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Thread of Gold Beads
Amelia, daughter of the last independent King of Danhome, King Gbehanzin, is the apple of her father's eye, loved beyond measure by her mother, and overprotected by her siblings. She searches for her place within the palace amidst conspirators and traitors to the Kingdom. Just when Amelia begins to feel at home in her role as a Princess, a well-kept secret shatters the perfect life she knows. Someone else within the palace also knows and does everything to bring the secret to light. A struggle between good and evil ensues causing Amelia to leave all that she knows and loves. She must flee Danhome with her brother, to south-western Nigeria. In a faraway land, she finds the love of a new family and God. The well-kept secret thought to have been dead and buried, resurrects with the flash of a thread of gold beads. Amelia must fight for her life and what is left of her soul. Set during the French-Danhome war of the late 1890s in Benin Republic and early 1900s in Abeokuta and Lagos, South-Western Nigeria, Thread of Gold Beads is a delicate love story, and coming of age of a young girl. It clearly depicts the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversities.
422 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2012
About the author
Nike Campbell-Fatoki
4 books17 followersNikę Campbell is a Nigerian-American, born in Lviv, Ukraine, and raised in Lagos Nigeria. She writes about immigrant experiences and African history that are in danger of being misrepresented or lost. She was the 2018 Red Hen Press Fiction Award finalist for her historical fiction manuscript. A selection of her short stories from her collection, Bury Me Come Sunday Afternoon, have been adapted for film, and screened at international film festivals. She is the author of the historical fiction, Thread of Gold Beads published in 2012 and adapted to a stage play in 2014.
SARO is her second historical work of fiction.
SARO is her second historical work of fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 11, 2013
Here are 10 things I adore about Threads of Gold Beads:
The cover: I love the cover of this book. I could literally visualize Amelia with her wrapper and gold beads just because of that illustration!
The setting: 19th century Africa. I wish I could read books about pre-colonial Black Africa every day of my life. kudos to Ms Campbell-Fatoki for writing about that period. One thing I found very interesting was the fact that some parts of the country were already under French colonial rule while others were still independant.
The details: The author is a genius at details. I bought myself plenty of books, just to try to get a sense of life before the white man came to Africa. So I am thrilled to report that this novel does it very well. A lot of work was definitely done on that side. The avid and attentive reader that I am, did appreciate it a lot. The description of the palaces, the wedding ceremony, the villages, the market, the clothing was done with great details.
The female warrior: I finally got to read a novel about the female soldiers of the great king Gbehanzin. I absolutely adore the way they were portrayed: Fearless, courageous, sometimes ruthless but still women. For instance, they were a scene describing them are normal women when they are off-duty.
Africa uncovered: I don’t know if this was intentional, but the author shows us the really bad side of pre-colonial Africa. I really appreciated the fact that it was done without any of kind of judgment or western bias (Yep, you can be black and have a western bias!). We, as Africans, have to admit that although the kingdom of Dahomey and his king Gbehanzin were great, some aspects of their life was less so. For instance, I am thinking of the human sacrifices, the women forced to be soldiers very young, the war between two African kingdoms and the slaves taken afterwards ( this was done to extend the kingdom), the women priestess forced not to marry and instead dedicated their lives to the different Gods, war prisoners sold into slavery overseas…
My Favorite character Ms Titilayo: Strong independent and beautiful woman, even in 1895! Who ever say African women were weaklings! Please read this book. Of course, I love Amelia’s character too. But I was most impressed by her aunt.
Magic & Ancestral religion: Magic was and is still present in our lives. As an African, from Senegal, I am proud to know that some of our customs and ancestral religion have survived through times. The way magic and the ancestral religion were portrayed in this novel just remind me so much of my country’s beliefs and customs. Now, some part of the country were already converted to Christianism. We get to see christians trying to convince others to join the new religion. Again, the struggle between Christianism and the ancestral religion is portrayed very well. For example, You see people who go to church but still visit the medicine man for protection…Now that’s my Africa!
