Eric Reese

Aliou Eric Reese

When Africa feels like everything except home...

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, there does exist a bastion of order, 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-Sahara on their journey in search for a better life.

It was only yesterday; Aliou was in charge of his own destiny; excelling in high school, having a crush on a girl he tutored in his village back home and helping 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.

This young adult adventure of wit and poise delivers one of the most powerful storylines of today's calamities of poverty and escape.