The Door of No Return

The theme of storytelling’s power and oral tradition is integral to the novel for structure, cultural heritage, and providing life lessons and deeper meanings. This theme is shown from the very start, in which wise storyteller Nana Mosi opens the novel with a tale of the Offin River, its history, and Kofi’s birth. The first story sets the premise, background history, setting, and protagonist all in one. Notably, every chapter in the book begins with a new story, with titles such as “The Story of the Dream,” and “The Story of the Crying Water.” Each chapter uses the consistent words “the story of…” to share the fable with readers. The structure of each chapter begins with a story for the context of Kofi’s life—such as a story about the Big War when he’s excited about the Kings Festival that was a result of the war—provides a deeper look into their cultural beliefs through tales and offers Kofi a story that he can apply to his life. He’s at “war” with his cousin during this story and should learn to make peace.