Evil white man: They are a lot of evil forces in this novel. But, the White man is really the greatest of all. If you had any doubt about that, after reading this book you will be convinced once and for all, particularly with a very awful scene.
Love story: Beautiful love story. Amelia and Dossou. I never expected these two to reunite. And I am sure when you read the novel you won’t either. But you know what they say about TRUE LOVE, it never dies.
Suspense & intrigue :They are a lot of enigmas in this novel. the novel keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end. Amelia is the favourite daughter ok King Gbehanzin and the only child of her mother. For some reasons,bad things happened to her all the time.
Now over to the aspect that I like less:
The Language: Some words, of a language I assumed to be Fon, was not translated, so I had no idea what they mean. Could have check on google translate I supposed but I am lazy!
The map: The map in the beginning of the book was a great idea but it was not that readable. I wish they were a better one. But again, I don’t think they are a lot of map of that period around. So maybe, this one was really the best.
The shift: When the kingdom of Dahomey falls, Amelia left for exile. Unfortunately, the story never really goes back to the Kingdom. I assume that one of the reason is that there were no Kingdom to go back to. But I got attached to some of the early characters : the mother, the brother Akaba…
The cover: I love the cover of this book. I could literally visualize Amelia with her wrapper and gold beads just because of that illustration!
The setting: 19th century Africa. I wish I could read books about pre-colonial Black Africa every day of my life. kudos to Ms Campbell-Fatoki for writing about that period. One thing I found very interesting was the fact that some parts of the country were already under French colonial rule while others were still independant.
The details: The author is a genius at details. I bought myself plenty of books, just to try to get a sense of life before the white man came to Africa. So I am thrilled to report that this novel does it very well. A lot of work was definitely done on that side. The avid and attentive reader that I am, did appreciate it a lot. The description of the palaces, the wedding ceremony, the villages, the market, the clothing was done with great details.
The female warrior: I finally got to read a novel about the female soldiers of the great king Gbehanzin. I absolutely adore the way they were portrayed: Fearless, courageous, sometimes ruthless but still women. For instance, they were a scene describing them are normal women when they are off-duty.
Africa uncovered: I don’t know if this was intentional, but the author shows us the really bad side of pre-colonial Africa. I really appreciated the fact that it was done without any of kind of judgment or western bias (Yep, you can be black and have a western bias!). We, as Africans, have to admit that although the kingdom of Dahomey and his king Gbehanzin were great, some aspects of their life was less so. For instance, I am thinking of the human sacrifices, the women forced to be soldiers very young, the war between two African kingdoms and the slaves taken afterwards ( this was done to extend the kingdom), the women priestess forced not to marry and instead dedicated their lives to the different Gods, war prisoners sold into slavery overseas…
My Favorite character Ms Titilayo: Strong independent and beautiful woman, even in 1895! Who ever say African women were weaklings! Please read this book. Of course, I love Amelia’s character too. But I was most impressed by her aunt.
Magic & Ancestral religion: Magic was and is still present in our lives. As an African, from Senegal, I am proud to know that some of our customs and ancestral religion have survived through times. The way magic and the ancestral religion were portrayed in this novel just remind me so much of my country’s beliefs and customs. Now, some part of the country were already converted to Christianism. We get to see christians trying to convince others to join the new religion. Again, the struggle between Christianism and the ancestral religion is portrayed very well. For example, You see people who go to church but still visit the medicine man for protection…Now that’s my Africa!
Evil white man: They are a lot of evil forces in this novel. But, the White man is really the greatest of all. If you had any doubt about that, after reading this book you will be convinced once and for all, particularly with a very awful scene.
Love story: Beautiful love story. Amelia and Dossou. I never expected these two to reunite. And I am sure when you read the novel you won’t either. But you know what they say about TRUE LOVE, it never dies.
