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The Passport of Mallam Ilia

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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.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 21, 2023

3 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Cyprian Ekwensi

55 books140 followers
Cyprian Odiatu Duaka Ekwensi was a novelist famous for his Jaguar Nana series and many others. He wrote for children under the name C.O.D. Ekwensi.

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5 stars
3 (21%)
4 stars
4 (28%)
3 stars
4 (28%)
2 stars
3 (21%)
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
38 reviews
October 22, 2024
The last time I read this I was 7 so I’m giving it 4 stars for nostalgia but it’s more a 3 star book
Profile Image for None Ofyourbusiness Loves Israel.
876 reviews175 followers
May 17, 2024
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.
Profile Image for Em.
92 reviews
November 11, 2024
• 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)
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews

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