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Book Reviewed by:An internationally award-winning writer makes her triumphant American debut in this emotionally powerful story—a potent blend of Queenie and The Vanishing Half—about a woman's journey to uncover a foundational family secret from the childhood she does not remember.
On the cusp of thirty, Ghanaian Londoner Whitney Appiah was born with a special gift. The massage therapist can physically sense where her clients' trauma lies and heal them. But Whitney has no idea that she too, is suffering. Tragic events from her youth have left a terrible, unseen mark. When a dangerous encounter with the man she's dating triggers a wave of fragmented recollections, Whitney embarks on a journey to reclaim her memories and the truth that is buried deep in her early years growing up in Kumasi, Ghana during the 1990s.
Spanning three decades, told through the viewpoints of Whitney, sisters Gloria and Aretha, and their house help Maame Serwaa, The Rest of You explores what happens when we try to move forward through the lacuna of our past.
A strikingly original novel inspired by the Twi proverb of Sankofa: looking back in order to move forward, The Rest of You is a story of generational healing, what it means to be Black British, and surviving familial migrant journeys. Tackling darkly serious themes yet full of hope and optimism, and told with an eye towards the future, Maame Blue's extraordinary tale is an unforgettable celebration of womanhood, friendship, and family.
Kumasi, 1995
Gloria
Gloria felt the full possibility of the day in her body. Until now things had been heavy, as if she carried weights on her back and chest. She would wake up every day with this feeling of being underneath her grief. It had lightened a little every year since Bobo was born, but finally she felt things shift properly. Perhaps because she really wanted to remember this day, the first in a long time that Paa Kweku had requested a meeting with her. Just the two of them.
"There's something I want to tell you. Can I pass by later today?"
"I'll come to you."
Gloria had replied quickly as he stood outside the gate, suddenly too shy to step through the opening as he had many times before. But it was early in the morning, he was on his way to Holy Grace Church, and she was not properly dressed. They said their goodbyes, and she listened to his footsteps fade away as the guard closed the gate behind him. She tried to tell herself that Paa Kweku's request meant nothing, that she...
The Rest of You spans three decades. We follow Whitney in present-day London, and her aunts Gloria and Aretha along with their house help, Maame Serwaa, in 1995 Kumasi, Ghana, learning about the family's history of tragedy and grief. Aunt Gloria has filled the role of Whitney's sole guardian since both her parents died. Gloria's youngest sister Tina died giving birth to Whitney, and Gloria has told Whitney that her father died from an unknown illness. But we learn through the POVs of Gloria, Aretha, and Maame Serwaa that Bobby, Whitney's father, was killed by a friend of his. Blue has crafted an artful story through which to explore the themes of grief, generational trauma, male violence (toward other men and women), friendships, and family. She examines the ways Whitney's aunt, trying to protect her from pain, has inflicted more harm by limiting the knowledge she has of her parents and where she comes from. This has shaped her identity, how she makes sense of herself, and how she handles her relationships with others...continued
Full Review
(911 words)
(Reviewed by Letitia Asare).
Kelechi Okafor, author of Edge of Here and Strong Like Me
Maame's skill at crafting characters that take bits of your heart with them as you read the final pages is a true gift. Following the characters through the intertwining of multiple timelines brought forth the force that yearning and longing actually possess. A wonderful book! Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City
A novel that doesn't shy away from the modern issues of being Black and female. At times heartbreaking, this portrait of a family coming to terms with a tragic past is vivid and tender. Omolola Ijeoma Ogunyemi, author of Jollof Rice and Other Revolutions
The Rest of You is a moving exploration of friendship, family, grief, loss, boundary violations and healing that highlights the unexpected ways in which past actions echo in the present time. Whitney, Gloria, Aretha, and Maame Serwa's stories will keep you turning the pages, eager for more. Maame Blue is a brilliant and discerning wordsmith and The Rest of You is a must read.
There are many different tribes and cultural influences in Ghana; therefore, Ghanaian culture shouldn't be assumed to be a monolith. However, the tradition of naming children after the day they are born is a common practice in the country. It originates from the Akan people — the largest ethnic group in Ghana, making up 47.3% of the population — and is present throughout West Africa and the African diaspora.
The tradition names children after the day of the week they are born and birth order (with designated additional names given if siblings are born on the same day of the week, or are twins). The names have a deeper meaning connected to the soul and character of the person, similar to the more widespread symbolism ...
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