Amulets and Feathers is a short story about a young girl, Maryam, who sets out to avenge her father’s death. She does all she can to prepare but she’s nowhere near ready for the fight ahead. The story is part of the I Am Heathcliff: Stories Inspired by Wuthering Heights collection published in 2018.
“TODAY I SET OUT to avenge my father’s death. I took his dagger, the one with the two points, and I filled a pouch with poison leaves. I put on my brother’s clothes and his turban so I would not be recognised. I hid the shells, feathers, and cowries deep in my pocket – I would only need them when I arrived in Gobir. I looped my amulet on a cord and tied it around my neck. I did not feel afraid.”
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When her father is stabbed at the mosque, she knows she must avenge his death. It doesn’t matter that the person who stabbed him was killed immediately. With her special powers, she discovers the killer didn’t act on his own accord, and she must find who sent him.
She disguises herself the best she can but her betrothed, Bello, is not fooled when she runs into him at the market. He tries to dissuade Maryam to no avail; she’s convinced that her amulet will protect her. It’s a long night but she makes it.
“Because they were so many I felt lonely and small. I missed my father. He was my mentor, and I shall never have that again.”
In Gobir, Maryam pretends to be a fortune teller with the hope that someone will mention something that would lead her to the person she’s there to find. She does but she’s not ready for what happens after the confrontation.
It’s a warm story of love, determination, revenge, and understanding. The writing is great too. Being a new mum with barely enough time to complete a book, short stories have become my go-to. I’ve heard a lot about the author and this was such a nice read so I’d definitely read more of her books.
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