Suspense & intrigue :They are a lot of enigmas in this novel. the novel keeps the reader enthralled from beginning to end. Amelia is the favourite daughter ok King Gbehanzin and the only child of her mother. For some reasons,bad things happened to her all the time.
Now over to the aspect that I like less:
The Language: Some words, of a language I assumed to be Fon, was not translated, so I had no idea what they mean. Could have check on google translate I supposed but I am lazy!
The map: The map in the beginning of the book was a great idea but it was not that readable. I wish they were a better one. But again, I don’t think they are a lot of map of that period around. So maybe, this one was really the best.
The shift: When the kingdom of Dahomey falls, Amelia left for exile. Unfortunately, the story never really goes back to the Kingdom. I assume that one of the reason is that there were no Kingdom to go back to. But I got attached to some of the early characters : the mother, the brother Akaba…
August 15, 2019
It is wonderful to read historical fiction set in Africa that is not written from a Western perspective and that sheds light on remote corners of African history. This is a beautiful love story with a wonderful plot full of twists and interesting characters. I loved it and look forward to more books by this author.
August 9, 2015
Historical Fiction set in Benin and Nigeria in the 1890s. Amelia is the favored daughter of the King Gbèhanzin, who has just ascended the throne of Danhome, and she is now a princess. The Kingdom of Danhome is threatened almost immediately after the new King is crowned, by the French who do not respect the boundaries and there is war. Amelia's life is now in danger from within the Kingdom and from the French military.
What I loved about this book is how the history and customs of this part of Africa is explained in the story. Amelia is such a strong and likeable character. This book has everything: Romance, history, family tensions and war.
What I loved about this book is how the history and customs of this part of Africa is explained in the story. Amelia is such a strong and likeable character. This book has everything: Romance, history, family tensions and war.
January 20, 2013
I had the privelege of winning this novel and I enjoyed reading it tremendously. Nike Campbell-Fatoki has a magical style in writing characters that you can relate to. I was drawn to Amelia due to her relationship with her father and her believe in love. Another part of this book that I really loved was it being set in the 19th century Africa. I loved being transported to Danhome and getting to know their culture and customs. I recently went to a Voodoo exhibit in Gatineau, Quebec and Danhome was mentioned within the exhibit. I will be defintely be suggesting for my friends and family to read this wonderful novel!
January 15, 2025
A well told story about a time and place rarely featured in fiction - Benin, early 1900s. And it's all about African protagonists, no foreigners. I loved seeing the complexities of the political system and many cultural practices. It's a novel appropriate for young people, and tells an interesting story without a strong agenda.
The second half of the story wasn't as well paced and lots of new characters got introduced that were hard to care about or keep track of. Also the ending didn't feel as satisfying as I think the author meant it to. But I'm glad I read it and I would recommend for fans of historical fiction who want to learn more about pre-colonial African culture.
The second half of the story wasn't as well paced and lots of new characters got introduced that were hard to care about or keep track of. Also the ending didn't feel as satisfying as I think the author meant it to. But I'm glad I read it and I would recommend for fans of historical fiction who want to learn more about pre-colonial African culture.
March 19, 2013
Thanks to the giveaway program on goodreads.com, I was able to read a fantastic novel. The story of war, trials, love, and far more were tied well into the wonderful world of Africa, giving insight into a culture I would never have known about if not for this book.
My thanks to Mrs. Campbell-Fatoki for allowing me to enjoy the past week as I read the book. I'll be sure to read it again and again whenever I have the chance. Thank you again.
My thanks to Mrs. Campbell-Fatoki for allowing me to enjoy the past week as I read the book. I'll be sure to read it again and again whenever I have the chance. Thank you again.
October 3, 2020
3.5 - I love the setting in precolonial Africa. What I didn’t like is how the author to tried to make Christianity better and denounced African traditional beliefs.
Example: “Yes, Amelia. I have begged them to give it up. Do you know they practice it with Catholicism? I think that is just being hypocritical. I am one hundred percent catholic! I believe in Mary and Jesus, and that is all I need.” She slapped her hands together to make her point and then burst out laughing. “Anyway, forget about that. How is business?” she asked.”
