In a world where cultures are rapidly changing and often lost or forgotten, preserving and evolving them for future generations is crucial. This is where books like Wole Olayinka’s Àlejò: Crossing Times come in, using storytelling to connect readers with their cultural roots and inspire new ideas.
The novella explores themes of duty, fate, and tradition versus modernity through the vehicle of time travel. The protagonist, Ilerioluwa Ariyo, is teleported back in time to Olotoso by Esu, the god of mischief. She is on a mission to protect humankind but must contend with hostile people and situations that try to tie her to the past without knowing why she was chosen for this mission. The book blurs the lines between predestination and utilitarian good, with Esu representing the religious and traditional belief in fate being determined by deities.
What makes Àlejò: Crossing Times so unique is how it draws on Olayinka’s Yoruba heritage to create a fantastical world that is both familiar and new. He deliberately uses Yoruba deities like Laaroye (Esu) to dispel the misnomer of Esu as the Christian Satan and highlight his significance in Yoruba tradition and religion. Olayinka’s writing style is evocative and engaging, immersing readers in a world that is at once fantastical and real.
Olayinka reveals that the idea for the story came to him from watching a Yoruba Nollywood movie a decade ago. Over the years, he continued to refine and update the story until it became the novella we know today. He hopes that Àlejò: Crossing Times will serve as a way for young readers to observe Yoruba culture and connect with their own roots.
The book also touches on the issue of climate change and a possible apocalypse scenario. Olayinka added this element later to give readers a glimpse of a possible future on planet Earth if we don’t halt global warming. This addition seamlessly blends fantasy and reality to create a compelling narrative that speaks to contemporary issues.
Overall, Àlejò: Crossing Times is a great read for fans of Afrofuturism, magical realism, and anyone who loves a good story. It is a valuable contribution to the literary canon and a great introduction to Olayinka’s talent as a storyteller. By preserving and evolving African culture through storytelling, books like Àlejò: Crossing Times are helping to ensure that these traditions continue to thrive and inspire future generations.
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