Stories from the Tenants Downstairs

By: Sidik Fofana

Narrated by: Joniece Abbott-Pratt, Nile Bullock, Sidik Fofana, Dominic Hoffman, DePre Owens, André Santana, Bahni Turpin, Jade Wheeler

Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

SELECTED FOR THE RUSA 2023 LISTEN LIST FOR OUTSTANDING AUDIOBOOK NARRATION!

WINNER of the Gotham Book Prize * Finalist for the Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award, and the Ernest J. Gaines Award for Literary Excellence * Longlisted for the Story Prize

Named a BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR by NPR, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Chicago Review of Books, LitHub, and Electric Lit

“A standout achievement…American speech is an underused commodity in contemporary fiction and it’s a joy to find such a vital example of it here.”—The Wall Street Journal

From a superb new literary talent, a rich, lyrical collection of stories about a tight-knit cast of characters grappling with their own personal challenges while the forces of gentrification threaten to upend life as they know it.

At Banneker Terrace, everybody knows everybody, or at least knows of them. Longtime tenants’ lives are entangled together in the ups and downs of the day-to-day, for better or for worse. The neighbors in the unit next door are friends or family, childhood rivals or enterprising business partners. In other words, Harlem is home. But the rent is due, and the clock of gentrification—never far from anyone’s mind—is ticking louder now than ever.

In eight interconnected stories, Sidik Fofana conjures a residential community under pressure. There is Swan, in apartment 6B, whose excitement about his friend’s release from prison jeopardizes the life he’s been trying to lead. Mimi, in apartment 14D, hustles to raise the child she had with Swan, waitressing at Roscoe’s and doing hair on the side. And Quanneisha B. Miles, in apartment 21J, is a former gymnast with a good education who wishes she could leave Banneker for good, but can’t seem to escape the building’s gravitational pull. We root for the tight-knit cast of characters as they weave in and out of one another’s narratives, working to escape their pasts and blaze new paths forward for themselves and the people they love. All the while we brace, as they do, for the challenges of a rapidly shifting future.

Stories from the Tenants Downstairs brilliantly captures the joy and pain of the human experience in this “singular accomplishment from a writer to watch” (Library Journal, starred review).

©2022 Sidik Fofana. All rights reserved. (P)2022 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"After a moody jazz riff, Sidik Fofana and a stand-out cast of performers transport listeners to the Banneker Terrace apartments in Harlem. Written in vibrant Black American vernacular, these witty, sad, uplifting stories are ideal for audio. Joniece Abbott-Pratt’s Mimi is a beautician behind on the rent. Fofana’s Swan might mess up because of a visitor. André Santana’s Darius tries to earn funds by offering therapy instead of prostitution. Bahni Turpin’s Ms. Dallas is a classroom aide bossed too often by a Harvard-educated teacher. DePre Owens’s Kandese manages a candy-selling ring of girls. Nile Bullock’s Najee and pals dance for tips in the subway. Jade Wheeler’s Quanneisha handles residents she doesn’t like. Dominic Hoffman’s Mr. Murray earns money playing chess. They’re all unforgettable."—AudioFile Magazine

Not when I expected.

This is an urban story about a tenement in Harlem. I guess I didn’t read about it well, enough, because I wasn’t aware of that. The first story is interesting. Second one painful, third one excellent. I was hooked from there. It really leaves you wanting to know more about each of the people.

Interesting

An interesting collection of interwoven stories from different perspectives of tenants in the same building. I enjoyed the range of style and storytelling in this

Loved these stories!

It’s always good to view life experiences from different perspectives, encouraging folks learn and respect the truth(s) from those most affected.

Real life glimpse into others lives.

This truly is a real life glimpse into what life is like for some - a bit graphic at times but raw and real. I worked in an urban area in property management - including managing apartment complexes - for 15 years. These stories pulled me right back into that time of my life and reminded me of friends I haven't talked to in awhile. made me wonder what other obstacles they are facing currently. Sidenote: the narration is fantastic! I've listened to thousands of audio books and this is well done! Thanks for all who worked hard to make this happen and to bring to light a world that many have not entered, and that many live in every day.

Excellent & Original Stories & Performance

The recording and dialogues were like sitting at the best theatre. Congratulations to the author and the readers of this original collection of stories!

not what I expected

This book is very well written and narrated but it was not at all what I expected. It's also out of my awareness zone which is why I listened through to the end. I am really, really glad that I did.

Couldn’t have been any better

And actually wish there had been more stories. Excellent writing, excellent stories, excellent cast for the reading. Thank you for your labeling us on this wild roll and coaster!

Amazing cast of narrators, a strong collection

The first two stories are kind of meh, which is a shame because with collections, order is everything, but it really does pick up. The author is a teacher and you can tell, because his rendering of kids is so spot on. Those were my favorite stories. I liked the thread of gentrification woven into each narrative, and the diversity of the characters and their situations. Fantastic narrations from everyone who lended their voice, including the author, who should definitely consider being a voice actor!

A view into a world not my own

Excellent writing. The characters were well developed, not caricatures. The language was strong but felt authentic to the speakers.

First rate! Finished in one sitting!

The writing, the reading and the interwoven stories are so well done! Really flows well from story to story and life to life.

I will definitely listen again as soon as I work down my library! Looking forward with excitement to the next work from Sidik Fofana!