A short round-up of my summer reading recommendations, which you can also hear on the Summer Reading series on the AudioDiaspora podcast with host Christabel Nsiah-Buadi.
My Name is Maame by Jessica George
Maddie Wright is a 25 year old British-Ghanaian who dreams of living a different life, of being another version of herself, perhaps her true self. But with her mother away in Ghana, her elder brother off pursuing his own dreams/needs, Maddie is the one left at home to care for her sick father with little to no help financially and emotionally. When the opportunity to move out arises, Maddie takes tentative steps to begin to experience life on her own terms.
I absolutely loved reading this book because so much of it resonated with me and also made me reflect on my own experience growing up in a similar background. In addition, Maddie’s experiences of navigating dating and trying to be more assertative at work (assertive in general) without causing grave offence, were so relatable. Most heartbreaking of all, but also liberating is Maddie finally coming terms with her past, her family disfunction and her depression through therapy and some really good, good friends. A fantastic, heart-warming, latent coming-of-age story.
Listen on AudioDiaspora
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
From one latent coming-of-age story to another, Queenie is back – at least in television form – so I though this merited another shout-out on the book recommendation list.
Since its launch in 2019, Queenie has been quite a divisive book – readers seem to either love the book or hate it. Unsurprisingly, I’m one of those who love it. Queenie is a funny, intelligent, vibrant Black woman who is also imperfect, at times problematic and quite selfish. In other words she’s not a one-dimensional character, she’s complex and flawed.
But for all her mistakes and, it’s important to note that Queenie is just one facet of Black British womanhood – she’s not representative of all us. The TV show goes some way to tone down some of the more controversial elements of the novel, notably by providing Queenie with a Black love-interest. That said, I didn’t enjoy the TV show as much as the book as it felt rather disjointed in terms of the plot – more episodes would have been good in order to allow the plot and the characters to develop more organically. However, it’s wonderfully cast and acted by talented actors who were clearly passionate about the project. Whether you love Queenie or not, give the show a watch. If you’ve not read it yet, just read it!
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How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House by Cherie Jones
I knew this novel was going to be something, if not from the title alone, then certainly from the warning tale it begins with.
Wilma tells her granddaughter Lala the story of the One-Armed Sister in a bid to warn her of the pitfalls and danger that can befall a girl who does not listen to her elders. And if Lala had heeded the warning, perhaps her life would have unfolded very differently.
Mira is married to a wealthy white tourist with whom she returns to the island where she was born for holidays. When tragedy strikes, she must now find a way to survive her new reality.
The individual stories of these three women each weave and intersect with one another forming a really powerful tale about lies, loss, poverty, violence and survival. What stood out to me is that as different as they are at first glance, each woman does what she believes is necessary to survive and/or escape her situation. An elegantly written debut novel that will sit with you for some time.
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Nearly All the Men in Lagos are Mad by Damilare Kuku
This uproarious collection of short stories needs no further introduction especially as it appeared in my November round-up list. But I’m mentioning it again because it’s an excellent recommendation for something to read this summer.
Also it gives me the opportunity to highlight that Damilare’s first novel Only Big Bumbum Matters Tomorrow is out this month and I’m sure it’s going to be every bit as bold and hilariously funny as her short stories.
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Just Read It 