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Finding the Source: One Man’s Quest for Healing in West Africa
A spellbinding account of an artist’s unconventional journey through West Africa to overcome a debilitating illness—and to find the true source of his pain.
“Compelling reading…a work that often has a captivating sense of immediacy.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Somewhere in Africa, the blacksmith’s widow is rumored to still be alive. And her dark magic is Dave’s last hope of ending a twenty-year curse. If only he can find her.
Deep in Africa, there is a power as old as the Earth. This is a land where ancestors walk among the living and impish spirits dwell in the forest. Occult knowledge is guarded by secret societies, and blacksmiths carve sacred masks that invoke deities. Here, art is magic.
An ocean away, Dave is a struggling artist who longs for adventure. When fate brings him to West Africa, his dream becomes a reality, and he’s drawn into a world of ritual drumming and vodoun magic. But the dream becomes a nightmare.
The illness comes on violently. As Dave convulses in pain, the villagers call it a curse, suspecting sorcery. At first, Dave’s not so sure. Back in America, his doctors lead him down a dangerous road of opioid painkillers, but the condition worsens. As the years go by, Dave’s suspicions deepen. Was it really a curse that beset him all those years ago?
Facing a life of disability, Dave’s final quest brings him back to Africa. To find the source, he must question everything he thinks he knows, and put his trust in the words of a shaman and in spiritual forces he’s not sure exist. But in the end, it’s his own demons he must confront, before the curse finally destroys him.
“Compelling reading…a work that often has a captivating sense of immediacy.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Somewhere in Africa, the blacksmith’s widow is rumored to still be alive. And her dark magic is Dave’s last hope of ending a twenty-year curse. If only he can find her.
Deep in Africa, there is a power as old as the Earth. This is a land where ancestors walk among the living and impish spirits dwell in the forest. Occult knowledge is guarded by secret societies, and blacksmiths carve sacred masks that invoke deities. Here, art is magic.
An ocean away, Dave is a struggling artist who longs for adventure. When fate brings him to West Africa, his dream becomes a reality, and he’s drawn into a world of ritual drumming and vodoun magic. But the dream becomes a nightmare.
The illness comes on violently. As Dave convulses in pain, the villagers call it a curse, suspecting sorcery. At first, Dave’s not so sure. Back in America, his doctors lead him down a dangerous road of opioid painkillers, but the condition worsens. As the years go by, Dave’s suspicions deepen. Was it really a curse that beset him all those years ago?
Facing a life of disability, Dave’s final quest brings him back to Africa. To find the source, he must question everything he thinks he knows, and put his trust in the words of a shaman and in spiritual forces he’s not sure exist. But in the end, it’s his own demons he must confront, before the curse finally destroys him.
385 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1849 people want to read
About the author
Dave Kobrenski
4 books23 followersDave Kobrenski is an artist and musician who loves a good adventure and travels to West Africa frequently. When he’s not traveling, he makes art and music, builds flutes, writes and illustrates books, and hangs out with shamans and healers whenever possible.
Dave’s books include Finding the Source (2022), Drawing on Culture (2019), and Djoliba Crossing (2013). All books are available at https://davekobrenski.com/books and online wherever books are sold.
Dave’s books include Finding the Source (2022), Drawing on Culture (2019), and Djoliba Crossing (2013). All books are available at https://davekobrenski.com/books and online wherever books are sold.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 4, 2022
'The most gifted failure you might meet' and his (re)connection with African traditions.
'Finding the Source: One Man's Quest for Healing in West Africa' by Dave Kobrenski sends readers into the places where the physical and the spiritual worlds collide. From the school years, the author rebelled against the dull, standardized morale of the West. By surfing, taking mountain hikes, and using different substances, he searched for the meaning of life and his place in the general order of things. Eventually, Africa, with its music, dances, and secrets, won over his heart - and cursed him with immense everyday pain. After two decades of futile treatment and a doctor's verdict - surgery and the following disability - the author took a desperate tour into the depths of Africa to find himself - or die trying.
The book has a lot to offer if one wants to immerse in the memoirs. The combination of wide knowledge and colorful language goes hand-by-hand with relatable prose. Unobtrusively, a reader learns about traditional African musical instruments, ankylosing spondylitis (an autoimmune disease), and opioids in modern medicine. The author demonstrates a creative approach to the memoirs' structure: using two timelines, one starting from childhood, another in some moment of the past. At some point, the two fast-pacing timelines connect into one that seems more detailed and, thus, slow. It depicts every motion and thought of the author and can be named the most revealing part of the book.
I recommend the book as full of surprises prelude to exploring cultures that one day may disappear. I didn't look into the author's previous two sketchbooks depicting African sacrificial rituals and practices. But if the author could convey sweltering heat and the sounds of the drums in words, I expect illustrations to drown a reader in African originality.
I received an advance review copy through Reedsy Discovery, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
'Finding the Source: One Man's Quest for Healing in West Africa' by Dave Kobrenski sends readers into the places where the physical and the spiritual worlds collide. From the school years, the author rebelled against the dull, standardized morale of the West. By surfing, taking mountain hikes, and using different substances, he searched for the meaning of life and his place in the general order of things. Eventually, Africa, with its music, dances, and secrets, won over his heart - and cursed him with immense everyday pain. After two decades of futile treatment and a doctor's verdict - surgery and the following disability - the author took a desperate tour into the depths of Africa to find himself - or die trying.
