I Remember Syl and Other Stories : Malthouse Press : 9789788422020 : 9788422020 : 20 Oct 2009 : I Remember Syl and Other Stories is a collection of dark stories set in West Africa. In the over dozen stories that comprise the collection, everything is mirrored: our fears, our failings, our weaknesses, our shame, our lusts, our greed, our pains, our regrets, our sexualities, our humanity. Our all. This is a collection of short stories that is likely to raise more than a few eyebrows: the various themes are explored and treated with such sensitivity and great skill. It is a compelling read. Valentine Umelo, born in Isunjaba, Imo State in the eastern part of Nigeria, in 1970, was educated at Western Boys' High School, Benin City, Edo State, before proceeding to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he studied pharmacy. Soon after graduating in 1992, he became a salesman for a multinational pharmaceutical company before slipping to Europe at the height of General Sani Abacha's r