Bøger om West Africa

The charming real-life fairy tale of an American secretary who discovers she has been chosen king of an impoverished fishing village on the west coast of Africa. King Peggy chronicles the astonishing journey of American secretary, Peggielene Bartels, who suddenly finds herself king to a town of 7,000 people on Ghana's central coast, half a world away. Upon arriving for her crowning ceremony in beautiful Otuam, she discovers the dire reality: there's no running water, no doctor, no high school, and many of the village elders are stealing the town's funds. To make matters worse, her uncle (the late king) sits in a morgue awaiting a proper funeral in the royal palace, which is in ruins. Peggy's first two years as king of Otuam unfold in a way that is stranger than fiction. In the end, a deeply traditional African town is uplifted by the ambitions of its decidedly modern female king, and Peggy is herself transformed, from an ordinary secretary to the heart and hope of her community.

From the prize-winning author of WAHALA, a powerful de-colonial retelling of MANSFIELD PARK, exploring identity, culture, race and love'A spirited exploration of culture and kinship' BONNIE GARMUS'Deeply emotional and entertaining' EMMA STONEX, author of The Lamplighters'Tugs at the heartstrings' DAMILARE KUKU, author of Nearly all the Men in Lagos are Mad'______________When Funke's mother dies in an accident in Lagos, she's sent to live with her maternal family in England. Against a backdrop of condescension and mild neglect, sensible Funke strives to fit in, determined to become one of them.Free-spirited Liv has always wanted to break free of her joyless family, to be nothing like them. Fiercely protective of Funke, she at last has an ally. The two cousins give each other what they need most: love.But the past casts long shadows and the choices made by their mothers haunt them, shaping the trajectory of their adult lives. Can they escape their legacy?Witty, warm, hugely entertaining, This Motherless Land bridges three decades and two continents, delving into the thorny territories of race and culture and belonging. At its heart is a story about love and how it can make the difference between surviving and thriving.Praise for This Motherless Land:'A fierce and evocative retelling of Mansfield Park' BETH MORREY'Utter perfection from start to finish, This Motherless Land broke my heart then put it back together.' LAURA MARSHALL, author of Friend Request'A spirited exploration of culture and kinship--of how we belong, and to whom' BONNIE GARMUS'A fantastic book. Highly original' LIZ NUGENT, author of Strange Sally Diamond'Proves that love has the power to save a life again and again. Deeply emotional and entertaining, this is a novel to treasure' EMMA STONEX, author of The Lamplighters'Brilliantly observant, funny, moving and addictive read. I loved it' KATE SAWYER'A vibrant coming-of-age story that explores love, longing and belonging in a multi-cultural family' CHARMAINE WILKERSON, bestselling author of Black Cake'Utter perfection from start to finish, This Motherless Land broke my heart then put it back together.' LAURA MARSHALL, author of Friend Request'Gripping and poignant' NITA PROSE, bestselling author of The Maid'Beautiful, bold and addictive' DAISY BUCHANAN

From oral and literature accounts, and retold stories, of a family's ancestral journey as far back as the authors could trace, it became clear that these oral stories in diaspora communities complement the recorded history of their ancestors and those accounts from several colonizers they encountered. The oral stories emphasized being free people pursuing self-determination and navigating a world reshaped by warring empires and growing forms of colonization since the 15th century. This family's stories are parts of those from the early communities of: i) free people in Africa, the Iberian peninsula, and Jamaica, ii) indentured communities who seized the first opportunity to pursue self-determination, and iii) freed people from the 18th century Atlantic slave trade. Collectively, they stood as a lighthouse for freedom across several generations in early West Africa (Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde Island), Angola, Jamaica, British American colony, Early Canada, and Britain. In Freetown, the family's ancestral history in the last 200 years extended to empowering themselves and others in parts of Sierra Leone and beyond.This edition attempts to employ indigenous written sources that are now giving credence to oral narratives from within communities we are connected to around the world. One such example of our current view is that our ancestors, who were among those who sailed away from New York to Nova Scotia, Canada, began free of any obligation to British America and the newly independent America. The legendary Thomas Peters from this Nova Scotian community traveled across to Britain in early Canada, representing the interest of his free community to return to Africa. That community was not prepared to subjugate itself to yet another evolving colony in early Canada. Their ultimate return to Africa and reception by Naimbana II, Obai of the Temne people of Sierra Leone, and other community leaders was a recognition that the 16 ships of Africans in March 1792, from Nova Scotia were descendants of fellow Africans. Our Ancestors, once settled in Freetown, Sierra Leone, became a beacon in Africa for others in the "Fellowship of the Free" within the era of subjugation.