The book has a lot to offer if one wants to immerse in the memoirs. The combination of wide knowledge and colorful language goes hand-by-hand with relatable prose. Unobtrusively, a reader learns about traditional African musical instruments, ankylosing spondylitis (an autoimmune disease), and opioids in modern medicine. The author demonstrates a creative approach to the memoirs' structure: using two timelines, one starting from childhood, another in some moment of the past. At some point, the two fast-pacing timelines connect into one that seems more detailed and, thus, slow. It depicts every motion and thought of the author and can be named the most revealing part of the book.
I recommend the book as full of surprises prelude to exploring cultures that one day may disappear. I didn't look into the author's previous two sketchbooks depicting African sacrificial rituals and practices. But if the author could convey sweltering heat and the sounds of the drums in words, I expect illustrations to drown a reader in African originality.
I received an advance review copy through Reedsy Discovery, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2022
My #1 book of 2022!
I was fortunate to get an advanced copy and absolutely couldn't put it down. Dave's stories have a way of pulling you in and holding on tight. Adventure, heartbreak, compassion, humanity, self-reflection... everything that I want in a great read. Hoping everyone gets as much from this book as I did. Looking forward to reading it again!
I was fortunate to get an advanced copy and absolutely couldn't put it down. Dave's stories have a way of pulling you in and holding on tight. Adventure, heartbreak, compassion, humanity, self-reflection... everything that I want in a great read. Hoping everyone gets as much from this book as I did. Looking forward to reading it again!
January 14, 2022
Through this exciting adventure, we are given a beautiful glimpse into what's important in life. This story provides a wake-up call from the illusion of what we tend to describe as, "advanced societies," and reminds us how to be humble, grateful, and ultimately happy. Finding the Source is a must-read for anyone interested in the teachings of traditional cultures or for anyone who feels they are stuck in a rut. Dave's journey is full of excitement, struggle, and happiness that will bring hope to anyone who reads it.
April 5, 2022
“Inspiring & insightful. A tale of true magic and overcoming all odds - a deeply moving and richly told narrative with unique perspectives on spiritual healing, western medicine, African music & the clash between the modern world and ancient traditional wisdom.”
Want to read
January 24, 2022Been waiting so long to read this. Hope to get the chance soon!
January 22, 2022
A real life adventure story at it's best! I could not put this one down! Vivid descriptions carried me along for the journey. I feel I've been to Africa and back with Dave and appreciate the lessons on culture, history, world issues, health and healing he weaves with the magic of his words. A must read!
Read
November 8, 2022An enjoyable read. Dave shared his very personal life journey with honesty. Having been to Africa, although a different area, I loved hearing the more intimate details about the culture and daily life within the villages which he stayed in. A story of the soul and a battle with an illness and the drugs prescribed western doctors.
May 1, 2022
Entrancing
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the story of an artist and musician' s struggle with illness and chronic pain. It contains information about Western medicine along with traditional ways of healing. Very interesting!
I received this book through a Goodreads Giveaway. It is the story of an artist and musician' s struggle with illness and chronic pain. It contains information about Western medicine along with traditional ways of healing. Very interesting!
February 21, 2024
A Powerful, Must Read book
This is a riveting book that was hard to put down, about West African culture and traditions, healing from a long illness and faith. Highly recommended
This is a riveting book that was hard to put down, about West African culture and traditions, healing from a long illness and faith. Highly recommended
January 15, 2022
From the very first page, Finding the Source by Dave Kobrenski pulls the reader into a unique and beautifully written narrative about healing the body and soul. Dave's lyrical prose weaves an unexpected story of how Dave ended up living in Africa, falling in love with the people he met there, and uncovering the source of the pain that ruled his reality. The impact of living with unrelenting pain is not an easily-shared concept, but Dave manages to powerfully convey just that. I felt as if I was following Dave as he undertook these physical, emotional and spiritual journeys - he shines a light on the highs and lows of his travels and you can see his growth as his story progresses. This is a beautiful book that needs to be shared widely!
September 22, 2025
Thank you thank you thank you!
I have finished this novel a while ago but I am re-reading this Gem (with a capital G.) now. And I will re-read it again after I finish. Heck, I think I am just gonna loop-read this novel for eternity. I just don't wanna leave this beautiful, sad, hopeful and wonderful world.
One thing about an event in the novel: I do hope the author understands that the owl wasn't calling for another owl. The owl was calling for him! That's what owls do, they come to you to awaken you to make you realize changes has to be made. The owl was there to guide him.
22 september 2025
Re-read it. Again! So does this means I re-re-read? And I am gonna read it again! This time I will annotate ✒️ looking forward to it.
This is such a good book.
I have finished this novel a while ago but I am re-reading this Gem (with a capital G.) now. And I will re-read it again after I finish. Heck, I think I am just gonna loop-read this novel for eternity. I just don't wanna leave this beautiful, sad, hopeful and wonderful world.
One thing about an event in the novel: I do hope the author understands that the owl wasn't calling for another owl. The owl was calling for him! That's what owls do, they come to you to awaken you to make you realize changes has to be made. The owl was there to guide him.
22 september 2025
Re-read it. Again! So does this means I re-re-read? And I am gonna read it again! This time I will annotate ✒️ looking forward to it.
This is such a good book.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews