Ratings4
Average rating4.9
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 ac-cepted 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 readers of The Girl with the Louding Voice, Americanah, and Of Women and Salt.
Reviews with the most likes.
Nightbloom is a tale of strength that comes in different forms, of hurt that gets passed down the generations, of family and community and how there's value in more than one form of them. It's emotionally rich and nuanced and the writing style makes it a very pleasant read.
I wasn't sold on the structure (same story from 2 different points of view) of this one until we got to Selasi's point of view but when we got there it made sense and it was just so good. I absolutely adored Selasi and I rooted for her so much it hurt.