From 1985 to 1987 I served in the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, teaching people to build wood-conserving cookstoves and rain catchment cisterns.They say the Peace Corps is "the toughest job you'll ever love," and that was certainly my experience-it was one of the hardest things I've ever done, and one of the highlights of my life.Here is my story of what it was like to be a "yovo"-a foreigner, a stranger, and a white person-in a small village in northern Togo in the mid-1980s.

Ready to learn about one of the major medieval African empires?Many people know about the Mali Empire and its famous ruler, Mansa Musa. But did you know there was a major empire that came before it?Medieval African history tends to get ignored in favor of medieval European history. However, there is so much rich history to uncover, especially in the region of West Africa.The Ghana Empire is considered one of the greatest empires in African history. There was an abundance of gold in the region, and the Ghana Empire was a powerful trading partner. Advancements were made in administration, allowing it to become a dominant power in the region.History comes alive in these pages. Here are just a few of the things you will learn about in this book:How the Ghana Empire rose to power in the first place;What people groups called the Ghana Empire home;The influence of Islam on the empireWhy trade was such a major factor in the empire's control of the regionHow the Almoravids impacted the Ghana Empire;The decline and eventual downfall of this mighty power;And so much more!

Examines Dakar's transformation from a small colonial capital to a dynamic city, highlighting how its resourceful residents challenged French control by forging adaptive economic relationships.

Embarquez dans un voyage poignant au coeur de l'Afrique et de l'essence de l'humanité avec "QUELQUE CHOSE À DIRE" - une collection captivante de poésie s'étendant sur deux décennies. Ce livre n'est pas seulement une oeuvre littéraire; c'est un récipient portant la passion et la patience d'une vie en harmonie et en dissonance avec le monde.Des chemins nostalgiques de Danané aux salles académiques de Trois-Rivières, en passant par le décor romantique de Paris, chaque poème est une empreinte dans l'odyssée du poète. Bamako se révèle dans les vers non pas comme un lieu, mais comme le battement de coeur d'une mère patrie qui converse avec l'âme naïve autant qu'expérimentée."QUELQUE CHOSE À DIRE" aborde les pluies qui perturbent les cours, le vacarme du Grand Marché de Bamako, et les violences faites aux femmes qui sévissent en Afrique. C'est une réponse courageuse aux insultes morales infligées aux démunis et un cri contre les injustices subies par les enfants oubliés des rues.Cette collection est une ode à l'amour et une condamnation de l'animosité humaine, exposant des réflexions sur des atrocités historiques, de la traite transatlantique des esclaves aux horreurs infligées par des figures telles que Hitler et Léopold II. Elle se plonge dans les ombres de l'apartheid et les blessures de nations telles que le Rwanda, la Sierra Leone, et le Libéria.Pourtant, au milieu de cette obscurité, "QUELQUE CHOSE À DIRE" est un témoignage de la puissance inébranlable de la parole écrite. C'est une confirmation que l'amour est en effet le commandement du poète et la force ultime qui peut dénoncer ou guérir.Trouverez-vous votre voix dans l'écho de ces poèmes ? Découvrez un monde où même dans la maladie, il y a de la santé; au milieu de la folie, il y a de la raison. Pour quiconque est originaire d'Afrique ou qui a une affinité pour ses vastes expériences, ne pas avoir QUELQUE CHOSE À DIRE est comme une existence non revendiquée.Levez les yeux vers le ciel bleu avec les yeux de l'innocence enfantine et demandez: "Où va ce monde d'adultes ?" Dans ces pages, vous pourriez juste trouver la réponse.

