Book review: Sojourner by Ayaan Pettus

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From the beginning: The mysteries of the desert were hidden within its ever-shifting sands, much like the currents and eddies of an ocean. And from the ending: What an old man sees while lying down, a young man can never see even when climbing a tree.

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General Summary for Context:

The author introduces an intriguing protagonist—an aging scholar from the renowned University of Timbuktu—whose journey home sets the stage for an epic tale. As the story unfolds, a diverse cast of characters and subplots enrich the narrative, including encounters with zombies and legendary warriors, firmly rooting the novel in the fantasy genre. However, it is equally grounded in history, with the author skillfully weaving in historical events, making it a unique blend of fantasy and historical fiction. While this genre mix is innovative and refreshing, it may present a challenge when it comes to marketing due to its unconventional nature.

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Concise Review:

Cazembi, a wise and revered scholar, embarks on a perilous journey back to the University of Timbuktu. But the year is 1591, and Africa is swept by a tide of change. Fearing the dangers of crossing the Sahara, Cazembi joins forces with two merchant brothers and the legendary warrior Ayaan. Their journey soon turns violent as they face not only a rival faction but also the horrors of the undead.The story masterfully follows Cazembi and his companions through a series of gripping trials, offering plenty of intense battle scenes. Yet beneath the excitement of swordplay lies a deeper layer of quiet wisdom, expressed through proverbs passed down from the elders.

I particularly enjoyed the rich historical detail, which vividly captures life in the desert, with all its myths and legends. While the book incorporates elements of fantasy, it is firmly grounded in historical fact, making it both entertaining and educational. The inclusion of African proverbs, such as “A butterfly cannot think it is a bird just because it can fly,” added a layer of cultural depth that I found captivating.

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General Thoughts on the Novel:

While I typically don't enjoy books where all the main characters meet a tragic end, the premise of Kho—the character who survives not by being the wisest or the bravest, but by being the most underestimated—imbues the story with the feeling of a fable or a myth. This unique angle adds a timeless quality to the narrative, reminiscent of ancient legends.However, I found that the historical elements sometimes felt disjointed. Certain parts, particularly in the last chapter, read more like a copy-and-paste from Wikipedia rather than being seamlessly integrated into the plot. This detracted from the flow of the story, making the historical context feel a bit forced at times.That said, I thoroughly enjoyed learning about Timbuktu and the lives of the desert people, which the author brought to life in vivid detail. What truly enriched the experience were the numerous proverbs and wise sayings scattered throughout the text. I found myself jotting many of them down, as they offered thought-provoking insights worth reflecting on.

Overall, despite some issues with the historical integration, the book’s blend of wisdom and myth makes for an engaging and memorable read.

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