sections:
The first of Cary’s African novels. Aissa, a frank and lively Fulani girl, lives in the district of Yanrin, Nigeria. A new and ardent convert to Christianity, she is feared and mistrusted by the local community who brand her a witch. Yanrun is suffering a severe and prolonged drought and rioting breaks out between the different religious communities over whose God has the power to bring rain. Aissa is torn between her Christian faith and deep respect for her people and their ways. The clash is finally resolved in a moment of great passion, sacrifice and triumph. Written with great power and psychological insight, the novel gives a fascinating picture of the native mind with its superstition and cruel logic.
book reviews
- Observer
“A most convincing, exciting and disturbing story.”
- Spectator
“Written with a detachment, and a refusal to take sides which make it doubly impressive.”
- Daily Telegraph
“He writes so well, with such a fine understanding.”
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