Book Review – All’s Well (Feehi): Living a Life Guided by Grace by Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey and Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey
All’s Well (Feehi): Living a Life Guided by Grace is a poignant and introspective memoir written by Abednego Feehi Okoe Amartey in collaboration with Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey.
This compelling narrative chronicles the life journey of the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Professional Studies, Accra, Professor Abednego Feehi Okoe Amatey, tracing his path from modest beginnings in La, a peri-urban community in Accra, to notable academic and professional achievements.
The memoir intricately weaves together themes of resilience, faith, community, and leadership, offering readers a profound insight into the life of a man profoundly shaped by grace and determination. Through its rich storytelling and deep cultural reflections, this work stands as both an autobiographical account and a source of inspiration for its audience.
One of the manuscript’s most commendable strengths lies in its vivid storytelling and cultural depictions. The author excels in crafting a detailed portrayal of his early life and the cultural milieu of La. The evocative descriptions of the community—from its unique architecture to its vibrant communal lifestyle—transport readers into the heart of this environment.
The depiction of his grandparents’ compound, which harmoniously blends traditional and contemporary living arrangements, serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding the values that influenced Amartey’s formative years. Anecdotes from his childhood, such as a near-drowning incident at La Beach and the shared experiences of communal dining, infuse the narrative with authenticity and emotional resonance.
Central to the memoir is the theme of resilience, which is intricately woven throughout the text. The author recounts his struggles with poverty and his unwavering determination to pursue education against formidable odds. His survival of childhood illnesses, his steadfast focus during the Common Entrance Examination, and his adaptability during his national service in Salaga are moving illustrations of triumph over adversity.
The narrative also highlights Professor Amartey’s journey of overcoming a stammer, ultimately excelling in public speaking and leadership roles, such as serving as Sports Secretary at Akuafo Hall and taking on various church leadership positions. These experiences reinforce the memoir’s central theme of resilience and personal growth.
Faith and spirituality are also pivotal elements of the narrative. The author’s reflections on his spiritual journey—from his early involvement with Scripture Union to his active participation in the Legon Pentecostals Union—are both inspiring and enlightening. The inclusion of prophetic moments, such as a vision experienced during Operation J333, adds a spiritual dimension that aligns seamlessly with the overarching theme of grace. The connection between faith and perseverance is articulated with clarity, illustrating how Amartey’s beliefs provided strength during challenging times, including the profound loss of his mother and the trials faced during his national service.
The memoir also offers a detailed account of the author’s educational and professional journey, showcasing the transformative power of education. His achievements, such as gaining admission to Prempeh College following an outstanding performance in his Ordinary Level examinations, despite skepticism from others, are recounted with a blend of pride and humility.
The transition from education to professional life is narrated with finesse, detailing his experiences as a teacher and his subsequent rise to prominent academic positions. The author’s reflections on these stages provide valuable insights into the significance of perseverance, mentorship, and community support.
Structurally, the memoir adopts a chronological approach, allowing readers to follow the author’s life journey with clarity. Each chapter focuses on a distinct phase of his life, from childhood and secondary school to university and beyond, making the narrative easy to navigate and digest. However, while the manuscript is rich and engaging, there are areas where it could benefit from refinement. Some anecdotes and reflections are repeated across different chapters, which may diminish their impact. For instance, the author’s challenges in affording school supplies and his gratitude toward mentors are revisited multiple times without introducing new perspectives.
Moreover, the language employed in the memoir is often conversational and informal, which enhances accessibility but occasionally detracts from its overall elegance. Long sentences and instances of redundancy can make certain sections more challenging to follow. Additionally, the transitions between chapters could be smoother, as the narrative sometimes feels abrupt when moving from one life stage to another without sufficient bridging context.
In conclusion, “All’s Well (Feehi): Living a Life Guided by Grace” is an inspiring and heartfelt memoir encapsulating the essence of resilience, faith, and community. It offers readers a vivid account of the author’s journey from humble beginnings to academic and professional success. While the manuscript has areas for improvement, particularly in terms of repetition, pacing, and transitions, its strengths far outweigh its shortcomings. This memoir has the potential to resonate deeply with readers, inspiring them to pursue their own paths guided by grace and determination.
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