Cousins’ Diverging Paths in Ghana

Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie is a profound exploration of family dynamics, cultural identity, and the enduring bonds of friendship. The novel follows two cousins, Akorfa and Selasi, who are inseparable during their childhood years in Ghana. However, as they grow older, their paths diverge significantly. Akorfa pursues academic success and eventually moves to America, while Selasi faces a tumultuous adolescence marked by personal loss and familial obligations.

Peace Adzo Medie's Nightbloom is a significant contribution to contemporary Ghanaian literature, illuminating the intricate ties of family and friendship. It is a book that resonates on multiple levels, offering both a personal and cultural exploration that is both enlightening and moving.

Such real, flawed characters intertwined with a plot that leaves you raw.

Sometimes, family is the one thing that hurts you the most even as they're the only ones you cling to when all is said and done. [Check the content warnings before diving into this one.]

I really liked that we got to see both perspectives of events and the drastic difference in the way the girls felt about their inevitable falling out was wild. But what is life if not told through our own biased lenses?

This makes me want to read Peace's first book even more now.

"Nightbloom" by Peace Adzo Medie is a touching exploration of friendship and identity. The story is set in Ghana and the U.S. and follows cousins Akorfa and Selasi as they navigate personal and societal challenges. Medie's evocative prose and rich character development make this novel a compelling read that highlights the strength of female bonds.

Nightbloom is an engaging story about two female cousins who spend their childhood not only as best friends, but more like sisters. First we get Akorfa's POV, from early childhood into adulthood. Then it switches to Selasi's POV, and we begin to understand so much more by experiencing the events throughout their early life from her perspective. So many things take on more meaning, it becomes clear why events played out the way they did. I can't say how much I enjoyed this exploration of family and friendship told in this manner. It is a first for me to read a book that tells all of one side before then starting over to tell it all from the other side, rather than the traditional back and forth of alternating perspectives. There is so much life held within these pages, lots of heartache, lots of loss, but also so much hope, perseverance, and rebuilding. Set mainly in Ghana, but parts occur in the US when Akorfa moves there for university, thinking that it will allow her to live a better life than staying in Ghana. I'll leave it up to you to decide whether you think it turned out that way or not. It highlights in my opinion, that intelligence and money only get you so far in life. A strong work ethic and perseverance, can get you just as far, if not further. One of the best books I've read this summer.

When I was invited to join the paperback blog tour for Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie, I decided to jump on board. I’d read and enjoyed her debut book His Only Wife, and I’d hoped to read Nightbloom when it was first released but couldn’t fit it in my schedule. I’m happy I made time for this one! Nightbloom is engrossing, illuminating, and empowering. A story about two Ghanian cousins who were best friends as children but their lives took them on different paths, despite unknowingly experiencing similar traumas.

In the first part of Nightbloom we get Akorfa’s story from her point of view, while the second part of the book is from Selasi’s point of view. I wasn’t expecting this shift, so at first it took me by surprise—and I didn’t know if I’d like leaving Akorfa—but I ended up liking Selasi’s point of view even more. It’s eye-opening to see the same events through different eyes. If the idea of repetition in a book dissuades you, Selasi’s story is much more concise, and while there are some of the same scenes, they’re fresh when seen through new eyes.

Medie’s technique here is smart. By the time I arrived at Selasi’s side of the story, I had formed opinions and ideas of my own thanks to Akorfa, but those beliefs were shattered by Selasi’s point of view. It’s a good reminder that we all experience things in different ways, and while we may think we know what someone else is thinking or feeling, we don’t really know unless we communicate with one another.

This is a story about friendship and hardship, but it’s also about family, specifically mother-daughter and father-daughter relationships. Akorfa and Selasi have very different familial experiences, but both are shaped by the strong influence of their parents. It’s especially intriguing to see Akorfa’s experience with her parents through her eyes and then Selasi’s. Selasi lives with Akorfa’s family for several years, and her recollection of the treatment she received from Akorfa’s parents is very different from Akorfa’s recollection.

At the end of the book I found myself wondering which point of view was the truest one? Did Akorfa just overlook the things Selasi saw? Did she knowingly ignore them? Or was the truth somewhere in the middle of their experiences? Do we all mistakenly interpret our experiences because of our own biases? It’s a fascinating thing to consider, and I appreciate books that have me pondering such ideas.

Not only did this one have me ruminating, it introduced me to a place and culture I’m not as familiar with. Ghanian food, family traditions, political and religious lifestyles. I highly recommend Nightbloom! It’s an important story I won’t soon forget.

