Member Review

The Door of No Return

by Kwame Alexander

Pub Date:

Review by

Helen P, Librarian

Set in Western Africa amongst the Asante kingdom, this beautiful verse novel depicts the story of Offin as he endures school, taunting by his bigger cousin, first love and preparation for his initiation in to manhood. The rhythm of the prose at times languid and comforting is juxtaposed by the rapid fire descriptions of key scenes. Spiritual guidance, folklore and the long reach of colonialism are all explored by Alexander as he leads the reader to a devastating climax. The richness of place conjured by minimal prose is a testament to the skill of the author, who evokes the vibrancy and danger of the environment.

The Door of No Return will not take long to read, savour it.

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