The Shoeshine Boy

About the Book

This book is about Akin Quicksilver's struggle to acquire education, which every Nigerian knows to be the surest means of ascending from poverty. With the death of his benefactor and a mediocre performance at the West African School Certificate Examinations, he knows that the only way to advance himself academically must be through his own exertion and determination. The inability to fulfill his educational ambition in Nigeria sets him out on adventure, which eventually takes him to Liberia where he has to eke out an existence by shining shoes. Through his dedication to his shoeshine business, he gets a lucky break. An Episcopal Mission in the country employs him as a utility man. In spite of suffering a series of setbacks, he obtains a scholarship to an American university and eventually wends his way to America.

His strongest motivation for success is his love for Jumoke Phoenix, which is seriously threatened by his poor performance in the West African School Certificate Examinations. Jumoke is in grade one and Akin in three, with little or no chance for further advancement. The problem is further complicated by the appearance of a rival who seems to be gaining an upper hand in the competition for Jumoke's affection. Akin is determined not to give Jumoke the satisfaction of saying in future: "I m glad I left him at the time I did."

About the Author

Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Harrison Oladunjoye Akingbade arrived in America in 1970, on a fellowship from the Center for Economic Development in Boston, to study agrarian reforms in Southwest Georgia under the auspices of Goddard College. Armed with a Master's degree in anthropology, he proceeded to Howard University where he earned a doctorate in African history. He has taught in several universities and published several articles in academic journals both in the United States and Europe. He is the author of From Slave to Bishop: Samuel Ajayi Crowther published by Research Triangle Press, Durham, North Carolina, 1996. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina with his wife and three children.