In a literary journey that blends raw emotion, courage, and cultural insight, Gambian author Yankuba Mamburay has captivated readers with his nonfiction book, ‘The Search for a Lost Brother’. Published in 2009 by Publish America, the 104-page memoir recounts Mamburay’s harrowing quest to find his elder brother, Demba Mamburay, in war-torn Liberia during the early 2000s. The book, rooted in a profoundly personal family ordeal, has resonated with audiences for its vivid storytelling and universal themes of resilience and familial bonds.
Born in the rural village of Kombo Faraba, Mamburay grew up hearing stories of Demba, who left home in 1966—before Yankuba was born—to seek opportunities abroad. Demba’s absence left a void in the family, as farm size in their community depended on family members’ contributions. When news reached the Mamburay family that Demba was in Liberia during its brutal civil war, which began in 1989, their hope dwindled. By 2000, with no communication from Demba, Yankuba, then a banker, took a month-long leave to embark on a perilous mission to locate his brother, despite having no address or clear starting point.
The memoir details Mamburay’s journey from Banjul to the chaotic streets of Monrovia, Liberia’s war-ravaged capital. His vivid descriptions transport readers to dilapidated airports, rebel-infested forests in Lofa County, and tense military checkpoints. In one gripping encounter, Mamburay was apprehended by Charles Taylor’s troops, who accused him of illegal blood-diamond trafficking. Facing drawn guns and threats of deportation, he skillfully diffused the situation by discussing West Africa’s proposed single currency, naming countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal to impress his captors. “I knew they didn’t know these countries,” Mamburay writes, showcasing his quick thinking under pressure.
Mamburay’s search led him to Broad Street in Monrovia, where a consul’s clerk maintained a list of Gambians in Liberia. Though Demba’s name was absent, the clerk directed Mamburay to a colleague who might help. The journey, fraught with uncertainty, was fueled by Mamburay’s unwavering optimism. “For some reason, I never totally lost my optimism about seeing him,” he reflects, despite not knowing Demba’s appearance or exact whereabouts. The emotional climax of the book—his eventual reunion with Demba—evokes a mix of joy, disbelief, and mistrust, capturing the complexity of reconnecting after decades apart.
Beyond ‘The Search for a Lost Brother,’ Mamburay has authored two other works. ‘The Mysterious Odyssey of a Village Boy’ is a mystery novel that intrigues readers with its enigmatic narrative, while ‘A Day at Grandma’s Farm’, co-written with his eight-year-old daughter Khadijah, is a charming children’s book inspired by her grandmother’s farm work. These works highlight Mamburay’s versatility as a writer, blending personal experience with storytelling that appeals to diverse audiences.
A multifaceted professional, Mamburay is not only an author but also a consultant and lecturer at the University of The Gambia and is currently serving as Managing Director of Yonna Islamic Microfinance Company in Gambia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from the International Islamic University Malaysia and an MBA from the University of Phoenix in the United States. His career spans roles at ActionAid International, AGIB Bank, World Financial Group, and, formerly, as Country Manager for Karpowership, a Turkish company addressing The Gambia’s power challenges.
Mamburay’s literary contributions have enriched The Gambia’s cultural landscape, earning praise for their authenticity and emotional depth.
“This is another piece of good news coming out of this country,” said a literary critic celebrating Mamburay’s work as a testament to Gambian literary talent. His memoir, in particular, stands as a powerful narrative of courage and perseverance, reminding readers of the enduring strength of family ties in the face of adversity.
As Mamburay continues to inspire through his writing and professional endeavors, The Search for a Lost Brother remains a poignant reminder of the lengths one will go to for family. The book is available on Amazon, inviting readers worldwide to experience this gripping Gambian odyssey. (https://www.amazon.com/-/es/Yankuba-Mamburay/dp/1607039664) (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Search-Lost-Brother-Yankuba-Mamburay/dp/1607039664). Copies are available at Timbooktoo Book Store in Bakau, together with his other books.