I didn’t expect to like this book as much as I did! Don’t get me wrong, this is a very layered, sometimes tough story about 2 cousins who were inseparable and grew apart as teens.

To be honest, the story is somewhat bland until you get into Selasi’s story at about 60%, so if you decide to pick it up, do not give up on it!

Highly recommend this book!

An exceptional read! Peace Medie managed to bring awareness to key societal issues while exploring friendships and relationships among women. The characters, the plot, and the pacing were captivating. I loved the dual perspectives.

My only complaint is that I didn't want it to end. I highly recommend it.

I enjoyed Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie. The Ghanaian author, known for His Only Wife, shows her talent by telling the story by two cousins who share the same birthday from both of their points of view. Akorfa is the more privileged and studious cousin who lives comfortably with her parents before going to university in the U.S. Her cousin Selasi is essentially an orphan who lives with Akorfa’s family and is treated a bit like Cinderella by Akorfa’s mother. The book deals with themes of economic class, debt and pain among family members, friendship across vastly different circumstances, racism in the U.S., and of women’s rights and treatment. Although some readers might find the two points-of-view to be a bit repetitive, I found it enlightening and it demonstrated Medie’s skills as a storyteller. The book is funny at times but also poignant and gripping. Thanks to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for the eARC. #Nightbloom #PeaceAdzoMedie

Thank you @algonquinbooks for the ebook of Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie. This is a dual narrator book set in both Ghana and the US. The writing and storytelling is wonderful. I personally enjoyed that a portion of the book took place at The University of Pittsburgh where I attended for my masters degree and live. I really felt like I was with the characters both in Ghana and The US and the story of the racism that they had to endure is an important one for us to hear and how it impacts people’s lives.

Akorfa and Selasi are cousins in Ghana. Selasi moves in with Akorfa’s family when her mother dies. Their lives take different trajectories when Akorfa moves to the US to study. They both undergo many hardships that impact their relationship and their lives. This is a very moving story of family and relationships.

This book confused me. The first half I would have rated a 2 star but the second half would have been a 4 star. The first half was super slow and overly detailed to the point where I checked (multiple times) to confirm that it wasn't a memoir. There were too many events that didn't have any impact on the overall story but were described in way too many details. This caused my reading to slog along. Then at about the halfway mark, the narrator changes, the pace picks up, and events are explained in a much more enjoyable manner. Bad: some of the same events from the first half were rehashed again. Good: Not all the events were rehashed and the ones included made some sense. A perfect world would have been mixing the two parts together, relying mainly on the second half and adding some of the first half and cutting the book down by about 100 pages and making it engaging throughout. I also struggled with how the characters never gave each other the benefit of a doubt. Everyone went straight to being defensive and aggressive. Is that a cultural difference? Either way, it made me dislike the characters and question their version of "family." I enjoyed her first book a much better!

This is a story about men getting away with things. Weak men who are threatened by strong women, and men who know the women will keep silent rather than risk ostracization. Men whose political power protects them. Men who abandon a wife and children under social pressure, then expect to command the children.

It is the story of women who suffer by men’s actions and inactions. Who elect silence over justice, fearful of condemnation. And of women who stand up for themselves, and the price they pay for it.

It is the story of life in Ghana, where people die in hospitals from neglect, and in America where qualified people of cover lose jobs to the novices they had mentored.

Two cousins, childhood best friends, become estranged because of family secrets. After her mother’s death and her father starts a new family, Selasi moves in with Akorfa’s family. Akorfa is expected to become a doctor and her parents pay for the best education available. Akorfa’s parents also pay for Selasi’s schooling, but when she is found with a boyfriend, her punishment is to do the work of a maid and cook. After all, her grades landed her in home ec classes.

Akorfa’s academic success takes her to America where she encounters racism and jealousy at school and in her career. Selasi becomes an entrepreneur, opening a successful restaurant in Ghana.

Each woman tells her story in the novel, first Akorfa, then Selasi, revealing new perspectives on what had happened. Decades later, the women are brought together again, discovering their shared trauma.

I received a galley from the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

Another elegant and moving novel by Peace Adzo Medie. Nightbloom is a story of class, family, friendship, ambition and secrets told from two perspectives. Each narrator is believable and convinces you to have sympathy for them, but it’s also clear to see that both have their flaws. This is the second novel I’ve read recently where the overbearing mother of a protagonist almost derails her daughter’s life due to her ambitions for her daughter’s success - both were well written, but I may need to be careful about selecting my next read, because I think I’m ready for a different storyline.

Recommended for literary fiction fans and those who enjoy books centered on non-US/non-European cultures.

I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.

Nightbloom" is a captivating narrative that intricately weaves together the lives of two cousins, Akorfa and Selasi, across continents and generations. Set against the backdrop of Ghana and America, the novel masterfully explores themes of friendship, identity, and the enduring strength of female bonds.

Through vivid storytelling, the author paints a vivid picture of the deep connection between Akorfa and Selasi in their childhood, juxtaposed with the complexities and challenges they face as they grow apart. Selasi's transformation from exuberant to withdrawn, and Akorfa's journey to navigate the hurdles of racism in America, add layers of depth to their characters and the narrative.

The portrayal of Ghanaian society and the immigrant experience in America is both authentic and insightful, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the cultural and social dynamics at play. The novel's exploration of class, family, and the impact of societal expectations on women is poignant and thought-provoking.

What truly sets "Nightbloom" apart is its exploration of silence and reconciliation. As secrets are revealed and past grievances come to light, Akorfa and Selasi are forced to confront the barriers that have kept them apart. Their journey towards healing and understanding serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Overall, "Nightbloom" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that will linger in the hearts of readers long after the final page. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, it is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the importance of embracing one's own truth.

A heartbreaking story alternating between two cousins and their connected and separate lives. Some serious sexism and cw about sexual assault and rape. Not a light read and very heavy handed about gender roles, family expectations, and grief

Solid story but a bit frustrating with the format. The story is told in 3 parts: from the POV of Akorfa (the first 45%), from the POV of Selasi (the second 45%) and then from both Akorfa & Selasi's POV (in the last 10%). The reason, I didn't like this is primarily because it essentially started all over from the beginning when it switched to Selasi's POV. It just would have helped so much more to see how they both viewed the same events at the same time instead of going through Akorfa's entire story before switching vantage point. However I think this would be a good choice for book clubs because there are many themes to discuss in the book!

This book holds true to the unbreakable bonds of female friendship and the societal pressures to silence women. And how our own memories can shape our way of life and ones around us!

Thank you Algonquin books and the author for the gifted eArc copy!

I loved this book about girls growing up in Nigeria who grow apart as they get older. Told in alternating points of view, we see one girl go to college and live in American while still harboring a secret. The second girl stays in Africa and opens a successful business, but is resentful of her friend and is also harboring her own secret. The third section takes place in Africa when the first girl comes home for a funeral.

I learned so much culture throughout this book that I truly loved and I think it's an important story, but I found the pacing and plot to be too slow to maintain momentum. I wish the book had been edited to create more momentum to propel the reader through the story.

Wow. What a beautiful journey. The author tackled difficult subjects in an intriguing way. The format of the way the story was told worked for me. I enjoyed learning more about Ghanaian culture and the American Dream vs African Dream. Easily one of the best books I read this year.

Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie is set primarily in Ghana with part of the story in the author’s hometown of Ho. The novel - told through dual points of view - traces the lives of two cousins and their differing paths.

Akorfa and Selasi were born on the same day. They are friends and frequent playmates until Selasi’s mother dies and Akorfa’s family moves to Accra. Selasi’s life in Ho changes dramatically by the time she is allowed to visit Akorfa in Accra. No longer enrolled in private school and sent to live with her grandmother in the family compound, Selasi grows up with little supervision and opportunity. Akorfa, in contrast, is raised strictly by her mother and is focused on getting into the best school and becoming a doctor. When the cousins reunite after three years apart, the cracks in their relationship start to form.

While most dual POV stories alternate perspectives between chapters, Nightbloom is told in three parts. The first 130 pages are narrated by Akorfa, then we revisit the same timeline through Selasi’s eyes. The final chapters are told by both characters after reuniting in adulthood.

I was fortunate to attend an event with the author. She told the audience that she had set out to write a story about memory. How two people can experience the same moment yet believe two wholly different truths.

Nightbloom explores this idea of memory through the lens of generational trauma. What do we owe our families? Are we forever indebted for the support we’ve received? And how does our history blind us to the truth in the present?

Peace Adzo Medie has written vivid characters in a story you can easily sink into. Nightbloom would be a wonderful book club pick and a great choice for readers who enjoy fiction set within different cultures.

*Readers may want to check trigger warnings*

Thank you to Algonquin Books and NetGalley for this ARC. I enjoyed the book so much that I also purchased a copy when I met the author.