Benjamin’s Journey: Grief, Growth, and Discovery in Gabon
Benjamin’s Journey: A Story of Loss and Discovery
ABSTRACT
Benjamin, a 15-year-old from Madrid, lost his father two years ago in a tragic plane accident during a storm over the Mountains of Gabon, Africa. The memory of his father, a beloved man, left a great void in their lives.
The summer of ’95 was significant for Benjamin. Having finished his third year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education), his mother was trying to rebuild their lives with George, a surgeon who was fond of Benjamin. They planned a holiday to Santander. However, Benjamin’s mother thought it would be good for him to spend the holidays with his uncle, who was visiting Madrid from Gabon.
Benjamin, who initially expected to visit his grandparents’ farm in Zaragoza, found the idea of going to the place where his father died and where his grandparents and Uncle Sebastian lived, surprisingly appealing.
In Gabon, Benjamin met many remarkable people who profoundly impacted his life. He learned that not everything is as it seems, understanding the saying: “Appearances can be deceiving.” He also met a girl he liked, adding a new dimension to his life, though he still thought of Almudena, a girl he liked back in Madrid.
Benjamin matured through his experiences with his Uncle Sebastian, especially during an expedition in the Glass Mountains to retrieve a locket that belonged to his father.
The locket contained a leopard’s tooth, similar to one Sebastian also possessed. Sebastian tested Benjamin to assess which one was the original.
Characters
Main Characters
- Benjamin: A 15-year-old boy from Madrid, self-conscious about his short stature and acne. His birthday is March 3rd. Initially shy and impatient, he becomes brave, confident, and patient, learning to appreciate life. He has brown hair, dark brown eyes, thin lips, and short legs. He learns quickly and values people who are worth valuing. He is sensitive and needs support to overcome challenges.
- Paul: Benjamin’s deceased father, a beloved man who always cared for others. He lived in both Africa and Madrid. Outgoing and kind, he loved meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. He was tall, dark-haired, with honey-colored eyes.
- Sebastian: Benjamin’s uncle.
- Sandrine: A girl Benjamin starts to like in Gabon.
Supporting Characters
- Henri: Foreman at the lumber yard.
- Benjamin’s Mother: Paul’s widow.
- Angela: A woman who studied with Sebastian.
- George: A surgeon who falls in love with Benjamin’s mother.
- Benjamin’s Grandparents
- Cecilia: Responsible for cleaning Sebastian’s house.
- Lise: The cook.
- Paul, Marisa, Eduardo, Almudena, and Borja: Benjamin’s friends from Madrid.
- Pierre, Claude, Jean, Charles, Richard, Marcel, Pascal, Roland, and Antonie: Friends and workers of Sebastian.
- Paul: Pascal’s son.