Fifteen years after the publication of Charles Johnson's slavery novel, Middle Passage, some African scholars are questioning its credibility after finding out that the author has never visited Africa . Howard Starks, professor of Africana Studies at Wayne State , says he cannot understand Johnson's reasons for not visiting Africa . "I can understand one not having means to make such a visit, alas, a person of his influence and education only gives way to two explanations; he doesn't feel the importance of such a visit, or he doesn't view himself as one of African ethnicity; perhaps both," Starks said. "Upon hearing such information [Johnson never visiting Africa ] it took some wind out of the sails of excitement of our meeting."