44 pages • 1 hour read
Our Sister Killjoy
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Book Brief
134
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1960s
1977
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Our Sister Killjoy, Ama Ata Aidoo tells the story of Sissie, a young Ghanaian woman who travels across Europe, mainly staying in Germany and visiting England. She befriends a German mother named Marija but grapples with feelings of alienation and frustration as she confronts racial stereotypes and challenges post-colonial attitudes within the African diaspora. The book reflects on the complexities of African identity and the pressures faced by Africans abroad. It includes discussions of race and anti-gay bias.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
1,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ama Ata Aidoo's Our Sister Killjoy is praised for its poetic prose and deep exploration of post-colonial African identity. Readers admire the vivid cultural insights and the protagonist's strong voice. However, some critics find the non-linear narrative challenging and the thematic depth occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it's an eloquent and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Our Sister Killjoy?
Readers who relish Our Sister Killjoy by Ama Ata Aidoo typically appreciate narratives exploring postcolonial identity, African diaspora experiences, and feminist themes. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Buchi Emecheta's The Joys of Motherhood will find this book similarly compelling.
1,443 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Marija
Marija
A young Bavarian mother who befriends Sissie during her time in Germany. She is characterized by her vocal acceptance of people of color and her unusual romantic feelings for Sissie.
Kunle
Kunle
A West African man living in London who embodies what Sissie perceives as hypocrisy. He struggles with the decision to stay in Europe or return home to Africa.
The Men in the Love Letter
The Men in the Love Letter
Unnamed men who Sissie encounters during a meeting while studying in Europe. They represent various aspects of post-colonial African identity and the reasons for choosing to stay in Europe.
134
Novel • Fiction
Europe • 1960s
1977
Adult
18+ years
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