If Not This Dream is an 1134-page fast-paced novel, presented in three books. In The Hausas Madawwari chieftain Zaki sacrifices his eldest son to save the rest of his villagers from 1807 Oyo slave raiders in Northeast Nigeria. The Oyos are led by Atticus Clarke, an English slaver, making his first middle passage with his new ship, Na'imah. Zaki promises his people that he will return one day in flesh or in spirit. His dream will be passed down five...