The Prophet Of Zongo Street: Stories - Hardcover

Ali, Mohammed Naseehu

3.68

185 ratings by Goodreads

9780060523541: The Prophet Of Zongo Street: Stories

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0060523549 ISBN 13: 9780060523541

Publisher: Amistad Pr, 2005

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

A collection of ten stories blends contemporary references and traditional African myths, recounting the experiences of neighbors in a Ghana community, from the town gossip to a drunken trickster, who maintain their humor and philosophical outlooks in the face of poverty and revolution. 25,000 first printing.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

Review:

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

"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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 title" may belong to another edition of this title.