Ghana Must Go - Taiye Selasi

January 2019 Book Review

Published by Penguin books

Year: 2013

Setting: Mostly Accra, to Lagos to London to NY

It is mixed with cultures of both Ghana and Nigeria. This I think is influenced by the writer’s background from both countries.

Story Line

It portrays a modern family reunited by the death of a renowned Surgeon Kweku Sai. His funeral brings together the family he abandoned years ago. The story surrounds the family and their various endeavors, also how the family was torn apart. They never imagined a reunion. The funeral brings them together. A new bond and family emerges.

What about the book?

I loved the way it excited my dormant language. There were words in my diction I never used or remembered and it jogged my vocabulary. I loved the expressions used. Nigerian writers have great expressions usually.

Will I read it again?

It had a noisy background. It took time to find the story. It can be discouraging and make you quit a good read. Even though it will be easier this time because I know the story, I may rather read it in my mid 50's again.

How long did it take to read?

It took me over a month. From November till about Half of December. It’s been long I read a book so I read a few lines everyday. When I got to the stubborn carpenter part, I was stuck.

If I had to read it for a box of KitKat, how long will it take me?

Two days! Or three, I don’t know, there is a busy and distracting undertone. It’s not a big book.

Will I recommend this book?

Definitely. It is just the setting of most families these days, with all the problems you can think of. For anyone who is in the mood to read a story and learn new words and expressions. I loved it. She is a great writer.

Which part caught your attention?

The family drama

Comments and Reviews from Book Club

This is a realistic expectation of what book club looks like, if you are not in book club. (Mostly when they don't read the book.)

If you are in book club, you know how the members behave when they have to write reviews or comments. I know some of them will be upset but, its from a place of love.

I did love the book but I didn't get the storyline or the moral of the story

- Nasiba Alhassan

Please I didn’t finish the book so I can’t help by way of review.

I apologize and promise to do so for our next book we decide on.

- Eyram Dotse

I gave up on it.

-Selorm Agbley

I did not read it.

-Mildred Acheampong

I read a bit but it was slow. Then I googled it and read the summaries and got most of the story

-Akuyo

Hello Dear

-Rasheed Saaka

It's difficult to follow his style of narration if you are new to it. but it's a good read.

I particularly like his choice of words and how he weaves them

-Nasiba Alhassan

I am just a selfish person.

-Percy

Sorry, I couldn't read it ☹️

- Caroline Buckle

Well, I didn’t enjoy the book that much, not because it was bad but because I already had an expectation the first time I read it. Yh I read it earlier in the year before it was brought up for a vote. I liked that it taught me new words. But by the end of the book, I came to like it. If there is a sentence to add to your review, I’ll say, it is poetic. However I did get why the title was Ghana must go.

-Sedinam

We are Sorry! we did not read Lol

-Judy

If I try, and I cannot, I will not waste my time. I couldn't finish the book.

-Sybil-Marie