"The Oaf" is a short story by Janvier Chouteu-Chando (also published under variations like Janvier T. Chando or Janvier Tchouteu).
It forms the fourth story in his collection titled "The Usurper: and Other Stories" (published around 2016–2017, available in print and eBook formats). The stories in this collection appear to be standalone but are sequenced, with "The Oaf" following "The Verdict of Hades" and preceding "His Majesty's Trial".Plot Summary (from available descriptions)The story centers on Ketcha, a variously gifted but aimless man who stubbornly follows a hazy, unclear path in life. This lifestyle brings only fleeting moments of joy and satisfaction, but never true or lasting happiness. Over time, life becomes grim for him. It is as if there is no correlation between his thoughts, feelings and actions. He is portrayed as a jaded womanizer who ultimately loses the woman he truly loves—despite her genuine affection for him—and later regrets his choices deeply, lamenting his failure to find real fulfillment.
A key element involves family dynamics: Ketcha (or a related figure) grapples with whether he can help guide his controversial brother away from a similarly misguided or "hazy" life path.One description frames it as: "The jaded womanizer loses the woman of his heart despite her love and then rues afterward for failing to find happiness."
Overall, the tale explores themes of regret, self-destructive choices, lost love, the pursuit of fleeting pleasures over meaningful happiness, and the challenge of influencing or redeeming a wayward family member.
If you're looking for the full text, it's sold as part of the collection "The Usurper: and Other Stories" or sometimes as a standalone eBook/pamphlet titled "The Oaf".
It forms the fourth story in his collection titled "The Usurper: and Other Stories" (published around 2016–2017, available in print and eBook formats). The stories in this collection appear to be standalone but are sequenced, with "The Oaf" following "The Verdict of Hades" and preceding "His Majesty's Trial".Plot Summary (from available descriptions)The story centers on Ketcha, a variously gifted but aimless man who stubbornly follows a hazy, unclear path in life. This lifestyle brings only fleeting moments of joy and satisfaction, but never true or lasting happiness. Over time, life becomes grim for him. It is as if there is no correlation between his thoughts, feelings and actions. He is portrayed as a jaded womanizer who ultimately loses the woman he truly loves—despite her genuine affection for him—and later regrets his choices deeply, lamenting his failure to find real fulfillment.
A key element involves family dynamics: Ketcha (or a related figure) grapples with whether he can help guide his controversial brother away from a similarly misguided or "hazy" life path.One description frames it as: "The jaded womanizer loses the woman of his heart despite her love and then rues afterward for failing to find happiness."
Overall, the tale explores themes of regret, self-destructive choices, lost love, the pursuit of fleeting pleasures over meaningful happiness, and the challenge of influencing or redeeming a wayward family member.
If you're looking for the full text, it's sold as part of the collection "The Usurper: and Other Stories" or sometimes as a standalone eBook/pamphlet titled "The Oaf".
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