An Independent Best Books for Summer Pick'Powerful, lyrical, and with a central character so wracked with love, he goes to war, deeply relatable' ANN NAPOLITANO, author of Hello Beautiful'Wholly beguiling and spirited' THE TIMES'Emotionally resonant and lyrical story of one young man's heartbreak, set against the trauma of a world falling apart' IRISH TIMES'Stunning. Both an unrequited love story and a mystery. It will live with me for a long time.JENDELLA BENSONMost Anticipated Books 2023: COSMOPOLITAN, GLAMOUR, THE FLOOR, HUFFINGTON POST, THE BLACK BRITISH LIST and BRITTLE PAPERFor readers of Toni Morrison, Richard Flanagan and BURMA BOY - gripping and intimate historical novel of a black soldier's experience in the Second World War - a rare and moving tale of love and sacrifice by the acclaimed author of THE BOOK OF ECHOES.-------------------------------------One war, one soldier, one enduring love1939: In a village in south-east Nigeria on the brink of the Second World War, young Obi watches from a mango tree as a colonial army jeep speeds by, filled with soldiers laughing and shouting, their buttons shining in the sun. To Obi, their promise of a smart uniform and regular wages is hard to resist, especially as he has his sweetheart Rose to impress and a family to support.Years later, when Rose falls pregnant to another man, his heart is shattered. As the Burma Campaign mounts, and Obi is shipped out to fight, he is haunted by the mystery of Rose's lover. When his identity comes to light, Obi's devastation leads to a tragic chain of unexpected events.In ROSE AND THE BURMA SKY, Rosanna Amaka weaves together the realities of war, the pain of first love and how following your heart might not always be the best course of action. Its gritty boy's-eye view brings a spare and impassioned intensity, charging it with universal resonance and power.___________'Refreshing. Vividly conveys how the historical injustice of colonialism continues to reverberate' GUARDIAN

Draws on indigenous African political thought in order to construct a political philosophy that will resist and restrain necropolitics and promote human flourishing in Africa.

Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of West Africa with "Exploring Ghana: A Comprehensive Travel Guide." This meticulously crafted guidebook is your passport to an enchanting odyssey, unraveling the diverse landscapes, rich cultural tapestry, and warm hospitality that define Ghana.From the vibrant markets of Accra to the historical forts of Cape Coast, this guide is a gateway to the soul of Ghana. Immerse yourself in the rhythm of traditional festivals, savor the flavors of Ghanaian cuisine, and traverse the untamed beauty of national parks. Each chapter unfolds a new chapter of discovery, blending expert insights with the allure of exploration.Discover the cultural hub of Kumasi, where ancient traditions meet the pulse of modern life. Traverse the wilderness of Mole National Park, encounter the thrill of a canopy walk at Kakum National Park, and find serenity by the shores of Lake Volta in the Volta Region. Venture beyond borders into Togo and Côte d'Ivoire, exploring the interconnected tapestry of West Africa.Practical travel tips ensure a seamless journey, offering insights into visas, health precautions, transportation options, and cultural etiquette. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, this guide provides a comprehensive companion, unveiling the hidden gems and timeless wonders of Ghana.A symphony of festivals, the aroma of Ghanaian cuisine, the echoes of history in ancient forts-each page is an invitation to experience the magic of Ghana. This guide transcends the ordinary, offering not just a manual but a narrative that captures the essence of a nation pulsating with life, culture, and the warm embrace of its people.Join us on an expedition of discovery, where every turn of the page unveils a new facet of Ghana's beauty. "Exploring Ghana: A Comprehensive Travel Guide" is your key to unlocking the treasures of this West African gem, ensuring your journey is not just a passage through landscapes but a transformative experience that lingers in your heart long after the adventure concludes.

