The Ransom

The Ransom takes the reader through the saga of a ransom of the dead, an object of atonement by an offending family and a payment in life demanded by the aggrieved family for the gruesome murder of a woman with her unborn child.

Our young protagonist, Izuka, an epitome of courage and selflessness and a model worthy of emulation, offers himself and is sacrificed as a substitute for the culprit, for a misdeed he knew nothing about. He's sentenced to a life of exile and untimely death. Izuka and his 'chi' battle all odds as his story takes us on a journey of daring adventure, love, sacrifice, and fate.

Imbued with informative and didactic narrative, the book explores

fundamental principles of life and highlights the values and morals that are uniquely African and distinctively Igbo. The exposition of the Igbo way of life is exceptional. Take for instance, the rich Igbo culture of marriage, a thing of pride and a way of growing social bonds and displaying wisdom and

elegance, or occasional sale or servile bonding to a deity of serious offenders.

lloeje gives us a taste of our heritage, woven through the intricacies of a

captivating story. Set in the pre-colonial and pre-evangelization era, we have a peek into the traditional value structure and patterns of communal living.

Intense nostalgia commends a visit to our roots for a harvest of core values that reflect on the dignity of the African. Izuka embodies the traits both deficient and needed in the development of visionary men and women that are crucial to the transformation of our present-day society, and confirms

confidence in the youth.

The author's impeccable writing technique transports you in time to the days of telling tales under the moonlight. The plot's twists and turns are enthralling and engaging; a captivating book from start to finish, impossible to drop even for a second. Iloeje is a master storyteller.