Description

Abie follows the arc of a letter from London back to Africa to a coffee plantation that now could be hers if she wants it. Standing among the ruined groves she strains to hear the sound of the past, but the layers of years are too many. Thus begins the gathering of her family’s history through the tales of her aunts – four women born to four different wives of a wealthy plantation owner, her grandfather. Asana, Mariama, Hawa and Serah: theirs is the story of a nation, a family and four women’s attempts to alter the course of her own destiny.

Publisher Review

'A writer of startling talent ... Conveying the human spirit's irrepressible love of life is the triumph of this magical book' Daily Telegraph 'A fascinating evocation of the experience of African women, and all that has been gained - and lost - with the passing of old traditions' Marie Claire 'She tells stories as she breathes ... a prose of soaring beauty' The Times 'Mesmeric, elegant prose ... equally extraordinary and vibrant with sadness and joy' Daily Mail