Review of Leaving Dahomey
-
Kutlwano S
- Posts: 6
- Joined: 01 Jul 2021, 06:03
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 5
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-kutlwano-s.html
- Latest Review: A Police Action by A. A. Freda
Review of Leaving Dahomey
[Following is a volunteer review of "Leaving Dahomey" by Jude Shaw.]
We follow the story of fifteen-year-old Adeoha Adetoye, the daughter of a very noble family who comes from an ancient African kingdom called Dahomey. Her parents are Tubutu and Lamtaala. Adeoha admires her business-minded parents, her mother's shrewdness in business has motivated her to start her own trading business which has elevated her status. The fact that her father always emphasized learning the ways of kings and nobles so that she would be able to stand her ground and not be treated like a commoner or peasant has made her even more determined to compete with great businessmen at markets far and near.
When her best friend Sewextu suggested that she come study language drums she had no idea that this would change her life forever. People were always in awe of the stories she told through her dancing, especially the priests and priestesses of the language drums. Her accomplishments were so amazing that the people of Atogon decided to celebrate her homecoming with a public ceremony, calling her Gbemende - one who overcomes obstacles. In 1841 fourteenth of February, she left for America with her yovo “white” friends Patricia and Richard Wringle and Mautusan who is Tubutu’s friend. King Guezo and his men were angered by her and her father's growing status, which made her father weary of her safety. So, with the help of their entrusted friends, they came up with a perfect plan to help her escape.
The reason I continued reading this book was that I was curious to see what Adeoha would do with her businesses, I also wanted to see what ideas she would have for her future in the business world. One of my favorite moments was when she would wear disguises because she wanted to be able to attend the clan's big council meetings as only boys were permitted to attend them. I especially like how Jude Shaw captured some of the moments when she was dancing, making it feel like you were actually there and experiencing the power of her moves.
Occasionally, I would stop reading the book or would fall asleep because the ancestors' stories or rituals were so lengthy. Although there were a few spelling errors here and there, it is really not a bad book. I rate this book a two out of four stars cause there were too many stories about other people and not enough about Adeoha. I chose the book because the summary made me want to read more about this girl, but I was disappointed that I read more about her ancestors and elders than her.
I would recommend every young woman to read Leaving Dahomey and realize that you can make your dreams come true no matter your background. In fact, if you follow your heart and never let it go, it could lead to even more fulfilling things. Being a girl in Da's Belly did not stop her from learning things like algebra, geometry and English. In addition, she learned business strategies that only boys and men were permitted to pursue. Despite her tender age, Adeoha's determination and wisdom are so captivating that you forget she is only fifteen years old.
******
Leaving Dahomey
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
We follow the story of fifteen-year-old Adeoha Adetoye, the daughter of a very noble family who comes from an ancient African kingdom called Dahomey. Her parents are Tubutu and Lamtaala. Adeoha admires her business-minded parents, her mother's shrewdness in business has motivated her to start her own trading business which has elevated her status. The fact that her father always emphasized learning the ways of kings and nobles so that she would be able to stand her ground and not be treated like a commoner or peasant has made her even more determined to compete with great businessmen at markets far and near.
When her best friend Sewextu suggested that she come study language drums she had no idea that this would change her life forever. People were always in awe of the stories she told through her dancing, especially the priests and priestesses of the language drums. Her accomplishments were so amazing that the people of Atogon decided to celebrate her homecoming with a public ceremony, calling her Gbemende - one who overcomes obstacles. In 1841 fourteenth of February, she left for America with her yovo “white” friends Patricia and Richard Wringle and Mautusan who is Tubutu’s friend. King Guezo and his men were angered by her and her father's growing status, which made her father weary of her safety. So, with the help of their entrusted friends, they came up with a perfect plan to help her escape.
The reason I continued reading this book was that I was curious to see what Adeoha would do with her businesses, I also wanted to see what ideas she would have for her future in the business world. One of my favorite moments was when she would wear disguises because she wanted to be able to attend the clan's big council meetings as only boys were permitted to attend them. I especially like how Jude Shaw captured some of the moments when she was dancing, making it feel like you were actually there and experiencing the power of her moves.
Occasionally, I would stop reading the book or would fall asleep because the ancestors' stories or rituals were so lengthy. Although there were a few spelling errors here and there, it is really not a bad book. I rate this book a two out of four stars cause there were too many stories about other people and not enough about Adeoha. I chose the book because the summary made me want to read more about this girl, but I was disappointed that I read more about her ancestors and elders than her.
I would recommend every young woman to read Leaving Dahomey and realize that you can make your dreams come true no matter your background. In fact, if you follow your heart and never let it go, it could lead to even more fulfilling things. Being a girl in Da's Belly did not stop her from learning things like algebra, geometry and English. In addition, she learned business strategies that only boys and men were permitted to pursue. Despite her tender age, Adeoha's determination and wisdom are so captivating that you forget she is only fifteen years old.
******
Leaving Dahomey
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: A Police Action by A. A. Freda
