Library Additions

Over the past two weeks I have come to possess some books, mostly through purchases, which I must share with you. But before I do so, let me take talk about the resurgence of old almost lost books on the Ghanaian market and thank some publishers (or a publisher) for doing so.

Last week I passed by the Silverbirds Lifestyle shop and I saw books that I thought were almost lost: Tsitsi Dangarembga. I jumped and jumped. I looked at those books and realised that they had one publisher: Ayebia. Nana Ayebia Clarke, the founder of Ayebia Clarke Publishing Limited, is a Ghanaian-born publisher currently resident in the UK. She was the Submissions Editor for Heinemann and Caribbean Writers Series for 12 years. Together with her husband, David, they established this publishing company in 2003 specialising in quality African and Caribbean writing. They hope to be the first stop for established and budding writers who require a publisher who understands where they come from. Their mission is to publish books that will open new spaces and bring fresh insights into African and Caribbean life, culture and literature in a way that will enlighten, stimulate and entertain.

Now the books:

The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu: This book was sent to me, autographed, by the author. I showed it off to my friends at work who didn't understand why I should be happy. I interviewed the author here and definitely you would be reading the review of the book here. It was published by Weaver Press.

Fela, This Bitch of a Life by Carlos Moore: I purchased this book together with the next book when the author, Carlos Moore, together with the author of the next book, John Collins discussed Fela at the Nubuke Foundation. This event was organised by Kinna of Kinna Reads. Yes, and I had it autographed. This book was published by Cassava Republic.

Fela, The Kalakuta Notes by John Collins: I purchased this book when the author John Collins discussed Fela's life with Carlos Moore at the Nubuke Foundation. This was also autographed by the author.

Remembrance of Things Past by Marcel Proust: Though Proust is not originally on my 100 TBR, as an author he is on the list of authors to be read. Yes, I have a list of authors I would purchase from if I ever come across their books. This book is over 1100 pages! and published by Penguin. I know I am not reading it now. May be next year. But who knows?

Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy: I bought this book together with Marcel Proust's book from a second-hand book dealer. The two books cost less than US$ 3. I didn't know Thomas Hardy was on my list of authors - not my fault! the list is long. But when I checked he was on it. 

Nervous Conditions by Tsitsi Dangarembga: This book was bought on the impulse. It is on my list of TBR so when I saw it at the Silverbirds Lifestyle Shop, I couldn't prevent myself from buying it. I had earlier seen The Other Crucifix by Benjamin Kwakye and skipped,  Cry my Beloved Country by Alan Paton and skipped, and African Love stories edited by Ama Ata Aidoo, which I also passed. However, when I got to this book, I couldn't. When I saw the sequel The Book of Not I had to pinch myself to avoid purchasing it since I have exhausted all my budgetary allocations on books. I hope Silverbirds keep these three books for me, else...