Review of Born Missionary

[Ebele Ekelobi]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Born Missionary" by Margo Lee Williams.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Born Missionary by Margo Lee Williams is an intriguing real-life story that follows the journey of Islay Walden, a partially blind man who earned his freedom from slavery after the war. Determined to get an education and to make a difference, Islay left his home in Randolph County, North Carolina, for Washington, DC. There, he earned a degree at the University of Howard. After that, Islay moved to New Jersey, where he attended a theology seminary in New Brunswick before he was finally ordained. Fulfilled with how far he had come education-wise, Islay moved back to his hometown and founded congregational churches and schools. When we leave this world, what will we be remembered for? For Islay, there were a number of beautiful things to write about. Read to find out the legacies Islay left behind, especially the impact he had on the lives of African Americans.

I loved the fact that the author sometimes used the actual words of Islay in writing his biography. It made me see things from his perspective and not just the third-person perspective. Without a doubt, the author really did her research before writing this masterpiece. Actual newspaper reports and church publications about Islay accompanied the work. She also added poems written by Islay at various points in his life, and they contained beautiful words with deep meanings. Getting to know Islay Walden through the pages of this book was really a wonderful experience. How a black man accomplished so much in his era is still quite fascinating to me. He didn’t let the unpleasant obstacles he faced deter him from realizing the big dreams he had for himself. Notwithstanding the limitations imposed on him, Islay achieved what people thought he couldn’t achieve.

I loved how Islay continued to strive for African Americans no matter where he found himself. Islay’s return to his home community to build churches and schools proved how selfless he was. All he strived for was the betterment of people of color. Although he lived for only forty years, the impact of all Islay achieved is still felt to this present day.

I couldn't find a thing to dislike about this book. The author is undoubtedly one of the best storytellers I've ever read his work. I rate Born Missionary 5 out of 5 stars because that I found no grammatical errors in it, and I really enjoyed every bit of the story.

I recommend this book to people with an interest in African American history. If you wish to read about the great legacies of an African American, this book is for you.

******
Born Missionary
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Stephanie Stones]

This is an interesting and well thought of review. I would love to try out this book and know more about the fascinating things in it. This is an interesting storyline.

[Prosper2000]

People seeking to explore African American history will have an amazing time reading this book. Great review.

[CrossK]

The journey of Islay Walden seems like a really interesting one. I'd love to know the legacies Islay left behind.

[Alexander C Schmoock]

Islay’s character is one that catches my attention. Overall this is a brilliant review. I enjoyed reading it.

[Unique Mary Iloakasia]

I enjoyed reading this review. The positive and negative aspects were properly outlined. It highlights the good job the reviewer did. I recommend this book to all.