Yoruba Boy Running tells the story of 13-year-old Ajayi, living in 19th-century Osogun, Nigeria, who foresees trouble and is soon kidnapped by Malian slave raiders. He is sold to Portuguese slavers but is freed by the British navy in Sierra Leone. Ajayi's path leads him to become a celebrated preacher, linguist, and abolitionist, based on the true story of Samuel Ajayi Crowther. The narrative includes imagined exchanges between Yoruba factions and reflects the author's personal history regarding slavery and liberation.
Set in 19th-century Osogun, Yoruba Boy Running follows 13-year-old Ajayi, who faces a dark fate as he is kidnapped by Malian slave raiders and sold into slavery.
Ajayi's journey takes him from captivity in Lagos to Sierra Leone, where he is freed by the British navy and subsequently becomes a celebrated preacher and abolitionist.
Based on the real-life story of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, Yoruba Boy Running intertwines themes of colonial history with imagined conversations between warring Yoruba factions.
The novel, narrated by Chiwetel Ejiofor, reflects Biyi Bandele's personal connection to the narrative, linking it to his own family's history of liberation from slavery.
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