Chimezie Ihekuna (Mr. Ben)’s short dramatic novella The Broken Mirror explores the intergenerational loss of self that can result from abuse and broken family relationships. The conflict between two Nigerian immigrant twin sisters, Shade and Joke, involves Shakespearean twists and devices as characters destroy those who were once closest to them. 

While each person is responsible for their own actions, the choices they have are impacted by those of the others around them. The book kicks off with a vicious argument between husband and wife Bode and Cynthia that results in Bode beating Cynthia badly enough to send her to the hospital and her filing for divorce. Soon, though, we see that Bode himself was a victim, unemployed due to a conspiracy of dishonest coworkers. 

Rather than excusing characters’ actions by implying they are the result of impersonal societal forces, this book gives even greater importance to the need for each character to act as ethically as possible, because their actions have the potential to impact even those beyond their immediate circle. 

The short length of this book means that the settings – homes, hospitals, and workplaces in California over the past several decades – and the physical action are described quickly. This leaves some things up to the imagination and gives the book the feel of a stage play. 

Overall, Chimezie Ihekuna’s The Broken Mirror builds high suspense as we watch the drama unfold towards its tragic conclusion. It’s readable in one sitting and also suggests through the title and the literary device of identical twin characters that when we choose to harm others, we destroy not only the others, but parts of and reflections of ourselves. 

Chimezie Ihekuna/Mr. Ben’s novella The Broken Mirror can be ordered here.