Prophet of Zongo Street, The: Stories - Softcover

Ali, Mohammed Naseehu

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0060887508 ISBN 13: 9780060887506

Publisher: Harper Paperbacks, 2006

Synopsis

A dazzling collection of stories, The Prophet of Zongo Street takes readers to a world that seamlessly blends African folklore and myths with modernity. Set primarily on Zongo Street, a fictitious community in West Africa, the stories -- which are reminiscent of the works of Ben Okri and Amos Tutuola -- introduce us to wonderfully quirky characters and the most uproarious, poignant, and rawest moments of life. There's Kumi, the enigmatic title character who teaches a young boy to finally ask questions of his traditions. And as Ali moves his characters to America we meet Felix, who struggles with America's love of the exotic in "Rachmaninov."

The Prophet of Zongo Street heralds a new voice and showcases Mohammed Naseehu Ali's extraordinary ability to craft stories that are both allegorical and unforgettable.

About this title

Review:

"Imaginistic, muscular, superb." -- Barry Hannah, author of Airships and Ray

"Imaginistic, muscular, superb."--Barry Hannah, author of Airships and Ray

"Lively. . .polished. . .Ali shows. . .a keen eye for . . .humanistic detail."--Starred Kirkus Reviews

"Ali's first book is moving, subtle and ingeniously constructed."--New York Times Book Review

"Beguiling. . .powerful writing that broadens our notion of contemporary fiction."--People

"A collection of rich and resonant stories, haunting and ultimately hopeful in their commitment to the truth."--O magazine

"Ali skillfully crafts characters whose warmth and familiarity entice the reader...Ali writes like a butterfly."--Entertainment Weekly

"Colorful tales...funny, frightening, sad, shocking and, most of all, deeply humane."--Los Angeles Times

Imaginistic, muscular, superb. --Barry Hannah, author of Airships and Ray"

A collection of rich and resonant stories, haunting and ultimately hopeful in their commitment to the truth. --O magazine"

Synopsis:

In the tradition of rich African storytelling that mixes myth with modernity, "The Prophet of Zongo Street" is a dazzling collection of stories that calls to mind Ben Okri and Chinua Achebe. Mohammed Naseehu Ali, the tradition's acclaimed new practitioner, offers up 10 powerful and beautifully rendered tales. Set primarily on the fictitious Zongo Street - a close-knit community of wonderfully quirky characters who hold tight to superstition, religion and family - these stories are anchored by the uproarious, the embarrassing, the poignant and the rawest moments of life. People in this street are unforgettable portraits of humanity: Suraju, Zongo Street's King Drunkard, whose extravagant scheme to make a buck leaves him contemplating the afterlife; and Kumi, the enigmatic Prophet of Zongo Street, who teaches a young boy to finally ask questions of his traditions and beliefs. Across the ocean, in the story "Live-in," readers find Shatu, a maid on Long Island, who left Zongo Street for the promises of America, only to find herself lonely, separated from her family, and cut off from her community.

In "Rachmaninov," the well-meaning Felix struggles with America's love of the exotic as he makes his way in New York City. Confidently written and highly imaginative, "The Prophet of Zongo Street" heralds a new voice in international fiction.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Paperbacks
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0060887508
• ISBN 13: 9780060887506
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 226