Title: The African Rebels
Author: Dr. Francois Adja Assemien
Publisher: Toplink Publishing, LLC
ISBN: 978-1948262163
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 136 pages
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent
Pacific Book Review
The African Rebels tells the story of Toissin, a reporter who covers an African civil war and ends up influencing American politics. Dr. Francois Adja Assemien has written a sly satire, which takes a harsh look at the battle between the African and Western worlds. Once the rebels take over the country in a coup, Toissin flees to America. While he’s in the United States, he espouses views that give him attention around the world, including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.
The African Rebels is a sharp satire, which makes fun of serious issues affecting the African continent and the countries that colonize African countries. Assemien’s dialogue between the Okuopo soldiers and the French soldiers who try to occupy the country shows how dependent Europe is on Africa. The African Rebels also deftly explains how the legacy of French colonization has affected African countries and makes the residents of Okuopô mistrust and ultimately kill each other. Dr. Assemien also takes on the ways American modernism has changed traditionalism in Africa as well.
Toissin’s study of “ philotherapy and feminology” takes a dig at the feminist movement and his perceived view of the movement as being antagonistic towards men. Toissin is a multifaceted protagonist who tries to navigate the divide between Europe and Africa as he covers the civil war that is destroying his homeland. Toissin tries to be an honest man in America, but a tragic event makes him bury a terrible secret from his past. Toissin wants to remain an objective reporter but writes a treatise about the state of gender that makes him an academic star.
The African Rebels is a thought-provoking book that will spark interesting discussions. The book is not politically correct and has controversial opinions about women and the LGBT community in Africa and the United States. Despite the provocative dialogue and themes in the book, The African Rebels would be perfect for readers who relish political satires about Africa and the Western world’s influence on the continent. Fans of legendary African author Wole Soyinka will love Assemien’s novel. Readers who like books about worldwide political issues will like The African Rebels as well, as it is a novel that will engage and enlighten readers.
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