35 pages • 1 hour read
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born
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Book Brief
191
Novel • Fiction
Ghana • 1960s
1969
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born by Ayi Kwei Armah follows the life of an unnamed railway clerk in post-independence Ghana as he grapples with the pervasive corruption and moral decay in society. Struggling against societal pressure and his own feelings of guilt and disillusionment, he resists engaging in corrupt practices despite his wife’s wishes, ultimately confronting the consequences of his actions and finding fleeting hope amidst the despair.
Dark
Gritty
Melancholic
Contemplative
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
3,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ayi Kwei Armah's The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is widely praised for its evocative prose and stark portrayal of post-independence Ghana. Critics commend its vivid imagery and unflinching social critique, though some find its pessimistic tone overwhelming. Readers appreciate its raw honesty but note its dense, challenging narrative.
Who Should Read The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born?
Readers who appreciate stark, post-colonial literature will find Ayi Kwei Armah's The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born compelling. Fans of Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's A Grain of Wheat will enjoy its critique of corruption and existential despair in post-independence Ghana.
3,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Koomson
Koomson
An affluent and corrupt government minister tied to the regime of Nkrumah, showcasing the lifestyle and moral challenges of Ghana's political elite. His interactions with the protagonist reveal differing moral directions.
Oyo
Oyo
The protagonist's wife, who initially criticizes her husband for his lack of ambition and perceived inability to provide. Her relationship with him highlights the familial tensions induced by societal expectations.
Teacher
Teacher
A mysterious figure and confidant for the protagonist, offering a space for discussions on personal and political struggles. His relationship with the man serves as a sounding board for broader themes of hope and moral integrity.
191
Novel • Fiction
Ghana • 1960s
1969
Adult
18+ years
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