2005
First Published
3.70
Average Rating
224
Number of Pages
A dazzling collection of stories, The Prophet of Zongo Street takes readers to a world that seamlessly blends African folklore and myths with modernity. Set primarily on Zongo Street, a fictitious community in West Africa, the stories—which are reminiscent of the works of Ben Okri and Amos Tutuola—introduce us to wonderfully quirky characters and the most uproarious, poignant, and rawest moments of life. There's Kumi, the enigmatic title character who teaches a young boy to finally ask questions of his traditions. And as Ali moves his characters to America we meet Felix, who struggles with America's love of the exotic in "Rachmaninov." The Prophet of Zongo Street heralds a new voice and showcases Mohammed Naseehu Ali's extraordinary ability to craft stories that are both allegorical and unforgettable.
Avg Rating
3.70
Number of Ratings
188
5 STARS
26%
4 STARS
30%
3 STARS
35%
2 STARS
8%
1 STARS
2%
goodreads
Author
Mohammed Naseehu Ali
Author · 2 books
Born in Kumasi, Ghana, Ali went to the United States in 1988 to study.[1] He is a graduate of Interlochen Arts Academy and Bennington College. His first book, a collection of short stories titled The Prophet of Zongo Street, was published in 2006 and received positive reviews. Ali has acknowledged being influenced in the writing of this book by V. S. Naipaul's Miguel Street. He has published short stories and non-fiction essays in several publications, including The New Yorker, the New York Times, Mississippi Review, BOMB, Gathering of the Tribes, and Essence. Ali now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
