Book Title: Six hands on fire
Author: Kola Apanisile
Number Pages: 138
Publisher: Writarr Agency
Year of Publication: 2025
Reviewer: Azeezat Adeshola
Six children, six homes, six lives. Ifeanyi, Aisha, Bisi, Okon, Amaka, and Chukwuemeka come from different backgrounds, yet they share a single dream – To excel at Kahel University and honor their families. Reading Six Hands on Fire by Kola Apanisile, the phrase that immediately comes to mind is “All that glitters is not gold.”
The novel reflects how ambition, appearances, and promises can be misleading, and how patience, resilience, wise choices, good influences, Friends and accurate information are just as important as talent and determination.
The book takes it readers on a journey where ambition meets reality, and where the smallest choice can have lasting consequences. A striking moment in the novel is Ifeanyi’s reflection: “Sometimes the hardest battle is against yourself.”
This line captures the inner struggles faced by many of the characters as they confront temptation, pressure, and difficult decisions. Through their experiences, the novel shows how easily poor choices, lack of contentment and negative influences can derail even the most determined individuals.
Kola Apanisile’s characters are multidimensional, and their choices, mistakes, and triumphs feel genuine. What stands out most is how each character’s decisions, no matter how small, carry lasting consequences. Ifeanyi’s story shows that mistakes can be corrected when one pauses to reflect. Amaka’s character highlights the importance of holding dignity above pride, as she struggles between the two. Chukwuemeka’s lack of contentment, foolishness, greed, and the burden of family expectations further reinforce the novel’s exploration of human weakness and responsibility.
Through their experiences, the novel shows how easily poor choices, lack of contentment and negative influences can derail even the most determined individuals.
The novel functions both as a coming of age story and a social commentary, highlighting the pressures of family, society, and peer pressure influence. It is rich with reflective moments, including the recurring lesson that “all that glitters is not gold,” which runs like a quiet warning throughout the narrative of the story.
The story emphasizes patience, wise decision making, and the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, and Contentment reinforcing the idea that talents alone cannot guarantee success.
The author, however, uses some long sentences and complex words, some of which may slow down younger readers. However, this does little to diminish the strength of the characters or the relatability of the story.
Overall, Six Hands on Fire is a powerful and engaging read. It is recommended for readers interested in contemporary Nigerian fiction. The novel underscores that even when life feels confusing or challenging, the choices people make ultimately define their paths. It is a story about choices, consequences, resilience, and the important lessons young people must learn to navigate life wisely. The reader is reminded that success is not built on talent alone, but on wisdom, patience, and the influences one allows to shape one’s journey.
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