Disclosure: I received a complimentary e-book copy of this book and have volunteered to share my review.
The town is famous in the region for its chronic stillness…Consequently, every ambitious person who grows up there eventually leaves in search of better opportunities.
Life in Mbengwi, Cameroon, is not easy for Austin-or for anyone else. While growing up, he bears witness to the worst parts of life and the cruelties of human nature. These things keep his homeland trapped in a cycle of misery and suffering. In a country overrun by poverty, death, unrest, and corruption, he sees no future for himself. The only way to escape the cycle is to flee to a place Austin believes to be free of all these troubles, a place where he hopes his dreams will come true: the United States of America.
However, when Austin arrives in this supposed promised land, he is met with a crushing revelation. He finds America to be rife with all the same problems he thought he’d escaped, merely in different forms. Rather than give in to disappointment, he decides to combat these obstacles with a firm resolve. Before long, though, these obstacles threaten to overwhelm him. This realization prompts Austin to rethink how he sees the world and the challenges it throws at him.
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This was a very different read than I am used to.
There wasn’t strong romance; there wasn’t suspense; there wasn’t action; there wasn’t mystery.
The story is a journey of a young boy who grows up. There wasn’t really anything ‘significant’ per se about his life that makes you say – “Oh my gosh, I have to read his story” BUT; it was a neat read.
Austin was born and raised in Cameroon. He is unlike most children in that he worked hard on his studies to be successful. He wanted to be something when he grew up.
After being successful in his education, he moves to the United States where he continues his education (the one thing that kept him grounded and was quite successful at!)
We join him in marriage, the turmoil of the marriage, children, finding love again, and becoming someone with his life.
Like I said, nothing great, but was a nice change of pace/read for me. I enjoyed reading it and going on Austin’s journey. Even as a child born and raised in Cameroon and then coming to America; he faced the same challenges that many do.
All in all, if you like something that is ‘true life’ and not filled with romance, suspense, thrill, mystery, etc – just a good ol’ read; you would enjoy this read!
About the Author
Antoine F. Gnintedem is a renowned educator both in the United States and across the world. As a linguistic consultant, he has worked for the Department of Defense, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Homeland Security. In addition, he has served as an educational assessment expert for leading national and international testing companies. His academic achievements include a PhD in English language and literature and another doctorate in educational leadership.
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