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Year of Graduation

2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MFA: Children's Literature

Directing Professor

Dr. Lisa Rowe Fraustino

Abstract

STAY WITH ME- THE JOURNEY OF ABENI BASSEY

This M.F.A. thesis project includes a novel titled STAY WITH ME – The Journey of Abeni Bassey. This project also includes a critical essay highlighting the background work of the research and historical elements. It is indeed a journey of hope, the bond of family, and the lineage of magic that gets passed down through the canals of time.

The essay dives into a primary source document (census record) that catapults the direction of the work. Elements of history are shown in the spiritual realm of Griots and Arokin, who appear to help the main character Abeni, assist her grandmother and mother in reuniting just in time before her mother’s sacred 33rd birthday. A birthday that is bestowed with an important item that has supernatural characteristics that have been passed down since the 16th and 17th centuries.

Abeni’s story and the critical essay elaborate on the following themes: culture, fantasy, magic, history, love, time, separation, reflection, friendship, and hope.

Support for this work was found within the following mentor texts: Imposter Syndrome, Dragons in a Bag, All That She Carried, Hell of a Book, Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice, and the Dark Fantastic.

Stay With Me is a fascinating journey that embraces challenges with incredible heart. A story that leaves you feeling triumphant and believing in the power of family.

Comments

Thank you for reading this incredible work based upon events in my family tree.

Contact Information

storytelling101@yahoo.com

Purpose Statement

The purpose of preserving this thesis document is to provide a definitive record of student progress upon completion of the degree. This text will not reflect any revisions to the manuscript made after degree completion. For the most current version of the work, please contact its author.

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