Aliou: A Novel of the Backway

A young man is determined to seek a way out of poverty after the death of his father. Countless chronicles of many who have fled to Europe have highlighted calamities on its pathway, while diaspora crushes much more than dreams of gaming glory.

However, a bastion of order exists known to fellow Gambians as 'The Backway'. Many African migrants and refugees have died, been ransomed, or have been taken into slavery crossing the desert sands of the Sub-Saharan on their journey in search of a better life. 

It was only yesterday. Aliou was in charge of his own destiny. He excelled in high school, had a crush on a girl he tutored in his village back home, and helped his cousin overcome addiction in the country's capital.

Today, he must take on the role of protector and provider. His young life is the only hope in his eyes.

Topics: African diaspora fiction, African literature, contemporary fiction, literary fiction, cultural fiction, diaspora studies, immigrant experience, African identity, postcolonial literature, historical fiction, social issues, cultural heritage, international fiction, family saga, coming of age, literary drama, global literature, cultural diversity, African storytelling, contemporary African fiction, identity, migration stories, cultural exploration, literary, standalone

Readers of: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Teju Cole, NoViolet Bulawayo, Dinaw Mengestu, Yaa Gyasi, Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Chinua Achebe, Ben Okri, Nuruddin Farah, Helon Habila, Chigozie Obioma, Tayari Jones, Maaza Mengiste, Tope Folarin, Imbolo Mbue, Taiye Selasi, Petina Gappah, Leila Aboulela, Chris Abani, Abdulrazak Gurnah, Bernardine Evaristo, Sefi Atta, Alain Mabanckou, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, Chimananda Ngozi Adichie, Colson Whitehead, Edwidge Danticat, Dinaw Mengestu, Nnedi Okorafor, Tomi Adeyemi