Ivana Akotowaa Ofori's ‘The Year of Return’ is a masterful blend of history and the supernatural. This novella is set against Ghana's Year of Return initiative, which marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were taken to Virginia. The story follows Adwapa, a Ghanaian journalist living in the U.S., as she returns to her homeland on a vacation during this historic commemoration. Accompanied by her friends, Adwapa embarks on a journey that quickly unfolds into a gripping tale of mystery and supernatural reckoning.
Through this story, Akotowaa paints a vivid picture of Ghana's tourist sites, vibrant streets, and culture, helping us understand the significance of death and transitioning into the afterlife for the African. She also carefully describes the sights, sounds, and flavours of our motherland with rich detail.
In the middle of the book, the novel takes an unexpected turn as the story delves into the supernatural. As the celebrations reach its peak, the Atlantic Ocean—a silent witness to the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade—begins to stir. From it, the spirits of enslaved people who perished during the harrowing slave trade across West Africa emerge. These spirits return not in peace but in turmoil, hoping to tell their stories and share their pain. They transform the Year of Return from a joyous celebration into a haunting spectacle.
Adwapa finds herself at the centre of these supernatural events, caught in a whirlwind of historical reckonings and chilling manifestations. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery and courage as she grapples with the implications of these spirits.
Akotowaa skillfully uses Adwapa's character to explore themes of identity, death, heritage, and the complex relationships between history and the present. Her telling of this story is chilling, touching and emotional. In the book, as the dead return to land, they gain strength and embody the living, their presence sends shockwaves across the globe, challenging the living to confront the legacies of the past. Akotowaa skillfully blurs the line between the living and the dead, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Published in West Africa by Smartline (Publishers) Limited, The Year of Return is a powerful narrative that will challenge you to reflect on how history shapes our lives and the importance of addressing unresolved grievances. Akotowaa’s storytelling is both lyrical and evocative. It will draw you into a world where the past and present collide in a haunting exploration of identity and legacy.
