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LEAVE MY BONES IN SASKATOON
Through the eyes of Owoicho, a television presenter seeking a better life for himself and his family, Leave my Bones in Saskatoon spans two cultures and continents. It is honest, heartfelt and enlightening.
The story begins with Owoicho’s good news. He can’t wait to tell his family that their permanent residency application to Canada was successful. But while he was in Abuja, happy about this breakthrough, somewhere on the outskirts of Makurdi, a dark and troubling event threatens to torpedo all the plans he and his wife, Ene, made to move the family to Saskatoon.
Michael Afenfia has written a necessary book that has at its core a powerful
sense of his characters, courage and frailty. He charts their journey in sometimes searing detail,
ignoring none of the tragedy, betrayals and compromises they encounter in leaving their native
Nigeria, as well as in adapting to their new country, Canada.
This novel has much to say not only to Canadians about people arriving from elsewhere but also to newcomers and would-be newcomers about the multiple levels of adjustment they must contend with in finding a place for themselves in their new country. - S.E Stewart (Author, publisher and award-winning translator).
Another page-turner from skilful storyteller Michael Afenfia. A story of wanderlust, suspense and the uncertainty that every immigrant can relate to. A heartfelt tale of migration’s human and emotional impact, Leave My Bones in Saskatoon was a riveting read that left me wanting more. - Oyindamola Sosanya (equality, diversity and inclusion advocate and book club host).
The story begins with Owoicho’s good news. He can’t wait to tell his family that their permanent residency application to Canada was successful. But while he was in Abuja, happy about this breakthrough, somewhere on the outskirts of Makurdi, a dark and troubling event threatens to torpedo all the plans he and his wife, Ene, made to move the family to Saskatoon.
Michael Afenfia has written a necessary book that has at its core a powerful
sense of his characters, courage and frailty. He charts their journey in sometimes searing detail,
ignoring none of the tragedy, betrayals and compromises they encounter in leaving their native
Nigeria, as well as in adapting to their new country, Canada.
This novel has much to say not only to Canadians about people arriving from elsewhere but also to newcomers and would-be newcomers about the multiple levels of adjustment they must contend with in finding a place for themselves in their new country. - S.E Stewart (Author, publisher and award-winning translator).
Another page-turner from skilful storyteller Michael Afenfia. A story of wanderlust, suspense and the uncertainty that every immigrant can relate to. A heartfelt tale of migration’s human and emotional impact, Leave My Bones in Saskatoon was a riveting read that left me wanting more. - Oyindamola Sosanya (equality, diversity and inclusion advocate and book club host).
298 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
1 person is currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 6, 2023
"Leave My Bones In Saskatoon" is a compelling novel that explores the challenges faced by a Nigerian family as they seek to start a new life in Canada. The story is told through the eyes of Owoicho, a television presenter who has always dreamed of moving his family to Saskatoon.
The novel starts with Owoicho's good news that his family's permanent residency application to Canada has been successful. However, a dark and troubling event threatens to derail their plans. The story follows the family's journey as they navigate loss, grief, and the challenges of settling in a new country. The narrative is rich and multi-layered, with themes of love, family, immigration, and cultural identity interwoven throughout.
One of the strengths of "Leave My Bones In Saskatoon" is the depth of its characters. Owoicho is a complex and nuanced protagonist who struggles to reconcile his desire for a better life with the loss of his roots and culture. His teenage daughter, Ochanya, is also a standout character, as she navigates the difficult transition from girl to adolescence in the midst of her family's upheaval.
Afenfia's writing is honest and heartfelt, with a keen eye for detail that immerses the reader in the story. The author's own experience as a diversity, settlement, and inclusion practitioner is evident in his nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants.
Overall, "Leave My Bones In Saskatoon" is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that explores the complexities of the immigrant experience. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience.
The novel starts with Owoicho's good news that his family's permanent residency application to Canada has been successful. However, a dark and troubling event threatens to derail their plans. The story follows the family's journey as they navigate loss, grief, and the challenges of settling in a new country. The narrative is rich and multi-layered, with themes of love, family, immigration, and cultural identity interwoven throughout.
One of the strengths of "Leave My Bones In Saskatoon" is the depth of its characters. Owoicho is a complex and nuanced protagonist who struggles to reconcile his desire for a better life with the loss of his roots and culture. His teenage daughter, Ochanya, is also a standout character, as she navigates the difficult transition from girl to adolescence in the midst of her family's upheaval.
Afenfia's writing is honest and heartfelt, with a keen eye for detail that immerses the reader in the story. The author's own experience as a diversity, settlement, and inclusion practitioner is evident in his nuanced portrayal of the challenges faced by immigrants.
Overall, "Leave My Bones In Saskatoon" is a thought-provoking and poignant novel that explores the complexities of the immigrant experience. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience.
June 23, 2024
I enjoyed this book thoroughly! From start to finish, I couldn’t wait to come back from work to continue reading.
The beginning was tragic and at first, I was traumatised by what Owoicho’s family went through.
His relocation to Saskatoon was wrought with pain and misery.
The story unfolded quite nicely in Canada and it was realistic to see Owoicho and his daughter’s struggle fitting in.
My only complaint was not getting to witness the romance between Owoicho and Oroma.
It was rushed and honestly, left me longing for more! I highly recommend this book.
Michael Afenfia is now one of my absolute favourites!
The beginning was tragic and at first, I was traumatised by what Owoicho’s family went through.
His relocation to Saskatoon was wrought with pain and misery.
The story unfolded quite nicely in Canada and it was realistic to see Owoicho and his daughter’s struggle fitting in.
My only complaint was not getting to witness the romance between Owoicho and Oroma.
It was rushed and honestly, left me longing for more! I highly recommend this book.
Michael Afenfia is now one of my absolute favourites!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews