Ghana Must Go

By: Taiye Selasi

Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh

Length: 12 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Introducing a powerful new novelist whose evocation of an unforgettable African family is testament to the transformative power of unconditional love

Kwaku Sai is dead. A renowned surgeon and failed husband, he succumbs suddenly at dawn outside the home he shares in Ghana with his second wife. The news of Kwaku's death sends a ripple around the world, bringing together the family he abandoned years before. Ghana Must Go is their story.

Electric, exhilarating, beautifully crafted, Ghana Must Go follows the Sais' journey, moving with great elegance through time and place to share the truths hidden and lies told; the crimes committed in the name of love. In the wake of Kwaku's death, the family gathers in Ghana, at their mother, Fola's, new home. The eldest son and his new wife; the mysterious, beautiful twins; their baby sister, now a young woman - all come together for the first time in years, each carrying secrets of his own. What is revealed in their coming together is the story of how they came apart.

But the horrible fragility of the world they have built soon becomes clear, and Kwaku's leaving begets a series of betrayals that none of them could have imagined. Splintered, alone, each navigates his pain, believing that what has been lost can never be recovered - until, in Ghana, a new way forward, a new family, begins to emerge.

Ghana Must Go is at once a portrait of a family and an exploration of the importance of where we come from and our obligations to one another. In a sweeping narrative that takes us from West Africa to New England to London, Ghana Must Go teaches that the stories we share with one another can build a new future.

©2013 Taiye Selasi (P)2013 Penguin Audio

Wonderful Read

Enjoyed book. Narration was really good, and story was extremely intense. It definitely pulled at my heart strings! Must admit there were moments in the book when I got a little confused as to which time period we were in, yet it all came together and made sense by the end. Would certainly recommend other books from this author, as well as other audiobooks performed by this same narrator.

Unforgettable Family

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is an entertaining book that tells the true human story of a family dynamic. The prose is lyrical and the way the author interweaves the tales of each family member is exceptional. The listener is given an intimate view of the inner thoughts of the characters. The story is one I will remember for a long time. The ending does not disappoint.

Difficult read, worth the effort

It took some time and reflection to really understand and appreciate the authors triumph. But once I understood I was truly moved.

Takes a weird turn

Generally it was a really good book and I liked it, but toward the end it went in a really weird way and I wasn't a fan of the direction and that made it hard to keep listening. it resolved interestingly though.

The writing!

The story was interesting and though it had a few holes the writing shines! I love the way Taiye Selasi writes it like a term paper, meets screen play, meets music with such a clear understanding of each character's thoughts and feelings.

Fascinating Read

It took some patience too get into this book, no fault of the narrator of course. But, it was worth the patience. Once, I got into the narrative of the way the story is written I became totally captivated, entranced really. I then hung on every word. Any book that brings emotions out of you, in this manner, is a work of truth and art.

Ghana Must GO!!!

If you could sum up Ghana Must Go in three words, what would they be?

I Love It!!

Who was your favorite character and why?

A toss between Kehinde...Olu. Their power, their genius.

Have you listened to any of Adjoa Andoh’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Americana. There's no comparison because they were both great books. Person with an incredible voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Taiwo's transformation. Powerful.

Any additional comments?

This was a another great book read by Adjoa Andoh. It was a bit difficult to follow at the beginning, but as it continued, WOW, incredible. :)

Phenomenal story!

I have always been a fan of Guy de Maupassant for his vivid descriptions and thought it would be impossible for anyone else to achieve his level of writing. I was proven wrong by this book. The characters and the scenes are so alive it is baffling. The story is phenomenal and the writing is so sharp, so clear, so .... I am purchasing a hard copy and hope I get the chance to read or listen to another book from her.

Fabulously written

I loved the story. I thought about the twins, all of the children , they were all so broken. Fathers don’t always realize the glue they are in the existence of family, Selasi eloquently spoke life into the existence of us all - family. This is a must read.

A story of love and loss

A story of a family's journey as they navigate loss, abandonment, grief, death and love. A beautiful novel composed of both heart wrenching and light-hearted moments. I highly recommend!