The Passport of Mallam Ilia is a love story tinged with a vengeance mission. On his quest to avenge the death of his wife, Zarah, the hero, Mallam Ilia, misses out on his entire youth.
A captivating adventure set against the backdrop of pre-colonial and early colonial Northern Nigeria and Mecca. It's a tale woven with bravery, love, and a relentless pursuit of vengeance. Ekwensi paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, where societal values differed greatly.
The story follows Ilia, a young warrior consumed by the desire to avenge his wife's death. Through Ilia's journey, Ekwensi subtly critiques revenge, suggesting a higher power's role in justice. The narrative unfolds at a steady pace, transporting the reader to bustling 19th-century markets and towns. Ekwensi's masterful use of description allows us to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this bygone era.
Beyond the captivating plot, "The Passport of Mallam Ilia" offers a glimpse into a more peaceful time in Northern Nigeria. Ekwensi showcases the region's rich cultural heritage and traditions before tribal conflicts and unrest took hold. Published in 1960 and written in 1948, the novel's message of seeking peace over vengeance remains relevant today. It compels readers to question the true cost of revenge and the importance of pursuing a more harmonious future, a message that resonates deeply with Ekwensi's enduring wish for peace in Africa.
• I enjoyed reading it. • I should have probably expected the ending but I didn't. • It ends in Jos, Nigeria! (one of the reasons why I was told to read it)