This novel I think is about what happens when priorities are all wrong. After all, love is more important than anything else in life. Without love there is always conflict, untruths and hurting hearts. Without love we can not see better tomorrows for our offspring. A Love Rekindled takes place in the years l999 to 2002 or 2003. Kevwe's father and other people can still remember one particular massacre between the tribes that took place in 1952. It is because this memory is so deep that Kevwe's father says in so many words 'over my dead body will you, Efe, marry my son. In Kevwe's parents' home Efe is insulted. This cruel man calls her a "wanton." He also deceives her by showing kindness in front of Kevwe while stinging her with words and threats when Kevwe is not near her for protection.
As Kevwe spoke, his father's hatred of the Itsekiri, and how he'd used the ethnic violence of those days to manipulate everything that had transpired with Efe became clear to him."
Myne Whitman took me on a roller coast ride through the lives of these lovers and their families. Her book made me think about love found is not necessarily easy to catch or keep. For these two people it almost becomes not a love rekindled but one lost forever. Thank goodness for the people who supported them. There is Kevwe's twin brother, Ofure. He is a doctor of medicine. There is Efe's friend, Nneke. There is Stanley who wants Efe himself. She does not love him. Thankfully, he pulls himself together after her rejection to help her out of another difficult situation.
In the end I must say love is a powerful force. Perhaps, Efe discovered this while humming "The Only One by BB Winans and Eternal." I do know all those who listened to the love beating in their hearts became stronger people in the end proving old hatreds can die and stay dead in a dark grave. It is up to us, the people on Planet Earth. We must make the choice.mynewhitman