I gave it 3.5 stars just because I loved reading all other aspects about West African culture. Plus I have visited Ouidah and Kotonou mentioned in the book so I was really connected to the scene. Overall good story but to write about Africa and critique its spirituality to make it seem something Africans shouldn’t practice is offensive. I was really disappointed.
Example: “Yes, Amelia. I have begged them to give it up. Do you know they practice it with Catholicism? I think that is just being hypocritical. I am one hundred percent catholic! I believe in Mary and Jesus, and that is all I need.” She slapped her hands together to make her point and then burst out laughing. “Anyway, forget about that. How is business?” she asked.”
I gave it 3.5 stars just because I loved reading all other aspects about West African culture. Plus I have visited Ouidah and Kotonou mentioned in the book so I was really connected to the scene. Overall good story but to write about Africa and critique its spirituality to make it seem something Africans shouldn’t practice is offensive. I was really disappointed.
January 18, 2026
This book was amazing! Full of the tropes I love in historical fiction (princesses, romance, and political intrigue) but completely new at the same time! What an amazing insight into the history of Benin! A well crafted story able to transport even the most foreign of readers (like me) into the lush and wild landscape and make it real and tangible! The characters were well fleshed out and the twists and turns were fitting with the rhythm of the story. Overall, an incredible read, highly recommended!!
May 8, 2020
Loved this story! Great historical fiction that's entertaining and educational. Recommend Reading
December 16, 2023
This may be the best African Historical fiction I’ve read. It narrates the story of a Dagomey princess pre-colonial to colonial from Cotonou to Abeokuta to Lagos.
Want to Read
July 31, 2026I read this a few years ago and I just came across it again today. I love it so much as the first move I ever read
August 17, 2013
When I was first approached to be a part of the blog tour for Thread of Gold Beads by Nike Campbell-Fatoki I was ecstatic. This novel had everything I loved in it. There was romance, mystery historical fiction and the very best part about it was that it was set in my absolutely place to read about, Africa.
Set in pre-colonial times there was an exhilarating and beautifully written story about a culture in a time and location that I'm not very familiar with and I thought it was so refreshing. I know that each book has it's own unique story but I really wish there were more books like this out there.
The writing was wonderful. It was detailed without being mind numbingly so. One of the things I love most about the historical fiction genre is that the authors have to work extra hard in creating the settings for their story because much of the amount of research that the authors have to do to create a historically accurate setting as it would look completely out of place for things to appear that never happened sooner than they really do in the historical record. I think that Nike did a fantastic job about bringing the past to life in the way that she did and she definitely has me interested in reading more books set in this era.
I loved Amelia's character. She felt so real to me that when the book ended I felt as though I was losing a friend. I didn't always agree with her decisions or her thought process but I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book because she had so much to come up against, but things that were meant to break her while they came close didn't succeed and I loved seeing her grow as a character and really come into her own.
The other characters were just as skillfully created but my favourite characters had to be the women hands down. If you're looking to read a story with push overs than this book is probably not the one for you the women in this book are strong, they're cunning, sometimes a little cutthroat but they're all strong and I thought that it was amazing to find such strong women in a book since it's rare to find so many in one tome. I thought it was excellent.
As for the overall plot, I really enjoyed the way it was executed, there was so much drama I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book because I just couldn't see what was going to happen next and I loved the fact that everything was so unexpected. It was nice to find myself surprised with a novel's unpredictability for once. Usually if I love a book, I speed right through it, in this case though I forced myself to read it slowly so I could savour it even more.
Overall, I loved Thread of Gold Beads. I think it was a wonderful debut by Nike Campbell-Fatoki and I really hope she sticks to this genre, and time period because she well and truly brought pre-colonial Africa to life for me and the richness of her writing was impressive.
