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The novel provides a fascinating account of many developments in 19th-century European and colonial history from Kwasi's singular vantage point. Revered by the royalty in Holland because he too is royal, despised and feared by most of his schoolmates because he is black and exotic, unable to return home because he is now more Dutch than Ashanti, unable fully to become Dutch, Kwasi is perpetually out of place. This gives him fresh insight into many of the developments we associate with the 19th century--the invention of the photograph, ethnographic freak shows, phrenology, to name a few.
Kwasi's attempts to integrate are contrasted with those of his cousin, Kwame, who eschews things western and longs for home. Their diverging aspirations and destinies poignantly counterpoint each other. Japin has written a superb and sophisticated novel, refusing all the easy dichotomies--black/white, self/other, civilised/primitive--that structure so many imaginings of the colonial world. The novel carries its immense learning with remarkable lightness, never allowing its asides on Ashanti customs, colonial intrigue or Dutch dynastic squabbles to distract from a gripping and moving story.--Neville Hoad
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Book Description paperback. Condition: New. Language: ENG. Seller Inventory # 9780099287872
Book Description Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. 'A virtuoso recreation of an extraordinary life' Daily TelegraphIn 1837, two young African princes arrive at the court of Willem I in the Netherlands. They have been given to the Dutch by the King of the Ashanti as surety in a deal over illegal slave trading. The two boys think they have been sent to acquire a European education, but time passes. They forget their native language and become exiles. Treated as curiosities by white people, their friendship suffers and their paths diverge. Years later, as the twentieth century dawns, the elderly Kwasi, now owner of a coffee plantation in Java, sits down to write his autobiography. Based on a true story, The Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi is both a brilliant piece of storytelling and a moving portrayal of the search for identity and belonging. In 1837, two young African princes arrive at the court of Willem I in the Netherlands. Treated as curiosities by white people, their friendship suffers and their paths diverge. Years later, as the 20th century dawns, the elderly Kwasi sits down to write his autobiography. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9780099287872
Book Description Soft Cover. Condition: new. Seller Inventory # 9780099287872
Book Description Paperback / softback. Condition: New. New copy - Usually dispatched within 4 working days. Years later, as the twentieth century dawns, the elderly Kwasi, now owner of a coffee plantation in Java, sits down to write his autobiography. Based on a true story, The Two Hearts of Kwasi Boachi is both a brilliant piece of storytelling and a moving portrayal of the search for identity and belonging. Seller Inventory # B9780099287872
Book Description Paperback. Condition: New. BRAND NEW ** SUPER FAST SHIPPING FROM UK WAREHOUSE ** 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. Seller Inventory # 9780099287872-GDR
Book Description Condition: New. In. Seller Inventory # ria9780099287872_new
Book Description Paperback. Condition: Brand New. 352 pages. 7.80x5.08x0.83 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __0099287870
Book Description Condition: New. 2001. Paperback. In 1837, two young African princes arrive at the court of Willem I in the Netherlands. Treated as curiosities by white people, their friendship suffers and their paths diverge. Years later, as the 20th century dawns, the elderly Kwasi sits down to write his autobiography. Translator(s): Rilke, Ina. Num Pages: 352 pages, Illustrations, ports. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 198 x 131 x 22. Weight in Grams: 252. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9780099287872
Book Description Condition: New. 2001. Paperback. In 1837, two young African princes arrive at the court of Willem I in the Netherlands. Treated as curiosities by white people, their friendship suffers and their paths diverge. Years later, as the 20th century dawns, the elderly Kwasi sits down to write his autobiography. Translator(s): Rilke, Ina. Num Pages: 352 pages, Illustrations, ports. BIC Classification: FA. Category: (G) General (US: Trade). Dimension: 198 x 131 x 22. Weight in Grams: 252. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9780099287872
Book Description Condition: New. Seller Inventory # 1375944-n