu, Ian Sketch Arunga and Storymoja Publishers. It is generally well packaged, and one or two grammatical misses do not blemish the book.

I congratulate Chris on this book, and I recommend.