In this post, we are going to summarise Elma Shaw’s Liberian post-war novel, Redemption Road, from chapters eleven to fifteen.
Chapter 11 Summary
In Chapter 11 of Redemption Road, Bendu informs Calvin and Siatta about her recent encounter with Commander Cobra. She also tells them where Moses Varney (Cobra) is staying at the moment. Both Calvin and Siatta are eager to take actions against him. Bendu calls Agnes to inform her too but the latter, who is in a taxi on her way to see Tenneh at the hospital, warns them against acting hastily.
Siatta wants them to inform the District Attorney about Varney. Her suggestion is not unconnected with her sojourn in America which has disconnected her from the reality of her war-torn country. As for Calvin, he does not want them to involve any apparatus of the law. He wants them to handle the matter themselves. However, Bendu insists on involving the police, but Calvin disagrees. He believes it would be a waste of time.
Bendu ignores their opinions. Both Siatta and Calvin say they cannot handle her police station issue, and can only go as far as giving her a ride to the station. Eventually, Bendu calls Agnes again to urge her to follow her to the police station to report Varney. Agnes asks where they will meet in order to proceed to the station together.
Chapter 12 Summary
Bendu and Agnes go to the police station in Chapter 12 of Redemption Road to report Cobra for arrest. Lieutenant Tarpeh listens to their request but frowns. Bendu accuses Cobra of murder. Tarpeh asks if Bendu has any evidence to prove Cobra’s guilt. He is not convinced by her response. He explains to her that it is hard to arrest Cobra without strong evidence.
Bendu, however, is bent on pursuing the case, regardless of the advice given by Tarpeh. The police officer has no option than to file the case. He opens a ledger to record information about Cobra. His pen doesn’t work, so he borrows one from Bendu. He writes down Cobra’s name and alleged crime. He asks Bendu for specific names of Cobra’s victims and the exact dates he killed them. Bendu struggles to provide specific names but insists on Cobra’s guilt all the same.
Tarpeh again emphasizes the need for concrete evidence and witnesses. He drops the ledger and pen in frustration. Bendu asks for her pen. Tarpeh tries to retrieve the pen. His drawer handle comes off and the drawer gets stuck in the process. Bendu and Agnes suppress laughter at the funny moment. Bendu tells Tarpeh to keep her pen as they leave the office.
All through Bendu’s encounter with Lieutenant Tarpeh, Agnes tries to make the police officer see the seriousness of the matter and how much of a threat Moses Varney is:
“Listen, you can make fun of us all you want,” Agnes said, “but I’m telling you–this Moses Varney is a dangerous man. He’s a criminal!”
(p. 74, Redemption Road)
As they leave, Bendu is annoyed that her sister Siatta refused to follow her to the police station. Agnes comforts Bendu and tells her that Siatta will change; that she will adjust to “this new Liberia” (p.75).
Bendu and Agnes agree to focus on Cobra’s case first. Agnes asks about Cobra’s whereabouts, and Bendu informs her. Agnes warns Bendu about the dangers of pursuing the case. But Bendu insists on continuing with the case. She prioritises justice over personal safety.

Chapter 13 Summary
In Chapter 13 of Redemption Road, Moses Varney receives a call from one of his comrades that he’s being followed. He worries it might be the police or someone else after him because he needs to hide. He regrets sharing information with Bendu and blames himself for sparing her life.
His boss, someone identified simply as Chief, calls him next about a potential lawsuit Bendu wants to instigate against him, but Varney assures him everything is under control.
Varney agrees to meet Diallo to exchange goods and is told to leave El Meson, his current hotel, immediately. He decides to switch to The King’s Castle, a less-known hotel. He plans to reroute the expected weapons, and return to the north soon.
As Varney rushes to meet his contact at the airport in his Pajero, he drives recklessly without concern for police. He reflects on his power and status, compared to politicians. He also thinks about his driver Weah’s hopes for a better future.
When gets to the apartment building in Sinkor described to him, he checks around to ascertain he is not being followed. He sees some children playing by the building. One of them, a boy, tells him he wants to mind his car. The boy’s appearance reminds Varney of his childhood.
He enters the building and meets Diallo on the third floor for the exchange of rough diamonds for weapons. Diallo examines the rough diamonds Varney brought for the exchange. Diallo assures Varney of no shipment problems but demands a deposit, which Varney refuses. Varney argues against providing a deposit due to potential risks. He fears that Diallo and his group won’t deliver the weapons.
When Varney tries to leave, Diallo locks the door, trapping him. Varney eventually escapes. He gives the boy minding his car 20 Liberian Dollar note. The other children run to him expectant. He gives each child a 20 LD. Varney checks his surroundings before driving to his new hotel to make further arrangements.
Chapter 14 to 15 Summaries
Chapter 14 and 15 summaries of Redemption Road can be found in our study guide. You can proceed to our store to buy Study Guide: Redemption Road by Elma Shaw.
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Other Chapters:
- Chapter 1 to 5 Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Chapter 6 to 10 Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Chapter 16 to 18 Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Chapter 19 to 26 Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Chapter 27 to 34 Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
Further Reading:
- Characters in Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Plot Summary of Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
- Themes in Elma Shaw’s Redemption Road
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Bad
I asked for chapter 18- 32
I swear I can’t even see the summary of chapter 15 or 14