The Devil That Danced on the Water: A Daughter's Quest. Aminatta Forna. Originally in Great Britain by HarperCollins Publishers, Hammersmith, London, England, 2002.

Book review by Jane
Mohamed Forna, who was the prime minister at one time in Sierra Leone and a physician to many, was the author's father. She tells not only his story but her own in this book. Her father was a man of good character who was often called upon to do what was right, often at the expense of his family who needed him as well. Even though Sierra Leone was becoming a democracy, the government became corrupt. This led to many people being persecuted and imprisoned, including Mohamed Forna. Some were even murdered, and at times, he lived in fear of being shot. Mohamed Forna was imprisoned for a while. Afterwards, he would not leave Sierra Leone, even on the advice of many of his friends. He believed that he would be immune to punishment if he left politics alone. However, he did land in prison again, and finally he was killed.

Aminatta Forna's book brings close to us the life she and her family lived in Africa. She also contrasts this life with the one she lived in England. Her father's story is enough to keep interest, but looking into what happened from the eyes of Aminatta as she experienced it presents a window from which we can see what it was like to live through these events, and also what it was like to need her father and to see her father going through many trials. She also includes details regarding her mother and stepmother. This book could be considered a tell-all book because it is an autobiography and is frank and forthcoming with information, but we do not get the usual junk that comes along with that. Instead, although some of the events are rather painful to read, it seems cleansing to find the truth that comes from the eyes of a young girl, which this book seems to be telling. It is good to read about someone who accomplished good things during his life. Aminatta Forna has done her father a great justice in writing this account.

Jane.

 

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