Review of The Storyteller's Return

[chinonye-nonye]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Storyteller's Return" by Opal Palmer Adisa.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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There is a special joy attached to being at home. There is uneasiness when one is far from home and uncertain about his ability to return. In fact, there is no place like home. We want to be home. We feel at peace at home. Although we all long to be home, some are so far from their homes that they might return home, not in person, but spiritually. On this note, the author dedicates this poem collection to those who have successfully returned home, those eager to find their way home, individuals who cannot return home, and those who can only return home spiritually. This book is a collection of thoughtful poems that are divided into five parts. Each part has over ten poems, with a maximum of twenty-five poems in each part. The author beautifully explored the travails of one who wants to return home and one who cannot return home. After all, "home is a stolen memory locked away in a forgotten time," says the author.

The Storyteller's Return is written by Opal Palmer Adisa, a cultural activist who has written over twenty books, some of which she has also won awards. She is a playwright and professor emerita of the California College of Arts and a seasoned writer. 

The author caught my love for this poem collection in the poem titled "this is the way you make a home." With the beautiful use of words, the author situated the poem within a cultural heritage that a keen eye can decode. The author expressed the tenets of some African cultures, and I loved them because I am African. I could relate to this poem. I also loved reading these poems because they reminded me that no matter where I find myself tomorrow, I should never forget home. Anyway, home will come looking for me because, even though we are physically absent, our hearts are home. I feel you can find at least one poem that speaks to you.

I love that the author used a lower-case writing method. The author also proved her expertise as her play on words was magical. The usage of poetic license was also clear, and I found nothing to hate in the book. It is a brilliant book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 because the author is a meticulous writer, and I also believe that she also has a meticulous personality. With that meticulous quality, she ensured the book was set for excellence. The book was exceptionally well edited, and the use of words was incredible. Therefore, the rating is appropriate.

I recommend this book to poem lovers. If you are far from home, this book will speak to your spirit. I also feel it’s a good book to be used for literary studies at universities. 

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The Storyteller's Return
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[Chesko]

Book covers speak volumes, and this one looks great. I'm glad you found the content interesting too. Thanks for the lovely review.

[Judy_Akha]

Home means different things to different people, but that is the place where we feel safe and peaceful. I would love to read that poem. Thanks for your nice review.

[Emmanuel Okotie]

The poem seems nostalgic and interesting to read.
I can relate with this book already.
Great job with your review.