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gellyreads's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I found the first couple of stories and the last one as well as the title of the collection to be the strongest.
nklimczak's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
templetoncecelia's review
challenging
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
mysimas's review
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
A good book. Stories that depict the life in Ghana in the new days of its independence and that deal with the themes of gender and race. Marginalized, precious voice. Competently written. The perspective and overall vibe appealed to me, but I couldn’t entirely get into it — didn’t blow me away. Wouldn’t be opposed to a reread in the future though, and who knows, maybe I might some day appreciate it better. Also kudos for the lovely and informative afterword!
euonym's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
racheladventure's review
4.0
Aidoo does a great job of showing some of the current issues that are at the heart of modernization in Ghana today. These short stories have quite the range of perspectives to give a broad picture of what it looks like to be Ghanaian, whether you are living in a small village in the north or are living the city life of Accra. It also looks as the views of both men and women, elders and children, and this unique blend gives a very universal flavor to her themes and messages.
In "Everything Counts" there is a line that says "one did not really go to school to learn about Africa" (2). I had the opportunity to do research at a secondary school in Ghana and found that this was more true than not. The library shelves were full of donated copies of English Romantic Poets, European explorations of Africa, and outdated United States history textbooks. Although I think they are incorporating more African literature into the curriculum, there is definitely a shortage of literature appreciation in the Ghanaian community until reaching the university level (which is not an option for the vast majority of the population). I cannot help but think there is a lot of truth to what Aidoo is saying here.
Another thing I find refreshing about this collection of plays are the different variations on form that Aidoo plays with. Having a story about telling a story seems more organic and authentic than some of the other novels that have come out of Africa. The slang can be hard to keep up with, but for the most part this is very accessible to a Western audience unfamiliar with the context of these stories. This one of the best reads I have had yet in West African literature.
It is also nice to get a female voice out of Africa, particularly West Africa. I have a soft spot for her the themes and the subjects she takes on. It also probably helps that I love Ghana. :)
In "Everything Counts" there is a line that says "one did not really go to school to learn about Africa" (2). I had the opportunity to do research at a secondary school in Ghana and found that this was more true than not. The library shelves were full of donated copies of English Romantic Poets, European explorations of Africa, and outdated United States history textbooks. Although I think they are incorporating more African literature into the curriculum, there is definitely a shortage of literature appreciation in the Ghanaian community until reaching the university level (which is not an option for the vast majority of the population). I cannot help but think there is a lot of truth to what Aidoo is saying here.
Another thing I find refreshing about this collection of plays are the different variations on form that Aidoo plays with. Having a story about telling a story seems more organic and authentic than some of the other novels that have come out of Africa. The slang can be hard to keep up with, but for the most part this is very accessible to a Western audience unfamiliar with the context of these stories. This one of the best reads I have had yet in West African literature.
It is also nice to get a female voice out of Africa, particularly West Africa. I have a soft spot for her the themes and the subjects she takes on. It also probably helps that I love Ghana. :)
crescent_just's review
5.0
This book was so unexpected!!!
It's actually made me love Ama Ata Aidoo so much more than I already did. It was a beautifully written book that made me feel the African vibe.
The stories were basically set on normal African believes, settings and of course happenings in typical Ghanaian homes and societies.
It was descriptive and understanding in addition to having a whole pile of lessons to teach.
The characters were well defined, relatable and simply fantastic. They felt so real to the extent that I almost believed them to be alive.
The settings were all fit each story perfectly, took me to the old times even way before I was born. Took me to the characters' world as well which was astounding if you ask me.
Overall, my favourite stories would have to be No Sweetness Here,For Whom Things Did Not Change and Other Versions.
Loved it!
Would recommend this to everyone!!
It's actually made me love Ama Ata Aidoo so much more than I already did. It was a beautifully written book that made me feel the African vibe.
The stories were basically set on normal African believes, settings and of course happenings in typical Ghanaian homes and societies.
It was descriptive and understanding in addition to having a whole pile of lessons to teach.
The characters were well defined, relatable and simply fantastic. They felt so real to the extent that I almost believed them to be alive.
The settings were all fit each story perfectly, took me to the old times even way before I was born. Took me to the characters' world as well which was astounding if you ask me.
Overall, my favourite stories would have to be No Sweetness Here,For Whom Things Did Not Change and Other Versions.
Loved it!
Would recommend this to everyone!!