Five must-read books by Ghanaian writers
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Loading... - Kofi Eshun
- 09 May 2023
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Indulge yourself in a literary escapade and discover the brilliance of Ghanaian literature. Prepare to be awed by the unparalleled genius of B Kojo Laing in Search Sweet Country, a masterful novel that transports readers to the chaotic and uncertain atmosphere of 1970s Accra. With an exceptional blend of poetic lyricism and free-spirited prose, Laing brings to life an oddball cast of characters on a quest for self-discovery amidst the backdrop of Ghana's social and political instability. Brace yourself for a roller-coaster ride through Laing's wild imagination in this must-read masterpiece.
Ama Ata Aidoo's Our Sister Killjoy is the literary mic drop that will leave you speechless. Immerse yourself in the journey of Sissie, a fiercely independent young woman who travels from Ghana to Europe on an educational assignment in the early days of postcolonialism. Aidoo's brilliant storytelling turns the tables on the usual gaze and examines Europe and Europeans with a critically intelligent, African perspective. Brace yourself for the unexpected in this eye-opening read.
Delve into the epic tale of Two Thousand Seasons by Ayi Kwei Armah, the Pan-African literature lover's staple. This classic masterpiece tells the story of 2 000 seasons of precolonial African history, chronicling the incursion of Arabs and Europeans and the complicity of Africans. Armah's prose may be dense and slow-moving, but the message at the heart of the narrative is a bold attempt to reframe African history from an African perspective, as active rather than passive. A must-read for those seeking a counterpoint to the prevailing narrative.
Mohammed Naseehu Ali's The Prophet of Zongo Street is a delightful and quirky collection of short stories that captures the hopes and aspirations of a marginalized people both at home and abroad. Ali's underrated talent quietly brings to life the complex lives of characters in densely populated, urban areas, where society's looked-down-on live their "normal" lives. The use of myth and folklore adds nuance to these everyday characters, giving readers a unique insight into the Zongo. This collection offers a complementary mix of realities and perspectives set in Ghana and the United States, where Ali is based.
Bisi Adjapon's Of Women and Frogs is a fresh new voice in Ghanaian literature. Her writing is intimate yet universal, tackling subjects considered taboo in Ghana, making her work all the more vital. Join the young girl in coming of age in 1970s Ghana and coming to terms with herself as a sentient, sexual being. Adjapon's vibrancy of prose is undeniably infused with her ebullient personality, winning her new followers with each reading. Do not miss this undeniably exceptional read.
