Father Stranger Slave

by Jessica Bell

Father Stranger Slave is a powerful and emotionally charged historical novel set in 1950s Nigeria, following the journey of a boy who is forced to grow up far too soon.

Adedayo is twelve years old and full of hope. He's been told he’s on the path to manhood. But the world he enters is not one of pride and celebration; it is one of silence, cruelty, and control. Nothing is what he expected. The people around him don’t see a child worth protecting. They see a problem to manage. A mouth to feed. A tool to use.

Stripped of his identity, Adedayo is thrown into a life where obedience is survival and speaking out is dangerous. Days are filled with endless tasks, beatings, and the constant threat of more.

But Adedayo refuses to give in.

Inspired by true events, this novel offers a deeply human perspective on endurance, identity, and stolen childhoods.

This novel invites you into one boy’s world, and dares you to walk beside him.

Genres: Nonfiction

335 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2025

About the author

Jess was born in London, UK, in 1989, and grew up in Cheshire. She now lives in South Wales with her husband and children.

She has been writing since childhood, from stories scribbled in crayon to two self-published poetry books that are both unfindable and unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. No matter how hard anyone looks, they will never track them down (although Jess might one day release a few of the less cringe-worthy poems one day)

Her writing has always leaned towards the darker side of emotion, drawing vivid and honest feelings from her own experiences growing up.

Jess is currently studying for two Open University degrees: English Literature with Creative Writing, and Law. She is due to graduate in 2026. She has 8 diplomas in various subjects from Tudor History to Educational Psychology.

When she is not writing, Jess enjoys board games, murder podcasts, punch needling, and DIY projects, which she admits she is bad at but unstoppable in trying. She and her husband Simon have been married for two years and are saving for their honeymoon to Mexico. They hope to welcome a dog into their family once they move to a bigger house.

Her debut novel, Some Girls Drown, was published in 2025.

Reviews

[Ana Sedolli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad story about a little boy that I didn’t like the man he became. However a well written story with the unfolding events.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was moving and emotional. The story brings so many feelings I felt heartbreak and sadness, the loss and fear of the unknown. I cried worrying about a young boy trying to fend for himself. There was also hope and possibility of a better life. The suspense that builds as the book goes on makes it impossible to put down and the emotions get turned up to another level where I was actually getting angry with Richard. I found myself caring for the main character and by the end hating him. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick read with a moving, emotional and raw story that is based on a true story.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the beginning of the book, I found myself skipping pages during his later life as it became very repetitive. There's only so many times you can read a description of the same thing...

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book fascinating!

Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2025

I was hooked from the 1st page. I knew the book is based on a true story and true stories always draw me in.
The story started in Nigeria. This is where Adedayo is living happily with his parents dreaming of becoming a man. He placed his trust in his parents and much to his surprise he was sold off over a debt. This has a devastating effect on his life but he still hangs onto his hopes and dreams even though he is a slave. As time moves on, the turns in his life shift his emotions inward. He loses himself without realizing it.

[Arlena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Father Stranger Slave
Author: Jessica Bell
Publisher: J. B.
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Father Stranger Slave" by Jessica Bell

My Insight:

"Father Stranger Slave" is an emotional and gripping read that keeps the reader turning pages to discover what happens next in Adebayo's journey, as he faces a mix of fear, hope, and ultimately, some change. The characters in this story are compelling and complex, adding depth to the narrative. You'll have to pick up this book to see how the author masterfully brings everything to life.
By the end of the book, you will be left shaking your head, saying, "Wow, that was an incredible read!"

[Millie Ahrens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bell does it again with another brilliant book. Father Stranger Slave does an amazing thing that makes my heart break for a little boy and absolutely hate the man he became.

Another must read from Bell, that will have you rethinking how you view the world and its people

[Jeanie Lydick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read!! The book covers the life of a boy from Nigeria. His father sold him to a tyrant that starved him and beat him. He managed to escape and run away and the book follows what happens to him on his life journey.