S. A. Gibson's Asante's Gullah Journey is a novel set in a dystopian future with low technology and where librarians have a lot of power and respect. While many of Gibson's books are set in this dystopian future, this one focuses on a particular set of characters, Gullah farmers on Daufuskie Island, who wish to save their farms from people trying to trick them out of their ownership documents. To do this, they must seek the aid of the librarians and a librarian scout named Asante, who recently arrived from Kenya.
It took me a bit to get into Asante's Gullah Journey because it is presented entirely in Gullah dialect--including the internal dialogue of the characters. But once I got used to the dialect, my reading went more quickly. The dialect actually had me researching the Gullah people and their language, both unknown to me prior to this book.
My two favorite characters--both POV Gullah characters--were Beneda and Lakisha. Beneda, though still a young woman, finds herself in a new role as leader of the Gullah farmers in the fight for their farms. Lakisha, still a young girl, decides she wants to work for the library rather than the farms. Both women are strong female characters who help their people in different ways. And Beneda is an awesome archer to boot! In fact, many of the female characters in the novel seem to be running the show.
Interestingly enough, the title seems a bit misleading. While things would certainly be different without the presence of Asante in Gullah lands, Asante is not a POV character. But he certainly does journey and aid the Gullah people. I do find myself, however, wondering more about his character's past and reason for coming to the United States from Africa since most of what we learn about him is from Beneda's or Lakisha's perspective.
I also feel like I missed some details about the antagonists and their motivations for wanting the Gullah farms. Does it have anything to do with their post-apocalyptic setting? Are they just greedy?
While Gibson does a great job in describing the general place setting of the novel, those wanting to know more of the background of his futuristic, "woodpunk" world will not get much from this novel. But he does have several others, though, that can provide more insight.
Overall, I enjoyed Asante's Gullah Journey for its cultural diversity, unique setting, a bit of mystery, and its action. I would recommend this to someone looking for something new in dystopian fiction.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle Cloud Reader.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
![Asante’s Gullah Journey (The Library of Souls Book 1) by [S.A. Gibson]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/516Zw2mzTlL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
 |
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018
Reviewed in the United States on January 26, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2017
