Book Review: The Girl Who Can
- Amazing Grace L. Danso
- Jan 8
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Book Review: The Girl Who Can and Other Stories
Author: Ama Ata Aidoo 🇬🇭
Type of work (Genre): anthology of short stories
Number of pages: 144
Own or Borrowed: own, received as a birthday gift
Overall Impressions: how do I even begin to review the literary giant that is Prof Ama Ata Aidoo? Her works are profound and timeless. This particular work amplifies this truth about her writing. The 14 short stories told here all gave me quite a lot to think about especially as a feminist activist who desires an end to all forms of oppression and to see women appreciated in our full humanity. That’s what I love most about Prof’s writing; she allows us to see women as full blown humans whether we be good, bad, or absolutely awful. I also love her dedication to helping her readers, especially those of us of African descent, to decolonize our minds, as a matter of urgency. I couldn’t settle on a favorite story but I think Payments is one of the ones I’ll keep thinking about for a while to come. Altogether, an enjoyable read.
Something that stood out: her writing style. It’s as though she’s sitting next to you telling you each story. Sometimes it’s simple, other times complex but consistently relevant and insightful. I love that she breaks form and structure as she pleases. You can’t copy her. She’s one of one.
Overall Rating:🖋🖋🖋🖋🖋 (out of 5 fountain pens).
Recommend or nah: I absolutely recommend it! Ama Ata Aidoo is always NECESSARY reading and it’s never too late to get started on her works.
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