Nvasekie Konneh Dazzles Readers in the Rich Memoir, “The Land of My Father’s Birth.”

Reviewed by Manseen Logan/ Reader, Writer, Editor 

This memoir is a remarkable read with so many life lessons. Mr.Konneh begins his story by sharing the astonishing history of the land that we know today as Liberia. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the expansions and land trades, which were monumental in creating the borders and lines that Liberia was constructed out of. He goes on to discuss the history of his family and the Mandingo people, while giving a strong disclaimer that this narrative is a recollection of events taking place throughout his life from his perspective. The author encourages other groups and individuals to share tales of Liberia from their point of views in an effort to truly reconcile and heal from the pains of the many travesties that took place during one of the darkest moments of Liberia’s history.

The piece challenges readers to ask themselves, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” By discussing and recalling the persecution of the Mandingo group during the precursor of the Liberian Civil War, a war that would go on to span over fourteen years and affect ALL of Liberia. While the book discusses and recalls vivid and harsh scenes from the war, it is more than a war story. This is the story of Nvasekie Konneh and his life from birth to present. The audience will rise and fall with emotions while Mr. Konneh charts his journey from growing up in Liberia as a small boy to serving in the US Navy as a grown man. This book is for anyone who supports African literature. It is a story for dream chasers and a perfect example of how one can fulfill their purpose in spite of uncontrollable obstacles.

About the Author: Manseen Logan is a Liberian writer and editor based in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s the Publicist for Bella Beau Marketing & Publicity LLC. She can be reached @ mlogan@bellabeaump.com