Told in three parts, Olawu is an inspiring coming of age story, an immersive introduction to 19th Century East Africa, and a BookLife Prize Quarter Finalist.
Olawu is the eldest daughter of Kanakam’s only physician. Her strong will and compassionate nature are a constant source of conflict in her village. In Kanakam there are many rules for girls, and those who break them are often broken. Despite Kanakam’s restrictions against girls reading, writing, or working a trade, her father teaches her in secret. Inspired by his skill and shielded by his status, Olawu learns eagerly at his side, hoping to one day follow in his footsteps.
Olawu’s world is upended when the Dikebe tribe takes over Kanakam. The Dikebe tribe has conquered dozens of villages west of the river as they wage a violent war against the Oloko tribe to the east. When tragedy strikes, Olawu and her family are left vulnerable to the harsh realities of Kanakam, including the forced marriage ritual known as the Choosing. As the eldest daughter, Olawu’s duty is to protect her family. But her father instilled in her a greater purpose, and the Choosing is no better than slavery.
Driven to desperation, she seeks help from Dikembe, the son of the tribal warlord who has taken over her village. She hopes he will repay her father’s past kindness and shield her family, but hope is a fragile thing, and time is running out.
New Cover!
Set in a time and
place unburdened
by the devastation
of colonialism,
Olawu is a
refreshing tale
about a brave girl
with a bold dream.
Praise for Olawu:
Warrior. Healer. Daughter.
Ready to dive into this action-packed adventure? Olawu is available in Paperback and Hardcover at most major online book outlets in the US and abroad, including Amazon and Walmart. Use this UNIVERSAL BOOK LINK for some of your favorite retailers, or check out Where To Find Olawu by P. J. Leigh to buy it from your favorite indie bookshop or borrow it from your local library!
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Latest Updates:
- The New Cover For Olawu Is Here!
Alright, y’all. The one year anniversary is a big milestone for me as an indie author, and I am really, really, happy with the new cover for Olawu. Continue reading →
- Olawu Special Edition And Cover Reveal
My debut novel just recently hit its one year anniversary. To commemorate its publication, it’s getting a brand new cover. The Olawu Special Edition is also in production and will be available soon.
Continue reading → - Blogger Requests for Olawu
Are you a book blogger, booktok influencer or bookstagrammer? Would you like to help me spread the word about Olawu? I’ve got a limited number of kindle and paperback copies of Olawu to share with the book review community, and if you’d like to be one of them, please fill out the form below. Continue reading →
