Ayura Ayira is probably one of the specialists who excel in showcasing powerful female characters who may be caught up in unfavorable circumstances but cast an impact that has the readers spellbound. As a novel of thought, “Root of all Evil” carries the effects of a political scenario that is full of trickery and deceit, and yet, the central character, Zayani finds her way through. The novel shows her in different lights as the situations change and enhances her character while she continues to thrive on her strength. In the midst of this, the author explores themes like human subjugation and the cruelties inflicted on them for material gains, the responsibility and connection of an individual to their community, relationships and their fragility and the power of determination of a person. These themes, in addition to a gripping narrative, keep the readers on their toes not only to see Zayani in action but also to understand her mindset and its workings. 

The fact that Zayani comes from nothing and makes the best out of everything in one lifetime is enough to highlight the power of determination of a person and the heights they can achieve with it. The first message of never giving up is echoed throughout the text. Even in betrayal and suffering, keeping eyes on the target is primary and this is what Zayani teaches the readers well. On the other hand, the telling of the atrocities committed on the community as well as Zayani’s family, speaks of the stories of many who have not been recorded in history and may even have been deprived of a voice. The cruelties that capitalism can unleash on a peaceful community find accurate representation through the activities Changa does to find oil and make more money out of it. 

At the same time, the presence of external forces like the CIA gives a strong hint and a check into the earlier times when colonialism pervaded and how Africa and other third-world countries were plundered due to this intervention. Even in today’s time, the hints clearly explain that the future can be similar to the past. In that sense, “Root of all Evil” significantly relies on explaining the title and its depth, which is the root of all evil is the endless desire of human beings. It can be in terms of wealth or doing other evil deeds to get wealth or pleasure. This book would jolt the reader into reality and make them wonder about how cruelties impact a person and society on the whole.

Simultaneously, on a philosophical level, “Root of all Evil” also discusses the value of human life and the right of any person to subjugate another for any reason or any cause. Changa and Zayani’s relationship repeatedly brings this question up. This book is recommended to all readers who want to get a good reality check through the framework of fiction. “Root of all Evil” resonates with the same thought and captures the essence of Ayira’s objective of showing women in a different light. Unlike her other book “Good Girls Die,” “Root of all Evil” shows a strikingly different artistic temperament of the author in showing Zayani’s character, which is far from opposite to Lavender and hence, an entry into a completely different world through the same eyes of the author.