Okeyo Jumal Synopsis/Reviews

“What a master storyteller and word artisan, a writer of the first magnitude. 'Spiritual Shackles' is a forceful, well-conceived and superbly written in a no-holds barred, naked truth style.” Gene Cartwright, author of A Family Gathering.

Reviews
“Spiritual Shackles is a wonderful historical novel and one of the best contributions to African American literature I've read in many years!” Sydney Molare, Writer/Reviewer”****

“If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the words in this book are worth a thousand pictures.” Bruce Glover, Reviewer*****

“Brilliant writing!! This book grips you like Toni Morrison's Sula and Song of Solomon.” Andrew Spears III, Reader*****

“Spiritual Shackles is a historical novel webbed in the cultural complexities of the mid-20th century African-American community. Written in gripping detail, Shackles is powerful, mesmerizing and brutally honest; yet it leaves the reader with a prideful, uplifting experience.” Riua Akinshegun, Writer*****

“Spiritual Shackles is an unapologetic telling of history that has the exciting feel of a steamy, sensuous love story. If you're ready, take a journey that will mesmerize your senses, challenge your intellect, fill your eyes with tears of sadness while leaving you rolling on the floor in gut-busting laughter, then enter the realm of Spiritual Shackles, hang on to the excitement and enjoy the ride.” Reviewed by Ajanaku Davies, African-American History Symposium*****

Spiritual Shackles
Historical Novel
A Fine Blend of History, Literature and Storytelling
By
Okeyo Ajamu Jumal

Exploding out of dramatic images of unexplained church fires, Spiritual Shackles is etched deep in the faces of its players; from maids, chauffeurs and preachers, to Panthers, Muslims and Black Nationalists. The story is framed with real events from Juneteenth and Black pride rallies to city riots and spiritual conversions. Shackles liberally blends music, dance and soul food with suspenseful storytelling that leads the reader through churches, beauty parlors, barbershops, and nightclubs; but can just as suddenly leap into rugged mountains, steep canyons, and tropical rain forests.

Spiritual Shackles rides the energy of an extraordinary foster-home family. This episodic story moves through the lives of five children as they grow from infancy into adults; children who by coincidence or destiny, are brought together in the home of a reclusive, yet beautifully mysterious woman who cherishes African spiritual beliefs. With these beliefs absorbed, these "divine children" move on to become avant-garde players during the turbulent times of the mid-20th century, sometimes challenging established attitudes and the status quo, including bedrock religious beliefs.

This journey through conflicting ideas intertwines smoothly with a suspenseful love affair that is richly anchored in ancient African lore. And it is the agony and bliss of love that binds the interlocking pieces of Shackles together, a love affair that raises above all other intrigue as it hopscotches generations and unfolds in a tragic destiny. Spiritual Shackles strips naked the soul and emotions of a people like never before.