Goree Island Island of No Return

by Richard Goree

Overview

An estimated 20 million newly-enslaved Africans caught their last glimpse of Africa as they passed through Goree Island between the mid-1500s and the mid-1800s en route to the New World.

In this historical novel framed fictionally, author Richard Goree, a descendant, tells how the native women of Goree Island - the Signares - managed to survive and live well within the political, cultural and economic niche in which they were thrust as a result of their mixed lineage. With suspense and mystery, Goree tells a compelling story of strength and survival and unveils a nuance of African history that explores and identifies the original empowerment of the Black woman.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940015263169
Publisher:	Gold Leaf Press
Publication date:	01/10/1997
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	288
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Richard Harrison Gorée began his research in 1977 after watching Alex Haley's
mini-series "Roots". Soon after, he discovered a rare photograph of his great-
grandfather (Harrison Gorée) and decided to trace his own family roots.

He began by searching the archives of the Detroit, Michigan Main library – and discovered a special area called The Burton Collection, where, with the help of librarians he scanned through many reels of microfilm. This led him to tracing his family roots via U.S. census data back to 1880 -1890 Lafayette, GA (Walker
county) which revealed records of the Gorée family.

Before being published Richard told his story of tracing his roots to anyone
who would listen – primarily through local television and print media interviews and feature stories. He put together a small theatrical production with friends and family, which starred his young Sasha as a young signaré, This play was performed on Black college campuses and on a stage at the African World Festival in Detroit, MI.

Since 1997, this historical novel framed fictionally, has continued to take a journey similar to the ships loaded with slaves that took the middle passage from Gorée Island to the New World. Across the US and the continents, Gorée Island Island of No Return is still unrivaled in it is engrossing ability to take readers back three hundred years to the dynamic little island two miles off the coast of Dakar Senegal.

A native of Detroit, MI, Richard is a recognized speaker and advocate of the historical and contemporary significance of Goree Island.

Editorial Reviews

I can assure you there is nothing in African fiction to rival what Goree has done.

Indiana University