Review by Sakura19 -- Leaving Dahomey by Jude Shaw
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Review by Sakura19 -- Leaving Dahomey by Jude Shaw
[Following is a volunteer review of "Leaving Dahomey" by Jude Shaw.]
"It's choice-not chance-that determines your destiny."-Jean Nidetch
Leaving Dahomey by Jude Shaw is the first book of the Friendlytown trilogy.It follows the journey of a Dahomenian girl named Adeoha. This work of fiction delivers an in-depth picture of Republic of Benin during the 19th century.
Set during September of 1840, the story begins with a fifteen-year-old Adeoha. Like every other teenager about her age, she also has ambitions in life. Being born in an affluent family, her dreams seems to be just at her grasp. One day, she meets with her first friend Sewextu. They have this usual catch-up since they have not seen each other for a while. Then the topic of joining the initiation rites for the Circle of the Language of the Drums was brought up. Sewextu proposed to the council that she would not be a candidate unless they accept Adeoha. But this is way too impossible as Adeoha do not have the bloodline necessary to be part of the group. Everything else is normal in her life until the day she sets foot before the high confines of the compound of the cult of the Language of the Drums. How did this event change her life? Will she be able to fulfill her dreams? Or will her history interfere with her destiny?
I really enjoyed the character of Adeoha. Her character development from a stubborn child to a mature individual. She embodies a strong woman who is outspoken and with a purpose. I also find the characters of Lord Tubutu and Sewextu to be noteworthy. Lord Tubutu personified as a father who supports and protects his family. Sewextu on the other hand is an ultimate girl best friend material you would love to have. I love how these two characters interact with Adeoha.
What I also like about the novel is that it has featured sensitive issues regarding slave trading, war, politics, and higher education rights for women. In addition, there is a clear-cut motive to inspire the youth to reach for their ambitions no matter what problems they will encounter on their way. In this novel, I also enjoyed the unique way of incorporating traditions and culture through storytelling. This demonstrates the years that the author spent learning and researching about Dahomey’s culture. In all honesty, it helps me to understand, respect and appreciate their culture. I just noticed that the pacing of the story is a little slow, particularly in the beginning. However, as the plot progresses and the events starts to get interesting, I cannot seem to put down the book.
I must say that the novel is skillfully edited as I did not find any typo errors during my reading. Furthermore, I did not notice any profane or vulgar words in the novel. Overall, I will rate Leaving Dahomey 3 out of 4 stars. It is a well-detailed book that allows you to travel back in time and take a glimpse of the history of Dahomey. The novel also delivers an incredible story about dreams, struggles, success, failures, end, and new beginnings. If you are a fan of historical fiction novels, I highly encouraged you to check out this book.
******
Leaving Dahomey
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
"It's choice-not chance-that determines your destiny."-Jean Nidetch
Leaving Dahomey by Jude Shaw is the first book of the Friendlytown trilogy.It follows the journey of a Dahomenian girl named Adeoha. This work of fiction delivers an in-depth picture of Republic of Benin during the 19th century.
Set during September of 1840, the story begins with a fifteen-year-old Adeoha. Like every other teenager about her age, she also has ambitions in life. Being born in an affluent family, her dreams seems to be just at her grasp. One day, she meets with her first friend Sewextu. They have this usual catch-up since they have not seen each other for a while. Then the topic of joining the initiation rites for the Circle of the Language of the Drums was brought up. Sewextu proposed to the council that she would not be a candidate unless they accept Adeoha. But this is way too impossible as Adeoha do not have the bloodline necessary to be part of the group. Everything else is normal in her life until the day she sets foot before the high confines of the compound of the cult of the Language of the Drums. How did this event change her life? Will she be able to fulfill her dreams? Or will her history interfere with her destiny?
I really enjoyed the character of Adeoha. Her character development from a stubborn child to a mature individual. She embodies a strong woman who is outspoken and with a purpose. I also find the characters of Lord Tubutu and Sewextu to be noteworthy. Lord Tubutu personified as a father who supports and protects his family. Sewextu on the other hand is an ultimate girl best friend material you would love to have. I love how these two characters interact with Adeoha.
What I also like about the novel is that it has featured sensitive issues regarding slave trading, war, politics, and higher education rights for women. In addition, there is a clear-cut motive to inspire the youth to reach for their ambitions no matter what problems they will encounter on their way. In this novel, I also enjoyed the unique way of incorporating traditions and culture through storytelling. This demonstrates the years that the author spent learning and researching about Dahomey’s culture. In all honesty, it helps me to understand, respect and appreciate their culture. I just noticed that the pacing of the story is a little slow, particularly in the beginning. However, as the plot progresses and the events starts to get interesting, I cannot seem to put down the book.
I must say that the novel is skillfully edited as I did not find any typo errors during my reading. Furthermore, I did not notice any profane or vulgar words in the novel. Overall, I will rate Leaving Dahomey 3 out of 4 stars. It is a well-detailed book that allows you to travel back in time and take a glimpse of the history of Dahomey. The novel also delivers an incredible story about dreams, struggles, success, failures, end, and new beginnings. If you are a fan of historical fiction novels, I highly encouraged you to check out this book.
******
Leaving Dahomey
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Last Words from Above by Jeremy Brown
