Sòpòná
By: Fadahunsi Fajuyitan
Publisher: [Tebeba Global Publishing Ltd.]
Published: 2021
Place of publication: Nigeria
Language: eng
Number of pages: 318
ISBN-13: 9789785911855
Copyright date: 2021
Subjects: Sopono (Cult); Smallpox; Traditional medicine
Notes: "In the latter half of the 19th century, the wheels of colonization begin to gather momentum across Africa. One of the first territories the British would claim is Lagos. As the Brits spread their tentacles through and beyond their new colony, their strange ways and norms clash with established cultures of the people they now wield power over. The chief priest of a god brings terror to a small fishing town in the colony and an African doctor decides to take him on. Impeded by his white boss, the doctor seeks help elsewhere. Joining him in his quest is a mismatched group with wavering loyalty to his cause.  The doctor's methods are unconventional and his comrades in arms have their separate problems to worry about."--Back cover

"Once upon a time, long before widespread vaccine use and anti-vaxxers, having smallpox was a death sentence and Sòpòná, in Yoruba mythology, was the only hope. The agonies of existence when faced with certain death and a tiny glimpse of salvation at the tender mercies of a fickle diety. A debut novel Sòpòná is a historical fiction that explores the dynamics of smallpox control in 19th century Lagos, at the start of colonialism, through the efforts of real, actual, historical MD, Dr. Sapara Williams."--Provided by Publisher