Embark on a captivating journey through Nigeria with this expertly crafted travel guide. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the political heart of Abuja, delve into the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria's culture, history, and natural wonders. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips, cultural insights, and recommendations for every traveler, ensuring an enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the ethnic diversity, uncover ancient treasures, and savor the culinary delights that make Nigeria a unique and dynamic destination. Whether you're an adventurer seeking thrills or a cultural enthusiast, "Exploring Nigeria" is your passport to an unforgettable West African adventure. Start your journey now and discover the essence of Nigeria.

Drawing on the cases of South Africa, East Timor, Sierra Leone, and the Solomon Islands, examines how Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) have engaged with youth in ways that represent their stories and reflect their substantive participatory capacity as political stakeholders.

'The Yoruba Story of Creation' is an exciting tale that follows the mythical adventures of Obatala, one of the Orisa who make up the Yoruba pantheon, as he created the Earth and the first people.

Within the pages of Balondo Through the Ages 1100‒2013, author and Balondo expert Aja Oro properly documents the Balondo story, in the form of a history book, for the perusal of all humankind. The information contained in this book is also going to be preserved in the form of a Balondo website. Balondo Cultural Heritage, Inc., which will act as a museum and clearinghouse for research materials unique to the Balondo experience, has also been established. Ultimately, when all of the unmet goals and objectives pertaining to Balondo and its history have been achieved, the Balondo people will find themselves once again on the world map -- a prospect that will enable them to emerge from their seeming obscurity and be recognized as one of the best African cultures in the world.Balondo Through the Ages is the first original one-time work written by Aja Oro, a pure Balondo man who has chronicled throughout the pages of this book about a thousand years of the Balondo story, highlighting the two historical voyages made by Balondo from the Congo to Calabar, Nigeria, and then to the south-west littoral region of Cameroon. Also, in a bid to ensure that the narrative will be viewed as a comprehensive rather than a disjointed panorama, Aja Oro has equally made the case for the many threads of continuity running through Balondo's total historical experience without which it would not have been easy to read and understand such an unprecedented extraordinary long period in the Balondo historical experience as a whole.

This book contains three papers about native tribes in West Africa, specifically the Fanti and Ashanti people, written during a voyage to the region in the late 19th century. The authors describe the culture and customs of these tribes, as well as their histories and political systems.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This book is a fascinating account of John Duncan's journey through the Kingdom of Dahomey to Adofoodia in the interior in 1845-1846. He provides great detail about the people he met, their way of life, and the various challenges he faced along the way. It's a must-read for anyone interested in African history and culture.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

This book provides a fascinating historical perspective on the American Colony in Liberia during the early 19th century. It offers readers a detailed account of the challenges faced by early settlers, as well as insights into the broader cultural and political landscape of the time.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Opération Crevette is a meticulously researched account of the political instability leading to private mercenary action in Benin during the mid-twentieth century. This book brings together the voices of the involved mercenaries, political rulers, and local witnesses to reveal a struggle for power in the former French colony.

"Set in a fictional town, at a fictional school, Linda N. Masi's debut novel, Fine Dreams, rewrites myth and history. Framed by a ghost's first-person narrative, the book centers on four young friends, the stars of their school's track team. While studying for exams, they are kidnapped and taken to a terrorist encampment. Two are claimed as "wives" by their captors, one is forced to wear a suicide vest, and each is subjected to appalling violence and terror. While their stories resonate with a widely publicized 2014 abduction, these four young women could have been taken in any of the many incidents that have plagued the Nigerian people for years. Even though they are abducted and abused by men in power and forced to survive in a dark place like Persephone, Masi's protagonists offer new endings for Persephone's story. In Masi's telling, these resilient young women recover their dreams and hopes to live in daylight once again. No matter where they travel or where they stay, they gain self-determination and reclaim their dreams"--