By Amos Harris
Liberia’s literary community celebrated a milestone on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with the official launch of Foley Freeman’s powerful new novel, Echoes of War. The event, a collaboration between the University of Liberia and the University of Ghana Alumni Association in Liberia, drew a notable crowd of government officials, academics, students, and the public.
Echoes of War tells the gripping and emotional story of Jowee Tate, a young Liberian girl whose peaceful childhood is shattered by the country’s 14-year civil conflict. Through Tate’s journey of displacement, survival, and resilience, Freeman sheds light on the pain and scars carried by countless Liberians who lived through this dark period.
Dr. Samora P. Z. Wolokolie, the former Deputy Minister for Fiscal Affairs at the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, served as the chief launcher. He hailed the book as more than just a literary work, describing it as a “national treasure” that preserves memory, teaches lessons, and challenges Liberians to reflect on their past.
“Books like Echoes of War remind us that education and storytelling are central to national healing and development,” Dr. Wolokolie stated. “We must encourage our authors, because their voices ensure Liberia is remembered not just for its struggles, but for its creativity and wisdom.”
Dr. Layli Maparyan, President of the University of Liberia, echoed these sentiments, urging young Liberians to view the novel as a cultural and historical resource. She encouraged the university’s Department of English and Literature to include Echoes of War in its curriculum, stressing the importance of understanding the war’s lessons, even for those who did not live through it.
“This is a Liberian story told by a Liberian voice,” Dr. Maparyan said. “Supporting works like this affirms our identity and ensures that Liberia takes its rightful place on the global literary stage.”
For Freeman, the novel is a deeply personal project. Raised in Yekepa, Nimba County, he endured the war’s devastation, including the tragic loss of his father. Though he is a Certified Chartered Accountant with a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics, it was his experiences as a survivor that inspired the book.
Speaking with emotion at the launch, Freeman explained that the book is dedicated to the countless victims of Liberia’s civil war—many of whom never carried arms yet paid the ultimate price.
“My aim is to ensure that their voices and sacrifices are not forgotten,” Freeman said. “Through this novel, we keep their stories alive and remind ourselves of the need for peace, unity, and nation-building.”
With its rich narrative and emotional power, Echoes of War is being hailed as a must-read for Liberians at home and abroad, as well as for international audiences seeking to understand the human side of conflict. The launch attracted a large turnout, including representatives from alumni associations in Ghana and Nigeria, friends, family, and well-wishers who came to celebrate this significant literary milestone.
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