The Prophet of Zongo Street: Stories

By Mohammed Naseehu Ali

Book Overview

In the tradition of rich African storytelling that mixes myth with modernity, The Prophet of Zongo Street is a dazzling collection of stories that calls to mind Ben Okri and Chinua Achebe. Mohammed Naseehu Ali, the tradition's acclaimed new practitioner, offers up ten powerful and beautifully rendered tales. Set primarily on the fictitious Zongo Street -- a close-knit community of wonderfully quirky characters who hold tight to superstition, religion, and family -- these stories are anchored by the uproarious, the embarrassing, the poignant, and the rawest moments of life. Peopling this street are unforgettable portraits of humanity: Suraju, Zongo Street's King Drunkard, whose extravagant scheme to make a buck leaves him contemplating the afterlife; and Kumi, the enigmatic Prophet of Zongo Street, who teaches a young boy to finally ask questions of his traditions and beliefs. Across the ocean, in the story "Live-in," we find Shatu, a maid on Long Island, who left Zongo Street for the promises of America, only to find herself lonely, separated from her family, and cut off from her community. In "Rachmaninov," the well-meaning Felix struggles with America's love of the exotic as he makes his way in New York City. Desperately poor and whipped from one revolution to the next, the men, women, and children of Zongo Street nonetheless maintain their good humor and philosophic outlook, even as they question the very bedrock that underlies their modern culture. Confidently written and highly imaginative, The Prophet of Zongo Street heralds a new voice in international fiction.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060523549
• ISBN13: 9780060523541
• Release Date: July 2005
• Publisher: Amistad
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 1.21 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.3" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Fine Tales Set In Ghana and Brooklyn/Bronx/Long Island !!

Needless to say, my favorites were the ones set in or near Zongo Street, in the West African nation of Ghana (formerly Gold Coast). Here we meet a bizarre assortment of thieves, prophets, bullies, tea store owners and their overweight wives,taxi drivers, ghost masquesaders, and many others, including many not much different than you and me. All these tales are beautifully done and just about perfect, and there is some of the zaniest humor you will ever encounter. So, for some really different world literature, why not press the button, and order this collection right now?!

Capivating in words as he is in spirit

Mohammed Naseehu Ali's gift is to be captivating. I have walked Zongo Street. Mo, thank you for guiding me there. I knew you as a wizard of the drum, I have found you to be a magician of the pen. Your pen dishes out phenomenal images with which I have never before been infused. Your talents continue to astound and impress me. Your real gift is the gift of yourself that you share so candidly. The Prophet of Zongo Street is delicious. Thank you. Now, where can I hear you play again? Will you be drumming at your book signings?