I would recommend Thread of Gold Beads to fans of historical fiction who are looking for a book that offers a more exotic location as well as a side of history from a different perspective. If you love books that are both equally character and plot driven pick this one up as soon as you can.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
Set in pre-colonial times there was an exhilarating and beautifully written story about a culture in a time and location that I'm not very familiar with and I thought it was so refreshing. I know that each book has it's own unique story but I really wish there were more books like this out there.
The writing was wonderful. It was detailed without being mind numbingly so. One of the things I love most about the historical fiction genre is that the authors have to work extra hard in creating the settings for their story because much of the amount of research that the authors have to do to create a historically accurate setting as it would look completely out of place for things to appear that never happened sooner than they really do in the historical record. I think that Nike did a fantastic job about bringing the past to life in the way that she did and she definitely has me interested in reading more books set in this era.
I loved Amelia's character. She felt so real to me that when the book ended I felt as though I was losing a friend. I didn't always agree with her decisions or her thought process but I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book because she had so much to come up against, but things that were meant to break her while they came close didn't succeed and I loved seeing her grow as a character and really come into her own.
The other characters were just as skillfully created but my favourite characters had to be the women hands down. If you're looking to read a story with push overs than this book is probably not the one for you the women in this book are strong, they're cunning, sometimes a little cutthroat but they're all strong and I thought that it was amazing to find such strong women in a book since it's rare to find so many in one tome. I thought it was excellent.
As for the overall plot, I really enjoyed the way it was executed, there was so much drama I was on the edge of my seat for the whole book because I just couldn't see what was going to happen next and I loved the fact that everything was so unexpected. It was nice to find myself surprised with a novel's unpredictability for once. Usually if I love a book, I speed right through it, in this case though I forced myself to read it slowly so I could savour it even more.
Overall, I loved Thread of Gold Beads. I think it was a wonderful debut by Nike Campbell-Fatoki and I really hope she sticks to this genre, and time period because she well and truly brought pre-colonial Africa to life for me and the richness of her writing was impressive.
I would recommend Thread of Gold Beads to fans of historical fiction who are looking for a book that offers a more exotic location as well as a side of history from a different perspective. If you love books that are both equally character and plot driven pick this one up as soon as you can.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.
August 19, 2013
I received this book from the touring host for an honest review.
It has been awhile since I have read anything from West Africa, especially pre-colonial, and what an excellent read. The author's research could be seen throughout the book, well written with a steady pace. Intriguing and interesting you learn more about the last King of Benin and what happened with this unfortunate country during the late 1800. Based on true events the journey of the young woman Amelia, Princess, refugee, wife, mother and trader take you through discovery, hope and the believe that love will never die.
The story was written in two parts, the first with Amelia a small child of six, becoming a princess, always inquisitive, running wild. Becoming of age she fell in love and got married and ultimately leaving everyone she loved behind. The second part was her life in Nigeria, people's misuse of her, stealing and lying to get their own ways. Meeting a woman who would change her life for the better. Met new friends and learned to adjust as she lived the life of a commoner.
Characters were well portrayed throughout, getting a real feeling of their lives, their customs and their vivid emotions ready to explode at any moment. Secrets unfold as you learn more about her mother who was a strong influence in her life, her unconditional love a strong pillar in Amelia's life. Later, her mother was replaced by Madame Titilayo who played a vital role during her stay in Nigeria. Helping Amelia to learn her trade, and becoming an influential woman herself.
Betrayal followed her from a young age where people tried to kill her, poison her or attacked her but yet she remained resilient. But her biggest betrayal would come from those the closest to her which caused much heartache in her life. A wonderful tale of self discovery knowing your own strengths and building on the things that are handed to you. With a strong message of faith interwoven as idols were cast down and God's protection could be seen.
Being her father's favorite caused her happiness but also isolation which later became a strong point in her life. Which would save her on a few occasions and set her aside.
