DRUNK by Jackson Biko
I recently finished Drunk by Jackson Biko, and at first, I had mixed feelings about the author’s approach, particularly in how he portrayed women. Some parts of the writing felt borderline sexist, but I admit this could come from a biased point of view. As I progressed through the book, however, the story grew on me, and I realized it wasn’t about the superficial elements.
Drunk dives into much deeper themes, reflecting on the inner turmoil of a man whose life spirals out of control.
The book is told from the perspective of a male protagonist. He had built a thriving career. But, as corporate life often does, the monotony set in. He didn’t lose his touch; instead, he simply lost interest. There was no thrill left for him, no excitement. And that’s when the drinking started.
The way Biko portrays drinking is hauntingly accurate. Alcohol doesn’t just diminish you; it also affects those closest to you, causing as much damage to them as it does to you.
The book may center around alcoholism, but it mirrors many of the silent struggles people face. These struggles can manifest in different ways: childhood trauma, depression or emotional detachment.
Biko captures the subtle decline of a man who loses control not because he’s incapable, but because he’s disconnected. And that, for me, is where the real tragedy lies.
If you’re looking for a read that pulls back the curtain on the internal battles many of us face but rarely talk about, Drunk is a thought-provoking book. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, by the time we realize we’re drowning, it’s too late to swim back to shore and we end up paying with our lives.
Find Drunk by Jackson Biko at your nearest bookstore.