I always come back to reading. Recently most often on a Kindle as I adore new fiction and with a Kindle get my fix in seconds after pushing the button! Buy! (I also love that I get a sample of every book, by the first couple of pages you just know, you know?) This month, I plan to devour these two books.
1. Ghana Must Go by Tayie Selasi
This book has been very hyped, for instance by the Economist, suggesting
“the brouhaha is well deserved. Ms Selasi has an eye for the perfect detail: a baby’s toenails “like dewdrops”, a woman sleeps “like a cocoyam. A thing without senses…unplugged from the world.” As a writer she has a keen sense of the baggage of childhood pain and an unforgettable voice on the page. Miss out on “Ghana Must Go” and you will miss one of the best new novels of the season.”
I like the clever title, the fact that it discusses Ghana in a literary way and the fact that a Ghanaian novelist is hyped! Its exciting. See also, or hear, rather Penguin’s Debut Author Program with an interview with the author. She was also on BBC this morning…Did I say hyped?
2. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie
Well, for this book, there has been much less hype than I would have expected. But then again, I am a huge lover of Ngozi Adichie’s literature and have read all her books, hoped to meet her and used some of her novels for teaching, so I might be biased. This book, she promises in a Guardian interview is a “unapologetically old-fashioned love story”. I simply can’t wait!
What books are on your list?
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7 Comments
I’ve heard a lot about these books. I have promised to read every book Adichie puts out there. I hope I get to do that since I’m the old-fashioned reader (of physical books). I heard Farafina will be publishing this for the African market, hope it doesn’t mean a reduction in quality.
Tayie’s book is one I will have to read. It’s a long time, very long time, since a Ghanaian made the hype.
…and then we meet to discuss? 🙂
Definitely both are on my current wish lists… along with many others – ranging from lighter reading so heavier stuff…
Hey Kajsa, met you at Ashesi Career Fair with Debbie (Golden Baobab).
Just wanted to know if “Ghana must go ” is out and where I can get a copy in Ghana? I’m itching to read it!!
Hi Awuraba, thanks for your comment! I think Ghana Must Go just was released and unfortunately don’t know if its available in Ghana. I hope Selasi comes to do a launch here!
I read and loved Ghana Must Go, still waiting to get my hands on Americanah.
Selasi will be in Ghana this week! Her first signing is on the 11th at Taverna Tropicana. Her Official Book Launch is on July 17th at Mövenpick.