Title: Long Way Back Home: Crossing a World of Limitations
Author: Evelyn Saah-Giegbefumwen
Publisher: XlibrisUS
ISBN: 9781543416695
Pages: 142
Genre: Spirituality / Family & Relationships / Parenting
Reviewed by: Lisa Brown-Gilbert
Pacific Book Review Star
Awarded to Books of Excellent Merit
Author Evelyn Saah-Giegbefumwen, brings readers full circle spiritually, with her dramatically compelling book, Long Way Back Home: Crossing a World of Limitations. Inspired by true events, this Christian themed book brings into focus, matters of the heart, spirit and soul with the trials, tribulations and spiritual transformations of young Jamour and her mother, Terry, lost in a maze of modern life, selfish needs and besieged by their own spiritual limitations.
Jamour, born to a teenage mother, but raised by a loving, compassionate and nurturing grandmother, finds herself at serious odds when her grandmother passes away and she is left to be raised by her mother Terry, someone that she does not know as an authority figure, and soon finds she does not like as a person. Seemingly stuck in an uncomfortable and tumultuous relationship with her mother. Jamour longs for the compassion, and warmth that she once had with her grandmother. However, unfortunately she does not find the same solace with her mother, particularly at a time when she needs her the most as she begins to hit puberty. Blindly going through the physical and psychological changes of puberty, Jamour often finds herself being viciously teased in school, and ogled by men and stuck with no one to talk to at home. Eventually, a disheartened Jamour finds companionship with another schoolmate Tish, someone who comes from a close and loving family. The two young ladies form a strong friendship, but that friendship does not replace the missing love and guidance of her mother.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, her mother, Terry remains mired in her own selfish ways. She loves Jamour, but struggles with what she considers to be the burden of her presence in her life, as she attempts to balance the weights of life as a single mom while continuing to live for her own needs and desires. As a result, both Jamour and Terry became lost to each other, especially when Jamour makes her way into a dangerous world that she did not know or fully understand.
Altogether, I truly enjoyed Long Way Back Home. The book was an insightful pleasure to read and did well to promote the empowering message about the positive life changes brought about when people accept God’s will and love into their lives. While reading, I found myself emotionally gripped by author, Saah- Giegbefumwen’s effective writing; she knows how to pull on those emotion laden nerves by touching on the real and frightening scenarios of modern life. And as a parent, I was especially affected during those “cringe” worthy moments when it seemed like danger was imminent for young Jamour. Ultimately, whether you have a love of faith or not, this book makes a great inspiring read for adults and teens alike.
