The Door of No Return

The Offin River is not only a symbolic connection to Kofi and his birth, but it also represents sacred cultural traditions, freedom, resources, power, and conflict. The book begins with Chapter One, which is titled “The Story of Offin River” and describes Kofi’s birth story in relation to the river: “The river Offin grabbed you with an invisible cord wrapped around each moment of your day… held you like a mother cradles a baby…” (20). Kofi is bonded to the river, making his love of water and swimming innate. He adores swimming and spending time at the river, feeling called” to it repeatedly. The river is a symbolic place of Kofi’s solace, happiness, and freedom, where he can swim without worries—except for at night. In contrast to the enjoyment the river offers people like Kofi, at night it is “cursed.” This restriction reveals it as a symbol of conflict and a source of fear that parallels Kofi’s fearful character. In the darkness, the river could have evil spirits, beasts, or worse. Kofi and Kwasi are trapped and taken to Lower Kwanta while at the river at night, like an omen