AKONI: Yoruba

Akoni, born in Benin, is 12 years old, in 1770, in his village of Dabeya, growing up in the happiness of his family, son of King Djibali. Days are filled with innocent games and stories shared around the fire. Akoni is a curious, quick-witted boy, loved by everyone in the Yoruba community.

The story begins by depicting the beauty of daily life in the village, where Akoni discovers the world around him with wonder. Yoruba traditions, beliefs and customs are presented in rich detail, transporting readers into the enchanting atmosphere of 18th-century Africa.

However, Akoni's happiness is suddenly shaken by the arrival of Portuguese strangers, slavers in search of young captives to sell to plantations in the West Indies. The King wants to protect his people, war is declared, and the outcome will be tragic. Akoni is captured, torn from his family and home.

Akoni's journey across the Atlantic Ocean aboard a slave ship is portrayed with poignant reality. Readers feel the physical and emotional pain of slaves crammed into inhumane conditions, facing disease, starvation and the ruthless cruelty of Portuguese slave traders.

The narrative shifts to the hardships of life on a plantation in Santo Domingo, where Akoni and his fellow slaves are forced to work under a relentless sun, subjected to the cruelty of the colonists. Akoni's resilience emerges as he refuses to give up hope and fights for his dignity and freedom.

The story explores the friendships formed in the face of adversity, particularly that between Akoni and Jelani, an older man who becomes a valuable mentor and friend. Moments of solidarity, revolt and dreams of freedom weave a powerful emotional fabric that binds the characters and readers together.

When revolt breaks out on the plantation, Akoni plays a central role, using his secretly acquired knowledge to educate his companions and orchestrate the quest for freedom. The bitter victory on the plantation doesn't mean the end of Akoni's journey, however.

He will succeed, against all odds, in returning to Benin, a poignant moment filled with emotional reunions and confrontations with the changes in his native village. Akoni shares her story with the community, passing on lessons learned and the need to remember the past to shape the future.

"Akoni, Yoruba" is much more than a simple historical narrative. It is a tribute to the strength of the human spirit, to resilience in the face of adversity, and to the tireless struggle for freedom. Through the pages of this book, readers will be transported to a bygone era while discovering timeless themes of courage, friendship and hope.



Highlights:

Historical Authenticity: The book offers an authentic plunge into 18th-century Africa, accurately portraying the daily life, traditions and challenges of the time.

Engaging Narration : Akoni's story is captivatingly told, with vivid descriptions and a plot that keeps the reader's attention on every page.

Universal themes: Themes of resilience, friendship and the struggle for freedom transcend Akoni's specific story, making this book relevant reading for all audiences.

Memorable Characters: Well-developed characters, especially Akoni, Jelani, Zuri, stay with readers long after they've closed the book.

Timeless lessons: "Akoni, Yoruba" offers timeless lessons about the power of the human spirit and the importance of remembering our history to shape the future.