Faiza, a migrant girl from northern Ghana working as a porter popularly called Kayayo and Abena, a doctor’s daughter on vacation, meets in Accra's largest market Mokola. A beautiful friendship begins despite social inequality. The two girls learn to live life, laugh, learn, and break out of their comfort zones.
I read this lovely and beautiful book gifted to me by the author during my 10 day leave from work and I must admit I enjoyed every bit of the book. Reading this book felt like home mostly because the places, descriptions and narrative were relatable. The author gives the reader a beautiful ride/journey to experience Ghana, its people, lifestyle, culture and places (from South to North).
The author did a beautiful job writing and discussing relevant themes such as – migration, friendship, family, parenting, child marriage, education and social classes.
The book opens with an encounter between Abena, a Dada Ba girl spending the summer working at her auntie's shop and Faiza, a Kayayo living in the market. The storytelling is beautiful and the character development is an amazing work of writing. The quality of the writing is impressive. I can't wait to read other books written by Mamle Wolo. I was hooked right from the first chapter, by the time I turned the last page of the last chapter, I felt attached to the characters. I didn't want the story to end.
The writing is thoughtfully reflective, intriguing and inspiring with a touch of humour.
One thing that caught my attention is the healthy relationship between Abena and her father. It is intimate in a way not typically emphasized in Ghanaian literature.
I must also admit that he book’s cover image is eye-catching. Within the book, there’s a map of Ghana with the locations discussed in the book – we love seeing that.
This is a book I would love every young adult in Ghana to read because of the rich storytelling and the themes discussed. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you Mamle Wolo for the review copy.
Listen to the conversation with the author Mamle Wolo on my podcast "Books With Abena" Click on links
Spotify : https://spoti.fi/3GxAfRH
Apple Podcast: : https://apple.co/3Ouhf9F
Google : https://bit.ly/3M3vOyU
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