Mysterion, September 2024

“One Two Three” by Hannah Onoguwe

Reviewed by Victoria Silverwolf

The protagonist of “One Two Three” by Hannah Onoguwe is a woman married to an abusive husband. After being knocked unconscious by him, she awakens to encounter the ghosts of his two previous wives. They plan to have the protagonist kill the man.

The only connection to Christianity in the story, making it appropriate for the magazine’s stated theme, is the fact that the man is a pastor. The plot would be little different, if at all, if he were not. The main character and the two ghosts are more fully developed characters than the man, who is a stereotypical villain. Adding some interest for non-African readers is the fact that the Nigerian author offers a detailed look at modern culture in her homeland.

Victoria Silverwolf is about to start reading a collection of stories by John Brunner.