Book details
The African Interior Mission
Description
In this educational and entertaining work, C. William Allen has unraveled some of the cultural complexities of Liberian society. A double drama of the lives of two teenage boys, Obadiah (OB) Dixon and Jeremiah (Jerry) Saye Gompa, the tale unfolds to show how friendship transcends the barriers of the country and kwi (city) dichotomy that sometimes polarizes Liberian society. As Allen addresses the familiar themes of rural versus urban values, he spices his work with scenes of teenage romance, traditional religion, politics, polygamy, and death. Like his first novel, An Obituary for Hawa Barchue (1983), its meticulous mix of facts and fiction makes it a work of faction. Both novels are widely read in Liberia and are popular in Liberian communities in North America and Europe.
Age
8-12
Text complexity
beginner
Length
232 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Gain Insight into African History: Reading 'The African Interior Mission' could provide valuable historical context and understanding of the cultural, social, and political dynamics within the African interior during the period covered by the book.
- Understand Missionary Work: The book may offer an in-depth look at the challenges and impacts of missionary work in Africa, shedding light on the complexities of religious and cultural interactions.
- Learn from Personal Experiences: If the book includes personal accounts or narratives, it can offer readers a unique perspective on the lives and experiences of those involved in the mission, as well as the communities they served.
- Explore Themes of Colonialism and Post-Colonialism: The book might explore the effects of colonialism and the transition to post-colonialism, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of how these historical periods have shaped the African interior.