Yorùbá Boy Running

by Biyi Bandele
Yorùbá Boy Running cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Historical Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1141
  • Added: 2025-09-27
  • Updated: 2025-09-27
  • ISBN: 9780241562703
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2024-07-04
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99

Yorùbá Boy Running is a powerful reimagining of the life of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a man who defied the odds to become a missionary, linguist, and abolitionist. The story begins with the dramatic capture of thirteen-year-old Àjàyí from his Nigerian hometown, marking the end of his childhood and the start of a harrowing journey into slavery. Through perseverance and faith, Àjàyí transforms into Samuel Crowther, dedicating his life to ending the slave trade and serving his community. Biyi Bándélé's novel is a brilliant tour de force, blending historical fact with vivid storytelling. The narrative is enriched by the cultural and spiritual elements of Yorùbá traditions, providing a rich tapestry of Àjàyí's world before and after his capture. The book also features an introduction by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka, highlighting its literary significance.

Reviews
Goodreads · Not Available · 2024-09-03
Powerful 3.80

The novel is described as a powerful exploration of triumph over adversity, following one man's journey from slavery to liberation.

This review emphasizes the novel's powerful narrative of triumph over adversity. It delves into the protagonist's journey from slavery to liberation, highlighting the emotional depth and historical significance of the story. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to convey the struggles and resilience of the human spirit, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Yoruba Boy Running is a novel of triumph over adversity, a powerful exploration of one man's journey from slavery to liberation.

    The story is both moving and inspiring, showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

    A must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction and the African experience.

The TLS · Estelle Shirbon · 2024-07-12
Brilliant 4.20

The book is praised for its diverse styles and structures, reflecting the protagonist's life experiences and cultural background.

This review highlights the novel's unique structure, which consists of ten parts of varying lengths and styles. The reviewer appreciates how this structure reflects the protagonist's life experiences and cultural background, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The novel is seen as a brilliant reimagining of a historical figure's life, with a focus on the cultural nuances and emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

    The book is made up of ten parts of disparate lengths and styles, reflecting the rupture between the life Àjàyí knew as a boy in the bustling town of Òşogùn.

    Biyi Bándélé's reimagining of Crowther's life is a brilliant tour de force.

    The novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

The Guardian · Not Available · 2024-06-29
Brilliant 4.50

The novel is praised for its brilliant performance and seen as a harbinger of great things to come. It is noted for its unique storytelling style and cultural significance.

This review highlights the novel's brilliant performance and its unique storytelling style, which is told in the form of a Hausa folk tale. The reviewer sees it as a significant work that hints at the author's future contributions. The cultural nuances and historical context are particularly appreciated, making it a standout piece of literature.

Quick quotes

    Told in the form of a Hausa folk tale, it is a brilliant performance, and most readers saw it as a harbinger of what was to come.

    But then no one could have predicted the sheer brilliance of Biyi Bándélé's Yorùbá Boy Running.

    The novel is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit.

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