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THE LEGENDARY WEAVER – Reviews

“As a reader you are absorbed instantly. The beautiful use of language, the rich descriptions and the way that every one of your senses is tantalised is astonishing. You cannot help but fully immerse yourself in the heroine’s journey. What is most impressive is how the warmth and educational value of the underlying messages effortlessly permeate the narrative. I wanted to share the experience of reading it with my children immediately. Abimbola is a wonderful storyteller.”
Dr Ian Luke, Dean, Faculty of Education, Health & Welfare (UCP Marjon)

“Abimbola has woven magic into this simple tale of love and locks. Kike, our young heroine has a life changing experience when she becomes deaf, heralding the start of an exciting spiritual journey. Set in Aje, a small village in Nigeria, the tale is bursting with magical stories. ‘The Legendary Weaver’ touches the heart and nourishes the soul.”
Fiona Evans, BBC Radio Devon

“’The Legendary Weaver is sophisticated in its message of hope over adversity. Abimbola’s skill as a tale-teller is evident from the off. Like all the best novelists, you cannot tear your eyes from the page. Also, her vivid descriptions of African life will remain in your mind’s eye perfectly as you leaf through this work.”
Katie Tokus, Evening Herald, Plymouth

“In the Legendary Weaver, Abimbola draws upon the richness of the African oral tradition to enhance structure, style and themes. The interplay of orality and literacy both in the narrative proverb and frame narrative is highly effective. Also, the characters are unforgettable. Though Kike is the legend in this story, there are other memorable characters like the women who hold the fort while their men are at war, storytellers and artisans who influence their communities and friends who stand by families who are in distress.”
Grace Yesufu, Head of English, The John Warner School Hoddesdon UK

“A truly beautifully crafted tale, that vividly conjures up a vibrant sense of place, culture and traditions. The story incorporates the universal message -that one can triumph despite the odds! The narrative hook and structure and the beautiful use of imagery makes this a valuable resource for both Primary and Secondary English lessons.”
Angela Snell, Lecturer, Secondary ITE English (UCP Marjon)

“I have used ‘The Legendary Weaver’ with a few primary schools in Northumberland, as well as for storytelling sessions in our international holiday clubs. The book is rich in resources, culture and wisdom. Following the story reading, the children had many questions and this led to meaningful discussions. We also shared the songs with parents – ‘Bata re a dun ko ko ka’ was very popular! This book is an excellent resource.”
Caroline Afolabi-Deleu, Educator and Director of Success4All c.i.c

“A captivating and easy to read book with an unpredictable and realistic ending. The book, which appeals to both young and old, explores family life, creativity, folk tales and proverbs. This is a good resource for storytelling, anthropological study and disability Awareness.”
Dr Bunmi Olayisade, Queen’s University Belfast

“In The Legendary Weaver, Kike, the main character is afflicted with deafness early in life, but she transforms her disability into a challenge and this challenge into wondrous capability, as she advances from her lowly station to a symbolic house on the hill. Told in a simple, sometimes earthy style, this story is a parable and moral tale, a paean to the indomitability of the human spirit...”
Niyi Osundare (Poet and Literary Critic)