Guanya Pau: A Story of an African Princess

This novel of an African girl's attempted escape from an arranged polygamous marriage, the first by an African in English, was originally published in 1891 and has recently been rediscovered and reissued. Princess Guanya Pau has been betrothed to a man she loathes; her strict mother will not let her marry her true love, Momo. Determined Guanya and her faithful friend, Jassah, run away to seek a land where women are treated respectfully and equally. Along their journey they see their unfortunate countrywomen being mistreated by men, and this furthers their desire to find a place where all believe ``woman is as good and great as man, and intended to be his equal.'' Walters, a Liberian and a devout Christian, places his Christian beliefs firmly at the center of the novel; indeed, Guanya's premonitory, last dream is of a holy city of churches where Africans have ``laid their hearts down to the American religion.'' In this simple story, plainly told, the interplay of Walters's feelings for his native land and his adoption of Western values provides fascinating reading for the modern audience. An excellent and informative introduction accompanies the novel. (Feb.)