“Beyond the Door of No Return” by David Diop (Senegal) Synopsis Paris, 1806. The renowned botanist Michel Adanson is dying. His last word is a woman’s name: Maram. But who was she? Searching for the answer, Adanson’s daughter discovers a journal of his youthful travels in Senegal, which tells a story of wild adventure and impossible desires. It reveals how he heard of a young … Continue reading Beyond the Door of No Return
“The Society of Reluctant Dreamers” by José Eduardo Agualusa (Angola) Review Readers enjoyed this book a lot finding it intriguing and an easy read. They liked the different styles, such as magical realism and diary entries, which they said held their attention. They found all the characters interesting and warmed to the narrator. Readers liked the contrast between his withdrawn personality and his contentious former … Continue reading The Society of Reluctant Dreamers
“Stay With Me” by Ayobami Adebayo (Nigeria) Review Readers agreed that this was an easy book to get into, with lots of twists and turns which kept them turning the pages. They loved the descriptions and felt that the author used subtle details to bring the scenes alive. They liked the two points of view and alternating chapters between the protagonists’ voices, though one reader … Continue reading Stay With Me
“The Old Drift” by Namwali Serpell (Zambia) Review This book was initially chosen for our Summer Reading Group 2019, but because of its length, most readers didn’t manage to finish it on time. As a result, we organised a one-off book club meeting to discuss it. To start with, readers were concerned by the scope of this book, fearing that they would be overwhelmed by … Continue reading The Old Drift
“Homegoing” by Yaa Gyasi (Ghana) Synopsis Effia and Esi: two sisters with two very different destinies. One sold into slavery; one a slave trader’s wife. The consequences of their fate reverberate through the generations that follow. Taking us from the Gold Coast of Africa to the cotton-picking plantations of Mississippi; from the missionary schools of Ghana to the dive bars of Harlem, spanning three continents … Continue reading Homegoing
“Welcome to Lagos” by Chibundu Onuzo (Nigeria) Synopsis Five runaways ride the bus from Bayelsa to a better life in a megacity. They are unlikely allies: a private, a housewife, an officer, a militant and a young girl. They share a need for escape and a dream for the future. Soon, they will also share a burden none of them expected. Review The four shortlisted … Continue reading Welcome to Lagos
“Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue (Cameroon) Review An easy read was the overarching first impression of this book. Readers agreed that the story flowed well and they had no difficulty finishing it. They warmed quickly to most of the protagonists and liked the fact that they were all flawed on some level. Readers felt that the way the author portrayed the immigrant experience rang … Continue reading Behold the Dreamers
“Lyrics Alley” by Leila Aboulela (Sudan) Book Club Favourite of Season 21 Review Readers enjoyed this well-told story, finding it engaging and easy to read. They felt it was more of a love story than a political novel as the historical setting remains mostly in the background. Readers liked the style of writing and said it played a large part in their enjoyment of the … Continue reading Lyrics Alley
Nicola's Book Club 