Sankofa: 'I LOVED Sankofa' Marian Keyes

Sankofa is a novel by Onuzo Chidinma that explores the identity of a mixed-race British woman by tracing her West African father, who became the president of a small nation in West Africa. It received praise for its captivating story, thought-provoking themes, and exploration of race, identity, and inheritance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating story about a mixed-race British woman who embarks on a quest to uncover the West African father she never knew, "Sankofa" has garnered widespread acclaim and recognition. This Reese Witherspoon Book Club Pick, BBC 2 Between the Covers Book Club Pick, and Shortlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction Futures Prize, has also been named an Amazon Best Book of the Year.

"Sankofa" is a difficult book to put down, as evidenced by the numerous accolades it has received. The Daily Mail describes it as a "real pleasure," noting its blend of humor, thought-provoking themes, and ability to shed light on a wide range of issues, including cultural differences and colonialism. Stylist magazine praises the novel for its "slick pacing and unpredictable developments," keeping the reader engaged until the exhilarating conclusion.

The Guardian's Book of the Day designation highlights the novel's ability to challenge familiar narratives of colonization, inheritance, and liberation. Onuzo's writing is characterized by a breezy, highly entertaining style that leaves the reader rethinking their understanding of these complex topics.

The New York Times Book Review describes "Sankofa" as a "really great book, very poignant." Sara Cox, in her review, praises the novel's exploration of race, identity, and the legacy we pass on to our children. Anna, the protagonist, is in a period of transition as she separates from her husband, her daughter grows up, and her mother, the only parent she knew, passes away.

Through a series of discoveries made while sorting through her mother's belongings, Anna learns about the West African father she never knew. Reading his student diary, which chronicles his involvement in radical politics in 1970s London, she uncovers that he eventually rose to become the president (some would say the dictator) of a small nation in West Africa. Intrigued by this revelation, Anna decides to track him down, embarking on a funny, painful, and fascinating journey that leads her to confront her own identity and the complexities of her family history.

"Sankofa" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the human experience. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of race, identity, and family, and will leave readers contemplating the enduring impact of our past and the choices we make in the present.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 128 x 196 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780349013138