The novel presents African mythology involving a woman called Sogolon. Sogolon is a courageous woman whose mystique powers surface while she is still a young girl. The second book of the Dark Star trilogy is narrated from the perspective of a woman. The author’s intention to introduce the main character as a woman might be prompted by gender balance in his books. The protagonist in the first trilogy is a man called Tracker. While searching for the missing boy, Sogolon dares Tracker for a fight. Therefore, it is not a surprise for her to become the protagonist in the second trilogy.
Marlon James, the author, initiates an embedded narrative in the novel to play on the readers’ perceptions of the characters. Sogolon begins narrating her story using another unknown girl creating a story within a story. The whole events are deliberately used by the author so that the readers can question the authenticity and reliability of the narrator. All the stories offered by Sogolon are questionable. However, the woman recounts some experiences that are related to real-life situations.
Sogolon’s powers help her in averting sexual harassment against her by her boss. Women go through hectic situations in the hands of powerful men. Sogolon gives details on how she has witnessed women suffering at the hands of the kings. Sarcastically, she has seen the fall of such powerful men who mistreat women. The moral lesson of the entire story is to encourage women to make bold moves and go for what makes them happy. Women are not objects, but humans who should be treated equally as men.
