A Review of “Àlejò: Crossing Times”
Shortlisted Essay in the Àtìpó Book Review Prize by Agoro Maryam Ayooluwa
When one hears of Esu, what comes to mind is an evil spirit, someone who should be feared or something that one should be wary of. The perceived notions associated with the characters include; doom or disaster, so one would think "Esu" and "Laaroye", would be agents of destruction in the book. Àlejò: The Crossing Times depicts that truly one should not judge a book by its cover as appearances can be deceiving.
The story takes its reader to how "Esu Laalu Ogiri Oko, Laaroye Afada Toro Epo", (a eulogy for Esu), a wandering God who was able to save generations with the use of time traveling. Though Laaroye’s method of time-traveling at some point brings worry and sadness to Ilerioluwa’s parents, it goes a long way in saving generations through the ansia seeds that he planted. Guess the saying “A leopard does not change its spot” had to be evinced at some point.
The book narrates the story of Ilerioluwa, a teenage girl who comes from a strict home, with a disciplinary father and a devoted and caring mother through the words of Laaroye. On her way to her aunt’s place, after going through a deserted area, Ilerioluwa finds herself in a realm different from hers. Confused at first, and after deploying every means to abscond, she finally accepts her fate and adjusts to her new environment with the hope of going home one day.
In the same way, Ilerioluwa mysteriously finds herself in a past realm, Bantale, an orphan from the village Ilerioluwa disappears into, finds himself in the future and provides succor to Iyade, a woman who lost her family in an accident and got abandoned by her husband’s family and her only sister. Bantale not only provides companionship to Iyade but also makes her have new dreams and more reasons to live aside from being in a cleaner and better environment. Ilerioluwa’s parent’s attempt to find their missing daughter yields no positive results, while Nachi, Ilerioluwa’s boyfriend is given a vision, being the link, someone who is aware of the happenings of both worlds.
As in Elemi’s words, an incident would occur which would lead to Ilerioluwa fulfilling her destiny and not ending up like her grandmother who suffered the same fate but created a new life for herself.
One amazing thing about the book is the use of time travel. Flashbacks and narration through storytelling are common narrative techniques, but one would ask: Why did the author make use of time travel? What brought out the idea of time-traveling? It’s also a wonder how Ilerioluwa, a city girl, who grew up and spent her life used to civilization can cope and adapt to the ways of the people of Olotoosho. This portrays the resilience and adaptability of humans. Ilerioluwa grows to bond with Abike and wins the heart of Salako who dedicated his all to protecting her.
It’s also amazing how the author not only uses the art of time-traveling to fulfill destiny and save generations but also gives solace and hope to Iyade through Bantale’s appearance.
The book eloquently delves into the Yoruba culture, traditions, and customs using Olotoosho Village. Here, the hospitality of the people of Yorubaland comes into play in the way Ilerioluwa is treated and accorded respect. The book also hammers on the fact that the food of Yoruba will always be greatly cherished and savored. Little wonder, Bantale longs for Pounded Yam and Efo riro despite being in a different world. The respected role of a diviner "ifa" in the Yorubaland is evinced when Kabiyesi despite being aggrieved by the death of his son, waits for the pronouncement of the diviner before deciding what to do to Salako, his brother who killed his son, Aremo in a state of anger.
Ilerioluwa, after making it home is no longer the reserved girl, who does her father’s bidding but grows to be an assertive lady who fights for herself.
The book is a good read with so much to learn about the culture of the Yorubaland and provides an avenue for entertainment through its use of time travel and storytelling. A commendable incorporation of time travel sets this book apart. I’ll end this with; this is a must-read for everyone! No one should miss the chance to immerse themselves in a cultural journey.
_________________________________________________________________
Agoro Maryam Ayooluwa is currently an undergraduate, majoring in English Language at the University of Lagos. A reader who has a flair for writing (majorly short stories). Aside from reading and writing, she has a passion for teaching and hopes to be a lecturer of English Language and Literature in years to come.
Her essay is a finalist in the Àtìpó Book Review Prize.
