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The Passport of Mallam Ilia
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
12 people want to read
About the author
Cyprian Ekwensi
55 books144 followersCyprian 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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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 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
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.
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.
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)
• 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)
January 14, 2026
The Passport of Mallam Ilia is a gripping story of a relentless quest for vengeance. Fast paced and interesting.
Mallam Ilia had suffered in the hands of . I hated how he wasted his whole life like that, But what really angered me is the lady all these happened for, she just died for what? Because Mallam Ilia was not only trying to avenge her death, he was trying to avenge his ego. I know the author's message is probably about choosing peace over revenge, but our Protagonist did get his revenge at the end, so I don’t know
Mallam Ilia had suffered in the hands of . I hated how he wasted his whole life like that, But what really angered me is the lady all these happened for, she just died for what? Because Mallam Ilia was not only trying to avenge her death, he was trying to avenge his ego. I know the author's message is probably about choosing peace over revenge, but our Protagonist did get his revenge at the end, so I don’t know
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews