Books With Abena Abena Maryann

On this episode, Abena talks to author Elvin James Mensah on his book Small Joys. They speak about father-son relationship, chosen family and mental health in the book Small Joys. 
About the Book:
An unexpected friendship saves a young man's life in this moving, utterly charming debut about chosen family, the winding road to happiness, and the grace of second chances.
About the Author:
Elvin James Mensah was born and raised in South East London. He graduated from Bournemouth University, where he began writing his first novel, Small Joys
Authors Mentioned:
Andrea LevyBrian WashingtonPaul MendezSally RooneyCaleb Azumah NelsonDonna Tartt

This episode features a conversation between Abena Maryan and voice actor and narrator Tsiddi Can Tamakloe on his experiences narrating audiobooks and voice acting. 
About Tsiddi Can-Tamakloe
Tsiddi Can-Tamakloe is Ghanaian voice actor/narrator. He has an avid interest in narrating documentaries, classic literature, and African writing especially. He lives in Accra and volunteers with the Nami Projects, an organisation that advocates for products and services built through the various disciplines of African art. Email: can.tamakloe@gmail.com

Here's an update to our series "Bookclubs in Ghana"
In this episode, I speak with the founders of Two Bookclubs about creating a reading club.
About the Bookclub:
Two Bookclub is a bookclub created by bookstagrammers @Bene Reads and @Ka_karang to help readers connect with other readers and find a community.

Discover what made Abena Maryan take a break and catch up on her latest life updates!
Email: bookswithabena@gmail.com

This episode highlights Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi's life, writing, and achievements.
Books:
Kintu by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Abena MaryanManchester Happened by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Amba, Naa Atswei & Prince HenryThe First Woman by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi read by Abena Maryan
Related Articles: 
https://jennifermakumbi.net/https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/culture/we-interview-the-writer-jennifer-makumbihttps://granta.com/contributor/jennifer-nansubuga-makumbi/

In this episode, I talk to Kataru Yahya about her debut novel Home is a Silhouette. We discuss the writing and publishing of the book, themes and characters, and representation of Muslim women. 
 
About the Book: 
 Asiya Abdullah has it all. But still, her heart is restless. She yearns for a closer relationship with her mother and friends who truly care about her. When a single mistake forces her into the grasp of a successful, powerful, and wanted man, Asiya’s life is thrust into a dark and violent world hidden behind the glittering walls of a mansion.
 
Lila has long since given up the idea of escaping. Five years have been stolen from her, and with little to go back to, she obediently serves as a maid to the Master of the house. Lila knows she’s a shell of herself and surrounded by people she cannot trust, but with nowhere as a home for her heart, what else can she do? When the two girls’ paths converge, their worlds shatter.
 
HOME IS A SILHOUETTE is a stunning debut by Kataru Yahya, spinning a multi-POV loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast set in Ghana, where not all fairy tales are magical.
 
About the Author:
Kataru Yahya is a Ghanaian writer, poet and diagnostic medical sonographer. Her interest in writing started when she was fourteen. Kataru’s poetry has been published in Ta Adesa and Writer’s Space Africa-Ghana. Outside of writing and ultrasound, she loves to read or binge reruns of her favorite shows.
HOME IS A SILHOUETTE is her debut novel.