Journey to the Motherland | Reviews
Some people go off to college and the great universities and get all their education from books. Author Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd has been on a life long journey seeking to discover his own self and his place in the world. His autobiography "Journey to the Motherland: From San Francisco to Benin City" is not just about a physical trip but a quest for emotional and spiritual discovery. His story is heartwarming and even enlightening at times. The stories of his life are mixed in with wonderful insightful poetry. Truly a man with a life mission he pushes onward and inward at the same time. You are left at the end of the book wanting a full accounting and update on his life since he wrote this book. The book explores race relations and love and leaving one's country and returning. As a white man reading this book I found myself fascinated with his whole experience. He writes as a Black man but his message of love and understanding and acceptance speaks to all of us!
"Journey To The Motherland: From San Francisco To Berlin City is informative and inspiring. This incredible novel takes readers on author Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd's life journey from America to Nigeria. " "Johnson-Redd boldly shares his life experiences in this moving autobiography. He discloses to readers what it was like traveling to West Africa, giving readers insight on African culture and what race relations were like during this period of time. The author also shares how he met his wife and how influential she was in his migration to Nigeria." "The author does a commendable job of adequately depicting the economic, social and political landscape of West Africa. Providing a great visual of the culture and sparking a profound interest in learning more about the Motherland." "Ultimately readers will learn through Johnson-Redd's journey of self discovery a message of love and understanding for all people."
In this thought-provoking, autobiographical narrative, American born Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd reminisces on his life's experiences in 1960s and 1970s America and his subsequent migration to Nigeria. Interspersed with poetry written by the author, JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND tells of Ukali's high school and college years, when he was an active member of the Black Student Union and recounts some of the trials he had to contend with as a student activist in an inherently racist American society. It touches on his involvement in riots and protests that were commonplace during that period of America's racist history and describes how he falls in love with his wife at first sight. It is his wife, a Nigerian, who informs him of a job opportunity in Nigeria, just when the biased American system threatens to stifle his ability to become gainfully employed, despite his qualifications. Disillusioned by the blatant racism perpetrated against "Afroans" in America, he seizes the opportunity and migrates to Nigeria where he is offered the chance to work with the school system. It is there in Nigeria that the author feels he is accorded the human respect and dignity he rightly deserves. His obvious devotion and love for his very supportive wife is clearly evident throughout the book. JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND is a sentimental story of one man's determination to maintain his self-respect and esteem. Ukali's story is an interesting one and though it lacks detail and depth, it is presented in a clear and easy to read format. JOURNEY TO THE MOTHERLAND is an enlightening read which covers a gamut of complex issues surrounding race relations and voluntary repatriation. It offers readers a taste of African culture and its apparent respect for diversity.
Journey to the Motherland: From San Francisco to Benin City is about a young African American man who meets and marries a Nigerian young woman and goes from the social unrest in San Francisco to Nigeria. The author discusses the struggle for everyday life and finding dignity within, as a black man.