Nightbloom

By: Peace Adzo Medie

Narrated by: Jessica Sarkodie, Ekua Ekumah, Sarah Dorgbadzi

Length: 12 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of Reese's Book Club Pick His Only Wife, this moving novel about the unbreakable power of female friendship follows two estranged women in Ghana who reconnect in a crisis.

When Selasi and Akorfa were young girls in Ghana, they were more than just cousins; they were inseparable. Selasi was exuberant and funny, Akorfa quiet and studious. They would do anything for each other, imploring their parents to let them be together, sharing their secrets and desires and private jokes.

Then Selasi begins to change, becoming hostile and quiet; her grades suffer; she builds a space around herself, shutting Akorfa out. Meanwhile, Akorfa is accepted to an American university with the goal of becoming a doctor. Although hopeful that America will afford her opportunities not available to her in Ghana, she discovers the insidious ways that racism places obstacles in her path once in Pittsburgh. It takes a crisis to bring the friends back together, with Selasi’s secret revealed and Akorfa forced to reckon with her role in their estrangement.

A riveting depiction of class and family in Ghana, a compelling exploration of memory, and an eye-opening story of life as an African-born woman in the US, Nightbloom is above all a gripping and beautifully written novel attesting to the necessity of female bonds in the face of societies that would silence them. This assured follow-up to Peace Adzo Medie’s much-heralded debut is perfect for fans of The Girl with the Louding Voice, Americanah, and Of Women and Salt.

©2022 Peace Adzo Medie (P)2022 Algonquin Books

Critic reviews

Named a Most Anticipated Book of Spring/Summer 2023 by ELLE, Essence, and SheReads

“Peace Adzo Medie is the doyenne of the emotional plot twist. Just when you're sure you've figured it out, she reminds you there are two sides to every story. A book to read and then find someone to discuss it with.”—Chibundu Onuzo, author of Sankofa

"Peace Adzo Medie returns with a formidable exploration of friendship and the intricacies of the relationships that shape us. Told by two bright voices, Nightbloom is a journey that spans years and explores a different truths along a parallel journey. Touching, bold and thought-provoking, this story is one everyone should read.”—Onyi Nwabineli, author of Someday, Maybe

"Medie's remarkable skills are on display here. She explores weighty themes with a deftness of touch, and there is a vitality to her writing that makes us believe she's a credible witness to the lives her characters live."—Chika Unigwe, author of On Black Sisters Street

Enjoyable

There’s two sides to every coin and everyone has a story. Excellent read, nice narration.

Loved it!

Very thought provoking, and definitely a good listen! Trust me, just get it. U won’t regret it

A tale of two women

I don't like listening to multiple narrators. I greatly prefer falling into the rhythm and cadences of one narrator and following that person's voice from beginning to end. So for me that was a minus listening to this book. The story is quite good...but to be honest, in my opinion, not as good as Chimamanda Adichie's novels Half of a Yellow Sun and Americanah. Still, an interesting comparison of two Ghanaian women who begin as friends and whose lives diverge in some ways but remain parallel in other ways.

Unique but universal

I loved this story and the duality of the POV between the 2 main characters. While the story was completely Ghanian, and beautifully so, I found their struggles similar to so many others' experiences in the world. The story, plot, and character arcs were excellently executed. The narration was authentic and added a lot of depth, and I appreciated the switch in narrators to reinforce the POVs. I breezed through this in a few days and was sad to reach the end!

One of the best of 3000+ titles in my library

Buy this book if the description or the audio sample appeal to you. You will not be disappointed in how this story is told. It held my interest from the very first paragraph. The narration is really good too.
It's worth a credit too, if you missed the daily deal. On the east coast of the US you've got about an hour left to get the daily deal price of $3.99.

Unbreakable Connections

A beautiful story of two women and the hurts of this world. No matter the damage done by men, assault, racism or even death can break the connections they form .

The storyline

The narration is poor and doesn’t do the excellent story justice. Love the characters and the utterly believable plot.

Emotional plot twist

Did not enjoy the audiobook, it was read too slow, but love the book. Suggest you purchase the print version.

Amazing Story!

Highly highly recommend! A lesson on seeing different perspectives & the possibility of multiple truths based on each person’s lived experience. Also an interesting look into how Trauma impacts and causes negative cycles.

Amazing!

I highly recommend this book! A great read! Reading along while listening to the audible was a treat.