46 pages • 1 hour read
Helon HabilaOil on Water
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2010A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Oil on Water by Helon Habila, journalists Rufus and Zaq journey into the conflict-ridden Niger Delta to find a kidnapped white woman named Isabel Floode, whose abduction entangles them in a violent struggle between the Nigerian government and militant forces over oil exploitation, impacting the region's impoverished communities and natural environment. The book includes sensitive topics such as violence and environmental devastation.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Oil on Water by Helon Habila receives praise for its vivid portrayal of environmental and socio-political issues in the Niger Delta. Reviewers commend Habila's gripping narrative and strong character development. However, some criticize the pacing and complexity of the plot. Overall, it is seen as a compelling, though challenging, read.
Who Should Read Oil on Water?
Readers who enjoy Oil on Water by Helon Habila typically appreciate gripping tales of environmental and socio-political conflict, rich with moral complexity and human struggle. Fans of Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad and The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver will find this book compelling.