Man from Dahomey

The Dahomean #1

by Frank Yerby

His name was Nyasanu, son of an African chieftain. Raised to rule a savage land, he was brought to manhood on the field of battle and in the arms of the women who could not resist this mighty figure who towered above all others.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Benin

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Born in Augusta, Georgia to Rufus Garvin Yerby, an African American, and Wilhelmina Smythe, who was caucasian. He graduated from Haines Normal Institute in Augusta and graduated from Paine College in 1937. Thereafter, Yerby enrolled in Fisk University where he received his Master's degree in 1938. In 1939, Yerby entered the University of Chicago to work toward his doctorate but later left the university. Yerby taught briefly at Florida A&M University and at Southern University in Baton Rouge.

Frank Yerby rose to fame as a writer of popular fiction tinged with a distinctive southern flavor. In 1946 he became the first African-American to publish a best-seller with The Foxes of Harrow. That same year he also became the first African-American to have a book purchased for screen adaptation by a Hollywood studio, when 20th Century Fox optioned Foxes. Ultimately the book became a 1947 Oscar-nominated film starring Rex Harrison and Maureen O'Hara. Yerby was originally noted for writing romance novels set in the Antebellum South. In mid-century he embarked on a series of best-selling novels ranging from the Athens of Pericles to Europe in the Dark Ages. Yerby took considerable pains in research, and often footnoted his historical novels. In all he wrote 33 novels.

Reviews

[Christy Lashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most memorable and interesting books I have ever read. As you read this book you can see, hear, feel, smell, and taste all the wonder of Mother Africa. The details of the society, culture, and life of the tribal characters are amazing! Frank Yerby is a superb author and this is one of his finest!

[Jerome Kuseh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite books ever. Frank Yerby's classic book is about a man from a noble Dahomean family who rises to towering heights but is ultimately dashed down in the most undignified way. I read this as a child and I've been meaning to get a copy for a long time.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

It is rare that I do not like a Frank Yerby book but this one was not up to his normal high standards. He kept repeating the discripions of some of the characters and events as if he were writing for a teen reader. The book just ran on and on with not much happening. I felt like he was just writing a book on the Dahomean way of life. \Not a novel. It just was not interesting to me. THERE WERE SOME VERY GOOD CHARACTERS THOUGH.

[Robert Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been 30 years since I've read anything by Frank Yerby. I loved reading him and recently came across this book, I'd not read it before.

Slow to start, with a lot of background detail. Once it got going, it was excellent, action packed and exciting. The ending was brutal.

I was delighted to find there was a follow-up as it felt the tale was only half told. Will be ordering it right away.

[Jon Hollihan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read many Frank Yerby novels, my interest was piqued when finally obtaining a copy of this hard-to-find book, thanks to abebooks! Yerby wrote many historical, romance novels based in The United States before writing stories set in Spain, Greece and Africa. The Man from Dahomey describes a young man born to a chieftain and into a tribe filled with rituals for every aspect of life, numerous gods to appease or not insult, and all manner of taboos, types of friendships, and social structure. Nyasanu is tall, handsome, and good natured, though he is disgusted by his people’s violent ways (human sacrifices, war with neighboring tribes & slavery) and ridiculous social practices and has doubts of the existence of the gods. Evil exists everywhere and waits for opportunity. Nyasanu strives to lead a good life, but remains despondent. But he follows the rules and does what’s expected, though wary of his family and enemies. My problem with this novel is Yerby’s practice of using native words and explaining them over and over again. The outcome of Nyasanu’s life is introduced at the beginning, and we are told what happens to get this result.

Interesting to see the new Viola Davis movie based on the Dahomean “ahosi” - warrior women known for their violence in battle. The ahosi described in this novel (wives of the king and therefore untouchable and punished severely when “touched”) are quite different than those shown in the movie trailer. Need to watch the whole movie before passing further judgement on artisitic license taken. Need to read the Yerby novels noted as sequels to The Dahomean to learn more about what becomes of Nyasanu.

Would have rated 3 stars, but Yerby gives such intricate details of tribal life and their practices, it deserved the fourth. But too much repetition of words & definitions and explanations for a fifth star.

[Cheri' Ben-Iesau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book I read outside of "Aesop's Fables" and "Misty of Chincoteague." At just 14 years old, some would have said I was too young to read because of its sex and scandal and death. I was not scarred--I discovered my love of reading because of this book. After several years I re-read it. It was not as magical the second time around (I had evolved in my tastes) but still, a significant book for me.

[Junia Makeda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating journey into the life of Nyasanu, whose rise to power is as impressive as his eventual fall is tragic. Equally fascinating are his relationships with his wives, whose intensity adds both drama and profound emotional weight to the story. The novel evoked so many complex emotions in me, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page.

[Yamell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would of been a great read if I could get it on paper!!!!!

[Gerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

From 1967 to 1971, Frank Yerby departed from his books based in the old American south and wrote four novels taking place in other settings. They were An Odor of Sanctity in Moorish Spain, Goat Song in Classical Athens, Judas My Brother, and this one in early 19th Century Dahomey (now Benin). All are rich in historical detail and looked to have been well-researched.

The Dahomean has for its hero (protagonist; you wouldn’t want to be a Yerby hero) one Nyasanu, son of a chief who rises to power and then crashes and burns. The novel is 415 pages long and is full of references to Dahohmean culture, laws, and beliefs. There are the familiar Yerby literary devices. The hero/protagonist is quite talented and capable. He has too many women and there is at least one who swears if he leaves her she will simply die. Homosexual characters are ignoble and disgusting (one wonders if that was Yerby’s belief). Both author and hero find much to fault in their world, but in this book, it’s contrasted favorably with the early 19th Century Southern way of life.

The plot is rather simple; it could have happened in a hundred pages but for the anthropological lessons. Still, it’s an interesting read. It will continue in A Darkness at Ingraham’s Crest.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Dahomean" by Frank Yerby is a historical novel set in Dahomey during the 19th Century. Through the eyes of the main character Hweshu, a man of some standing, we witness the lives of various people and how their lives are shaped by their culture.

The author has clearly done his research into the history and culture of Dahomey and we see the society as it existed during the time period in which the story is set (references are provided in a note at the start of the book).

Overall a well written story which is not just a romantic tale of an Africa civilization, but we see the corrupting influence of unrestrained power and wealth.

[Precious Claudine]

Good read, good story, sad about the ending though

[Herneith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funnily enough, this book was pretty good considering the kerchief head who wrote it.

[Margareth8537 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and interesting