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174
Novel • Fiction
West Africa • 1950s
1954
YA
18+ years
My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola tells the story of an unnamed narrator's spiritual development and coming-of-age after he and his older brother become lost while fleeing from slave traders. Entering the wilderness known as the "bush of ghosts," the narrator encounters various magical and fantastical beings, experiencing numerous adventures and transformations that draw on Yoruba folklore and Christian beliefs. The novel explores themes of spirituality, the importance of folklore and mythology, and the consequences of colonialism. The source text discusses domestic violence, abuse, incarceration, and enslavement.
Mysterious
Fantastical
Unnerving
Dark
Melancholic
1,124 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amos Tutuola's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts is lauded for its imaginative narrative and unique blend of African folklore with magical realism. Critics praise its originality and cultural depth, though some find the prose challenging and uneven. Overall, it offers a compelling, if occasionally disorienting, adventure.
Readers who enjoy My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola are often drawn to surreal storytelling, African folklore, and magical realism. Similar audiences appreciate One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe for their rich cultural narratives and imaginative plots.
1,124 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Narrator’s Brother
He plays a crucial role in the plot by influencing the narrator's journey and providing familial connections. As the elder sibling, he upholds family responsibilities amidst the challenges they face.
The Super-Lady
A ghostly character who plays dual roles as a wife and mother within the ghost world. She shapes the narrator's experience by introducing him to adult and family life.
Television-Handed Ghostess
A ghostly figure marked by mysterious and grotesque imagery, whose suffering highlights disruptions in the ghost world. Her palm serves as a link between realms, offering the narrator a path back home.
174
Novel • Fiction
West Africa • 1950s
1954
YA
18+ years
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