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The Boy who Spat in Sargrenti's Eye
On 13 June, 1873 British forces bombarded Elmina Town and destroyed it. It was never rebuilt.
Later that same year, using seaborne artillery, the British flattened ten coastal towns and villages - including Axim, Takoradi and Sekondi.
On 6 February, 1874, after looting the Asantehene’s palace in Kumase, British troops blew up the stone building and set the city on fire, razing it to the ground.
15-year old Kofi Gyan witnesses these events and records them in his diary. This novel, first published soon after the 140th anniversary of the sack of Kumase, tells his story.
The front cover features an image of a solid gold mask looted from the palace of the Asantehene. The mask now resides in the Wallace Collection in London.
Later that same year, using seaborne artillery, the British flattened ten coastal towns and villages - including Axim, Takoradi and Sekondi.
On 6 February, 1874, after looting the Asantehene’s palace in Kumase, British troops blew up the stone building and set the city on fire, razing it to the ground.
15-year old Kofi Gyan witnesses these events and records them in his diary. This novel, first published soon after the 140th anniversary of the sack of Kumase, tells his story.
The front cover features an image of a solid gold mask looted from the palace of the Asantehene. The mask now resides in the Wallace Collection in London.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
231 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 14, 2021
An honest recant of British brutality and treachery.
June 5, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and in fact wish it was longer so I could hear more about Kofi Gyan and his family and the harsh plight of his people during the British colonization of Ghana during the late 1800's. It's especially heartbreaking when you know that these heinous acts of colonialism and brutality are historical and factual and that so many people died at the hands of brutal invaders. For history buffs and specially art history enthusiasts there are scanned pictures drawn during the British invasion and colonization which are beautiful and a wonderful addition to the story. I would definitely recommend this book to those wanting to delve deeper into Ghanaian history and the suffering of her people.
September 9, 2025
Set in Ghana, 1871-1874. Shows the interaction between the local people and colonial intruders. The book won a Burt Award for African literature. Its author is white South African with dual Ghanaian citizenship, where he has lived for decades. At 300 pages, it is a long read for its target age (10-12 years) - and very detailed. Although fictional, it often reads more like a history book than a novel. Prior knowledge of the area and its history would be helpful. And a map. And definitely consult the list of characters at the back of the book.
You can tell that most of the historical sources for this book comes from European records, for though Kofi is the main character, the story centers on his observations of the Europeans, and we don't get much info at all about his own life, culture, family members, goals, etc. The book is definitely written from a postcolonial perspective though, even anticolonial, and does not portray the Europeans in a positive light.
It is a highly informative narrative, well researched and with authentic hand drawn images sprinkled throughout. Despite being boring compared to most middle grade and highschool literature, it is definitely more interesting and more compelling than reading about these same events in a history book. Thus it is useful for educational purposes and as a foundation for discussion.
In general the content is appropriate for ages 10-12. Note however that some of the historical drawings show topless women. Note also that there are conversations between Europeans in which they speak about the Africans in terrible ways, showing the prejudices of their times clearly. In these conversations author quotes directly from these historical figures' own writings, and chooses not to censor or tone down their language. This includes several uses of the N-word! I personally found this raw use of language unhelpful in a book geared towards a young audience.
This book demonstrates clearly some of the struggles African rulers and African people faced as they interacted with European powers. Not a perfect book, but I'm glad I read it.
You can tell that most of the historical sources for this book comes from European records, for though Kofi is the main character, the story centers on his observations of the Europeans, and we don't get much info at all about his own life, culture, family members, goals, etc. The book is definitely written from a postcolonial perspective though, even anticolonial, and does not portray the Europeans in a positive light.
It is a highly informative narrative, well researched and with authentic hand drawn images sprinkled throughout. Despite being boring compared to most middle grade and highschool literature, it is definitely more interesting and more compelling than reading about these same events in a history book. Thus it is useful for educational purposes and as a foundation for discussion.
In general the content is appropriate for ages 10-12. Note however that some of the historical drawings show topless women. Note also that there are conversations between Europeans in which they speak about the Africans in terrible ways, showing the prejudices of their times clearly. In these conversations author quotes directly from these historical figures' own writings, and chooses not to censor or tone down their language. This includes several uses of the N-word! I personally found this raw use of language unhelpful in a book geared towards a young audience.
This book demonstrates clearly some of the struggles African rulers and African people faced as they interacted with European powers. Not a perfect book, but I'm glad I read it.
June 23, 2020
The irony of slave stoppers subjecting others to servitude
This story told through the eyes of a 'local' boy makes his perspective more appreciated.
You live through this period of Ghana history vicariously.
Nicely written. Well researched.
This story told through the eyes of a 'local' boy makes his perspective more appreciated.
You live through this period of Ghana history vicariously.
Nicely written. Well researched.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews