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Praise Song for the Butterflies
2023: Other Books
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Praise Song for the Butterflies by Bernice L. McFadden - 4 stars
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Set in the fictional country of Ukemby (near Ghana, Togo, & Benin in western Africa), starting in the 1980s, this book tells the story of Abeo. As the story opens, she is living with her family and leading the happy-go-lucky life of a nine-year old child of a prosperous family. When her father, Wasik, falls foul of the regime, the family is set back emotionally and financially. Her father’s mother comes to live with them. Her grandmother is still steeped in the superstitions of the past and convinces Wasik to place Abeo in a shrine to appease the spirits (without telling his wife). While there, Abeo is subjected to a horrendous series of abuses, including hard labor, flogging, and rape.
This book calls attention to the religious practice of trokosi, which involves ritual enslavement. Despite being outlawed, it is still practiced. The chapters are short, so even though it contains brutality, it is not belabored. It is easy to develop strong protective feelings toward Abeo. The storyline follows her life as a shrine-slave as well as what happens to her relatives. There are several subplots woven into the main story. It was difficult to read about mistreatment of children and young women, but it also contains a story of survival and resilience in the face of trauma and tragedy.