I really admire the character of Dossou, the commander-in-chief of her father's army who fell in love and cared for Amelia greatly. Although his character only played a small part, his presence was always tangible. Amelia's heart fixed not realizing the many twists and turns they had to walk to finally be together.
And may I say my heart was really crushed for Marcos who at the end lost much more.
Her brother Dare was a huge disappointment, just affirming you can not always trust siblings. Her very large family a strong bond that kept the royal house steady. With the many wives and children of the King, the scenes were well described and thoughtful. Caring for each other during dangerous and happy times.
The threads of gold beads played a significant role throughout the plot as more secrets were revealed, family lines were discovered, always threading like a shield to protect.
It has been awhile since I have read anything from West Africa, especially pre-colonial, and what an excellent read. The author's research could be seen throughout the book, well written with a steady pace. Intriguing and interesting you learn more about the last King of Benin and what happened with this unfortunate country during the late 1800. Based on true events the journey of the young woman Amelia, Princess, refugee, wife, mother and trader take you through discovery, hope and the believe that love will never die.
The story was written in two parts, the first with Amelia a small child of six, becoming a princess, always inquisitive, running wild. Becoming of age she fell in love and got married and ultimately leaving everyone she loved behind. The second part was her life in Nigeria, people's misuse of her, stealing and lying to get their own ways. Meeting a woman who would change her life for the better. Met new friends and learned to adjust as she lived the life of a commoner.
Characters were well portrayed throughout, getting a real feeling of their lives, their customs and their vivid emotions ready to explode at any moment. Secrets unfold as you learn more about her mother who was a strong influence in her life, her unconditional love a strong pillar in Amelia's life. Later, her mother was replaced by Madame Titilayo who played a vital role during her stay in Nigeria. Helping Amelia to learn her trade, and becoming an influential woman herself.
Betrayal followed her from a young age where people tried to kill her, poison her or attacked her but yet she remained resilient. But her biggest betrayal would come from those the closest to her which caused much heartache in her life. A wonderful tale of self discovery knowing your own strengths and building on the things that are handed to you. With a strong message of faith interwoven as idols were cast down and God's protection could be seen.
Being her father's favorite caused her happiness but also isolation which later became a strong point in her life. Which would save her on a few occasions and set her aside.
I really admire the character of Dossou, the commander-in-chief of her father's army who fell in love and cared for Amelia greatly. Although his character only played a small part, his presence was always tangible. Amelia's heart fixed not realizing the many twists and turns they had to walk to finally be together.
And may I say my heart was really crushed for Marcos who at the end lost much more.
Her brother Dare was a huge disappointment, just affirming you can not always trust siblings. Her very large family a strong bond that kept the royal house steady. With the many wives and children of the King, the scenes were well described and thoughtful. Caring for each other during dangerous and happy times.
The threads of gold beads played a significant role throughout the plot as more secrets were revealed, family lines were discovered, always threading like a shield to protect.
September 27, 2013
Taking place during The French-Danhome war of the late 1890′s in Benin Republic and moving into the early 1900′s in Abeokuta and Lagos in South-Western Nigeria, Thread of Gold Beads by Nike Campbell-Fatoki is a novel rich in the life and culture of the people who lived during this era. It is also a coming of age story, a love story, and the story of a woman full of courage, strength, and determination.
Princess Amelia, daughter of the King of Danhome has led a good life in the Kingdom despite all the political upheaval swirling around her. There are also other things going on, whispers and such that she knows have to do with her and when a secret surfaces that completely shatters her life and war breaks out in Danhome Amelia has no choice but to flee with her brother Dare. The two head for south-western Nigeria and it is there that Amelia will find the love of family and God. However not before a journey through many struggles and yet more secrets that shock Amelia down to her very soul. Will Amelia ever have the love and peace she has always wanted?
This is a wonderfully written novel. The characters are well developed and the plot intriguing. I really liked Amelia. For the era she lived in she was a strong and smart woman and not afraid to show it. No matter the adversities she faced she came back stronger and more determined. I also liked Ms. Titilayo who took Amelia in and cared for her like she was her own. Of course there are characters you love to hate but they added to the story as well.
