This Earth, My Brother

Kofi Awoonor's debut novel, This Earth, My Brother, is a profound tale of social corruption in post-colonial Ghana. It interweaves poetry and allegory into two distinctive narratives, exploring the spiritual alienation of Amamu, a young lawyer, and the allegorical tale of new Ghana. The novel's lyrically powerful prose captures the inner workings of a man's disturbed conscience and the conflicting realities of Ghana's independence, earning it praise from critics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In this captivating debut novel, Kofi Awoonor skillfully weaves poetry and allegory into a profound exploration of social corruption in post-colonial Ghana. Drawing upon the rich tapestry of African oral tradition, This Earth, My Brother offers a vivid portrayal of post-independence Ghana through two distinct narratives.

The first strand revolves around Amamu, a young lawyer grappling with his position within the new Ghanaian elite. Frustrated by the excesses and suffering of his peers, Amamu embarks on a journey across Europe, seeking solace and a deeper understanding of his place in the world. However, his quest for enlightenment is met with an unexpected spiritual alienation that he cannot escape.

To bridge the gaps between Amamu's story, chapters of rich prose poetry unfold, offering an allegorical narrative of the new Ghana. Awoonor skillfully captures the inner turmoil of a man's conscience and the complex realities of Ghana's independence through lyrical and evocative language. The prose is characterized by a musical quality that adds depth and resonance to the narrative.

The Guardian aptly describes Awoonor as a "great and powerful literary personality," and Auma Obama, a prominent Ghanaian writer, praises his work as "wonderfully musical prose." This Earth, My Brother showcases Awoonor's talent as a storyteller and his ability to blend poetic and narrative elements to create a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. It is a testament to his literary prowess and his contribution to the rich tapestry of African literature.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 129 x 199 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035900541