Into Africa : A Personal Journey [Paperback]

Yvonne Blackwood (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 2000

A remarkable and intriguing story about a journey by Yvonne Blackwood, Banker, community activist, to West Africa, the land of her ancestors. It begins in Nigeria with exposure to tight military control that causes Blackwood to experience fear as never before. In Ghana her respect for human beings and sense of adventure along with destiny, lead her to meet Adamson. Determined to see it all, she finds herself in desperte situations, each mysteriouly resolved by strangers. Peppered with nostalgic flashbacks to Blackwood's native Jamaica, Into Africa, resonates with unique poignancy, a love of people and her growing spiritual quest for her African roots among the proud Ashanti people.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...The book is an easy read. It challenges you to put it down..." -- The Spectrum, as supplied by the Toronto Star

"...This is a delightfully pleasant read, and gives some insight into some of the West African origins of Caribbean society." -- The Caribbean Camera

"...a delight to read. It captures something elusive--a magical, almost indescribably wonder of discovering one's ancestral roots..." -- The Weekly Gleaner (NA)

From the Inside Flap

A remarkable and intriguing story about a journey to the land of Blackwood's ancestors. "Into Africa," begins in Nigeria with exposure to the tight control by the military that causes Blackwood to experience fear as never before. Her journey continues to take her on an exploration of a new mysterious world where she experiences joy and wonderment as she shares in the lives of family members, friends and new acquaintances.

In Ghana her respect for human beings and sense of adventure along with destiny, lead her to meet Adamson. Determined to see it all, Yvonne finds herself in desperate situations, each one mysteriously resolved by strangers. Peppered with nostalgic flashbacks to her native Jamaica, "Into Africa, A Personal Journey," resonates with unique poignancy, a love of people and Blackwood's growing spiritual quest for her African roots among the proud Ashanti people. Down to earth, vulnerable yet fearless, Blackwood shares with us a small part of her life as it unfolds.

Product Details

• Paperback: 193 pages
• Publisher: Abbeyfield Publishers (September 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 096822749X
• ISBN-13: 978-0968227497
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,807,202 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #59 in Books > Travel > Africa > Niger & Nigeria

More About the Author

Yvonne Blackwood writes books for adults but expects to publish some children's books in the near future. Her first book, "Into Africa a Personal Journey", ranked in the top five best-selling books under Ghana on Amazon.com within a year of publication. Her other books include: the hilarious, "Will That Be Cash or Cuffs?" and "Into Africa: The Return". She has published several short stories and won the millennium short story contest held by the Canadian Authors Association, Toronto Branch. Yvonne is also a columnist, speaker and world traveler. She previously worked as a career banker for 35 years.
www.yblackwood.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Into Africia a personal journey, December 3, 2000

By 

rowland (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into Africa : A Personal Journey (Paperback)

I have just read Yvonne Blackwood's book,"Into Africia A Personal Journey" and what a read! It's a facinating story that every person who has emigrated from their native country, or their parents, should read. Blackwood's writing is colourful, lively and fun. It's as if she and I were sitting in her living room talking. I was with her all the way. It is a story of a women who was determined to visit the land of her ancestors. Although she had several obstacles to overcome she was determined to pursue her dream to the end. It will appeal greatly to poeple who are determined and know what they want, and will inspire those who do not. It will also appeal to anyone who loves adventure. I learned alot about West Africia that I wouldn't find in text books. This is a book you will want to read again.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A Daring Journey, December 26, 2000

By 

Nochur Ramanathan, Toronto, Canada - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into Africa : A Personal Journey (Paperback)

Yvonne has brought out the magic of travel thrills and perils, especially when travelling in Africa, matter-of-factly. The personal travelogue is never boring egging you to finish the book. Yvonne's determination in the face of many odds she faces in Ghana and Nigeria while travelling to towns and cities across the borders is remarkably brought out....An interesting read.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book to Remember!, January 13, 2004

By 

Princess Anyanwu (New Brunswick Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into Africa : A Personal Journey (Paperback)

Having spent alot of time in Africa, my mind travelled back to Nigeria as the writer brought the pages alive with her experiences. I drove along the roads with her, saw the scenes that she described in my minds eye. Her fond recollections of her friend in Ghana made me wish that I could have met him, just to tell him how much he was appreciated as a human being. Tears came when at the end of the book she said that he had died. What a pity at such a young age, but unfortunately death comes early to many in Africa. I look forward to reading her next book. Well done!