If you enjoy historical fiction that takes place somewhere different from what seems the norm and has some interesting twists and turns, then Thread of Gold Beads is one you should add to your reading list. I really enjoyed it!
Princess Amelia, daughter of the King of Danhome has led a good life in the Kingdom despite all the political upheaval swirling around her. There are also other things going on, whispers and such that she knows have to do with her and when a secret surfaces that completely shatters her life and war breaks out in Danhome Amelia has no choice but to flee with her brother Dare. The two head for south-western Nigeria and it is there that Amelia will find the love of family and God. However not before a journey through many struggles and yet more secrets that shock Amelia down to her very soul. Will Amelia ever have the love and peace she has always wanted?
This is a wonderfully written novel. The characters are well developed and the plot intriguing. I really liked Amelia. For the era she lived in she was a strong and smart woman and not afraid to show it. No matter the adversities she faced she came back stronger and more determined. I also liked Ms. Titilayo who took Amelia in and cared for her like she was her own. Of course there are characters you love to hate but they added to the story as well.
If you enjoy historical fiction that takes place somewhere different from what seems the norm and has some interesting twists and turns, then Thread of Gold Beads is one you should add to your reading list. I really enjoyed it!
November 29, 2013
Thread of Gold Beads by Nike Campbell-Fatoki is a coming of age story about Amelia, a princess of Danhome. Amelia is a daddy’s baby and the apple of her family’s eye. She has over protective brothers, a father who adores her and a mother to teach her everything she needs to know about being women in their kingdom. Amelia soon learns that being the king’s daughter comes with some plights. While Amelia heals from her bumps and bruises she starts to learn more about her family’s secrets.
Amelia is married off to Dossou and starts her new life. A war breaks out making Amelia flee with her brother Dare to South-Western Nigeria. In this land is where Amelia is taken in by Madame Titilayo, learns about God and accepts a new family. When all is going well Amelia’s brother, Dare, provides information that rocks Amelia’s world to the core. Amelia soon finds herself in another dilemma that she has to make a hard decision. Will Amelia listen to her heart?
Thread of Gold Beads is about family secrets and true love. I enjoyed reading Amelia’s coming of age story. This book had me captured from the first page. It was well-developed, consisted and had unsuspected twists and turns. The author did a wonderful job sharing a royal family in their area of the world. I felt the storytelling aspect of the story but also felt that I was being educated about how strong Amelia and her family had to be. I recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
Amelia is married off to Dossou and starts her new life. A war breaks out making Amelia flee with her brother Dare to South-Western Nigeria. In this land is where Amelia is taken in by Madame Titilayo, learns about God and accepts a new family. When all is going well Amelia’s brother, Dare, provides information that rocks Amelia’s world to the core. Amelia soon finds herself in another dilemma that she has to make a hard decision. Will Amelia listen to her heart?
Thread of Gold Beads is about family secrets and true love. I enjoyed reading Amelia’s coming of age story. This book had me captured from the first page. It was well-developed, consisted and had unsuspected twists and turns. The author did a wonderful job sharing a royal family in their area of the world. I felt the storytelling aspect of the story but also felt that I was being educated about how strong Amelia and her family had to be. I recommend this book to others.
This book was provided by the author for review purposes.
Teresa Beasley
A&RBC Reviews
December 5, 2016
I loved the book! I spent a year in Abomey and the book brought back many happy memories.The story is well written and Amelia very likable. The only "downside" is that the books at some point moves from Dahomey to Nigeria - I simply enjoyed reading about Gbehanzin's Abomey too much.
January 16, 2017
I give this book 4.5 stsrs. This book was beautiful. I love the story and Amelia is very relatable. I am glad to finally find a story that revolves around African history and not just the Atlantic slave trade. I felt every emotion when I read this book. It is definitely a must read!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews