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Ghostroots: Stories
A debut collection of stories set in a hauntingly reimagined Lagos where characters vie for freedom from ancestral ties.
’Pemi Aguda opens her collection of twelve stories with the chilling tale of a woman who uncannily resembles her sinister, deceased grandmother. When the woman shows a capacity for deadly violence, she wonders—can evil be genetic, passed from generation to generation?
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Aguda’s stories unfold against a spectral cityscape where the everyday business of living—the birth of a baby, a market visit, a conversation between mothers and daughters—is charged with an air of supernatural menace. In “Breastmilk” a new mother’s inability to lactate takes on preternatural overtones. In “24, Alhaji Williams Street” a mysterious disease wreaks havoc with frightening precision. In “The Hollow,” an architect stumbles on a vengeful house.
Evocative, strange, and yet familiar, “the speculative conceits of these stories are elegantly balanced with the gorgeous fullness of human emotion, all the hunger and longing and fear and delight of being a human in the world” (Lauren Groff).
’Pemi Aguda opens her collection of twelve stories with the chilling tale of a woman who uncannily resembles her sinister, deceased grandmother. When the woman shows a capacity for deadly violence, she wonders—can evil be genetic, passed from generation to generation?
Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Aguda’s stories unfold against a spectral cityscape where the everyday business of living—the birth of a baby, a market visit, a conversation between mothers and daughters—is charged with an air of supernatural menace. In “Breastmilk” a new mother’s inability to lactate takes on preternatural overtones. In “24, Alhaji Williams Street” a mysterious disease wreaks havoc with frightening precision. In “The Hollow,” an architect stumbles on a vengeful house.
Evocative, strange, and yet familiar, “the speculative conceits of these stories are elegantly balanced with the gorgeous fullness of human emotion, all the hunger and longing and fear and delight of being a human in the world” (Lauren Groff).
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 7, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
April 28, 2024
In a Nutshell: A beautiful OwnVoices collection of short stories set in Lagos, Nigeria. The locational feel as well as the writing is outstanding. Each story feels unique. An excellent debut, much recommended, especially to speculative fiction and dark fantasy lovers.
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The highlight of this collection of twelve stories is its setting. Each narrative is based in Lagos, a city that juxtaposes the modern as well as the traditional, the African culture with a sprinkling of Western modernity. (Probably, a bit like India in this sense. We have the best of both worlds – traditional roots and modern wings.) The stories have an authentic vibe that immerses you in the location and makes you feel Lagos and its sights and sounds.
The cover, with the inherent contrast between the serene smile and the gush of blood, ought to prepare you for the content. Most of the stories are a combination of the routine and the supernatural. Characters are portrayed in ordinary situations, but their ordinary itself is extraordinary, what with sentient houses and macabre babies and women turning into birds. If you expect straightforward or traditional stories, this book isn’t for you. But if you like the twisted, the dark, and the speculative, you will relish this creative set.
Each tale is primarily a chronicle of human struggle, whether against the sins of the past or the oppression of the present or a threat of the future. You see a granddaughter who suddenly finds her late grandmother reincarnate in the weirdest way possible. You see a servant girl who is kidnapped by someone least expected to commit such an act. You see a street full of fearful families as a strange virus takes the life of its sons, going linearly from one end of the road affecting each house in numerical sequence. The stories generate varied emotions, not just the negative ones. There is a fun and happy undertone as well in a couple of the tales, but most of the stories stay firmly rooted on the darker side.
A majority of the stories come to us from the female perspective, which seems to be the common situation in African writing. However, there are a couple of really strong tales with male leads as well. All the main characters feel relatable to us in their responses, even if their situations are too wild to be within the normal realm of human experience.
I am truly impressed that this is a debut work. The writing is so vivid and polished! I love how the author takes the heart of Nigerian culture and blends it seamlessly with the bizarreness that is spec fic. None of the stories repeats themes or plots, so every story feels distinct in content as well as impact. Nothing in the writing makes it seem like it required further polish or proofing. The endings are apropos to the speculative genre, so they worked excellently for me, but they aren’t for readers requiring happy endings.
The only thing I wish this collection would have incorporated is an author’s note. My friends know my fondness for authors’ notes, especially in collections/anthologies. Knowing the author’s intent behind the stories or even getting an idea of the theme connecting the stories prepares a great preparatory foundation, helping us know what to expect from the book.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the twelve stories, only two stories failed to touch the three-star mark, and that too by a narrow margin. The rest were all at 3.5 stars and above, leading to a great reading experience. These were my top favourites:
All in all, this has been a brilliant and satisfying OwnVoices work, even more impressive when you remember that it is a debut offering. The plotlines, the emotions, the cultural setting, and the strangeness work in harmony to create a mesmerising yet haunting effect.
Strongly recommended to all short story lovers who enjoy African speculative fiction. If you love content that challenges your mind and leaves you restless, this book is made for you. I am definitely going to keep a keen eye on what this writer will pen next.
4 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each story. (If you are familiar with my ratings, you will know that an average that goes to 4 stars and beyond is outstanding for an anthology.)
My thanks to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the DRC of “Ghostroots”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The highlight of this collection of twelve stories is its setting. Each narrative is based in Lagos, a city that juxtaposes the modern as well as the traditional, the African culture with a sprinkling of Western modernity. (Probably, a bit like India in this sense. We have the best of both worlds – traditional roots and modern wings.) The stories have an authentic vibe that immerses you in the location and makes you feel Lagos and its sights and sounds.
The cover, with the inherent contrast between the serene smile and the gush of blood, ought to prepare you for the content. Most of the stories are a combination of the routine and the supernatural. Characters are portrayed in ordinary situations, but their ordinary itself is extraordinary, what with sentient houses and macabre babies and women turning into birds. If you expect straightforward or traditional stories, this book isn’t for you. But if you like the twisted, the dark, and the speculative, you will relish this creative set.
Each tale is primarily a chronicle of human struggle, whether against the sins of the past or the oppression of the present or a threat of the future. You see a granddaughter who suddenly finds her late grandmother reincarnate in the weirdest way possible. You see a servant girl who is kidnapped by someone least expected to commit such an act. You see a street full of fearful families as a strange virus takes the life of its sons, going linearly from one end of the road affecting each house in numerical sequence. The stories generate varied emotions, not just the negative ones. There is a fun and happy undertone as well in a couple of the tales, but most of the stories stay firmly rooted on the darker side.
A majority of the stories come to us from the female perspective, which seems to be the common situation in African writing. However, there are a couple of really strong tales with male leads as well. All the main characters feel relatable to us in their responses, even if their situations are too wild to be within the normal realm of human experience.
I am truly impressed that this is a debut work. The writing is so vivid and polished! I love how the author takes the heart of Nigerian culture and blends it seamlessly with the bizarreness that is spec fic. None of the stories repeats themes or plots, so every story feels distinct in content as well as impact. Nothing in the writing makes it seem like it required further polish or proofing. The endings are apropos to the speculative genre, so they worked excellently for me, but they aren’t for readers requiring happy endings.
The only thing I wish this collection would have incorporated is an author’s note. My friends know my fondness for authors’ notes, especially in collections/anthologies. Knowing the author’s intent behind the stories or even getting an idea of the theme connecting the stories prepares a great preparatory foundation, helping us know what to expect from the book.
As always, I rated the stories individually. Of the twelve stories, only two stories failed to touch the three-star mark, and that too by a narrow margin. The rest were all at 3.5 stars and above, leading to a great reading experience. These were my top favourites:
🧿 Manifest - When a pimple manifests on the narrator's face, it's the first sign of a greater manifestation. Creepy and gripping. I anyway have a soft corner for the second person pov, so this was an easy winner. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🧿 Breastmilk - Not so speculative as much as psychological. The titular breastmilk plays an important role in this story about a woman struggling to let go, in more ways than one. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🧿 The Hollow - What is a house? Protection, secrecy, shelter, imprisonment? All this and more. I love it when speculative fiction combines the inexplicable seamlessly with reality. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
🧿 Things Boys Do - When you read the title, would you expect the story to be about a group of new fathers trying to fit into their new role? And when I tell you that it's about these new dads, would you expect the story to be one of love or one of guilt and terror? Full marks for surprising me with the plot and satisfying me with the ending. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🧿 Masquerade Season - It's an open secret that I am very dense when it comes to reading metaphorical/allegorical content. I know for sure that this story is in that category, and the deeper meaning of it went above my head. But the writing is so beautiful and so poignant that it ended up as one of my favourites. - ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
All in all, this has been a brilliant and satisfying OwnVoices work, even more impressive when you remember that it is a debut offering. The plotlines, the emotions, the cultural setting, and the strangeness work in harmony to create a mesmerising yet haunting effect.
Strongly recommended to all short story lovers who enjoy African speculative fiction. If you love content that challenges your mind and leaves you restless, this book is made for you. I am definitely going to keep a keen eye on what this writer will pen next.
4 stars, based on the average of my ratings for each story. (If you are familiar with my ratings, you will know that an average that goes to 4 stars and beyond is outstanding for an anthology.)
My thanks to W. W. Norton & Company and NetGalley for the DRC of “Ghostroots”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Connect with me through:
My Blog || The StoryGraph || Instagram || X/Twitter || Facebook ||
June 25, 2024
Twelve short stories set in Nigeria.
Each story displays a character struggling, in some way, with the ghosts of the past. They’re not horror stories in the traditional sense—dread, terror, gore—but there is a little touch of magic, mythology, and the supernatural which I adored. Aguda has a compelling, strong narrative voice and I would be delighted to read more of her work.
Favorites are hard to choose out of such a potent collection but my top three were *probably* Contributions, The Hollow, and Girlie with The Hollow ringing in at the top.
Each story displays a character struggling, in some way, with the ghosts of the past. They’re not horror stories in the traditional sense—dread, terror, gore—but there is a little touch of magic, mythology, and the supernatural which I adored. Aguda has a compelling, strong narrative voice and I would be delighted to read more of her work.
Favorites are hard to choose out of such a potent collection but my top three were *probably* Contributions, The Hollow, and Girlie with The Hollow ringing in at the top.
April 1, 2024
Reading for review in the April 2024 issue of Library Journal
Three Words That Describe This Book: Strong Sense of Place, Uncanny, strong narrative voice
Draft Review:
In this debut collection, O'Henry Award winner Aguda makes her home city of Lagos the star, bringing the place and its inhabitants to life. The 12 thought-provoking, speculative stories, featuring mostly female protagonists, a strong narrative voice, and a focus on the unsettling results of generational divides, lay bare the universal human experience illuminating the menace that constantly lurks just below the surface. The first story, “Manifest,” follows a young woman who might be possessed by her grandmother, superbly setting the uncanny tone that defines the entire volume. Other standouts include “The Hollow” in which an architect attempts to renovate a house that holds generations of secrets in its walls, “24, Alhaji Williams Street,” where a fever is killing each youngest son, on a single street, one address at a time, and “Birdwoman” a tale that is as upsetting as it is beautiful.
Verdict: Aguda is one of a number of Nigerian speculative fiction authors deserving of a wider American audience right now. The breadth of this excellent collection is similar to last year’s critically acclaimed, Jackal, Jackal by Tobi Ogundiran, but her appeal is evident in works by authors from around the world such as Eugen Bacon, Lisa Tuttle, and most strikingly, Karen Russell.
Unsettling
These are stories of the human experience w/ underlying menace.
12 stories. I love how the author gives readers a real sense of life in Lagos without worrying about making it palatable to a Western office.
Mostly female protagonists
A real focus on the old and new ways and how they are combining or in conflict. As well as the every day weird that remains
Very strong collection and will appeal to a wide readership of speculative tales. My favorites were: "Manifest" (a great opener to set the tone), "Contributors," "The Hollow," "24, Alhaji Williams Street" (my overall favorite), "Things Boys Do," "Birdwoman"
Readalikes: There are many Lagos writers of Speculative fiction you should be reading now, but the breadth of this collection across the speculative landscape reminded me of Jackal, Jackal by Tobi Ogundiran. Also, Australian Eden Bacon's collection Chasing Whispers, and the work of Lisa Tuttle. American readers who want to know who Aguda is most similar to, that is easy-- Karen Russell.
Three Words That Describe This Book: Strong Sense of Place, Uncanny, strong narrative voice
Draft Review:
In this debut collection, O'Henry Award winner Aguda makes her home city of Lagos the star, bringing the place and its inhabitants to life. The 12 thought-provoking, speculative stories, featuring mostly female protagonists, a strong narrative voice, and a focus on the unsettling results of generational divides, lay bare the universal human experience illuminating the menace that constantly lurks just below the surface. The first story, “Manifest,” follows a young woman who might be possessed by her grandmother, superbly setting the uncanny tone that defines the entire volume. Other standouts include “The Hollow” in which an architect attempts to renovate a house that holds generations of secrets in its walls, “24, Alhaji Williams Street,” where a fever is killing each youngest son, on a single street, one address at a time, and “Birdwoman” a tale that is as upsetting as it is beautiful.
Verdict: Aguda is one of a number of Nigerian speculative fiction authors deserving of a wider American audience right now. The breadth of this excellent collection is similar to last year’s critically acclaimed, Jackal, Jackal by Tobi Ogundiran, but her appeal is evident in works by authors from around the world such as Eugen Bacon, Lisa Tuttle, and most strikingly, Karen Russell.
Unsettling
These are stories of the human experience w/ underlying menace.
12 stories. I love how the author gives readers a real sense of life in Lagos without worrying about making it palatable to a Western office.
Mostly female protagonists
A real focus on the old and new ways and how they are combining or in conflict. As well as the every day weird that remains
Very strong collection and will appeal to a wide readership of speculative tales. My favorites were: "Manifest" (a great opener to set the tone), "Contributors," "The Hollow," "24, Alhaji Williams Street" (my overall favorite), "Things Boys Do," "Birdwoman"
Readalikes: There are many Lagos writers of Speculative fiction you should be reading now, but the breadth of this collection across the speculative landscape reminded me of Jackal, Jackal by Tobi Ogundiran. Also, Australian Eden Bacon's collection Chasing Whispers, and the work of Lisa Tuttle. American readers who want to know who Aguda is most similar to, that is easy-- Karen Russell.
Shelved as 'tbr-overdrive'
December 25, 2023i'm in love with the cover design. a+++ work
April 29, 2024
A spectacular collection.
I’ve read and loved Pemi’s writing for more than a decade now and I am continuously stunned. If you’ve never read her work before, this is an excellent introduction. Each story is perfectly constructed, deeply human, breathtakingly beautiful, and just a bit numinous. Go get it.
Full review to come in Locus.
I’ve read and loved Pemi’s writing for more than a decade now and I am continuously stunned. If you’ve never read her work before, this is an excellent introduction. Each story is perfectly constructed, deeply human, breathtakingly beautiful, and just a bit numinous. Go get it.
Full review to come in Locus.
April 1, 2024
I believe this is a debut short story collection with Nigerian backdrops steeped in folklore, superstition, and the supernatural. The stories are purposeful, suspenseful, and most have satisfying endings (albeit, a few were a bit too open-ended for me). Their protagonists were diverse, but equally troubled dealing with everyday pressures and challenges of their lives. For example, one story glimpses a homesick house girl is abducted at a market by a strange woman; in another a strange plague (eerily similar to the Biblical reckoning) slowly progressing from house to house that takes the lives of the youngest son of the household; and yet another one that plays on the “Sins of the Father” parable.
The author examines the weight and after effects of guilt and sacrifice on the individual and the effects on the family, the karmic laws of the universe, the search for happiness, the effects of loneliness, the tests of faith, etc on relatively ordinary characters. My favorites were Manifest, Things Boys Do, Imagine Me Carrying You, 24, Alhaji Williams Street, and Birdwoman. I enjoyed this set of stories and will definitely read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher, W. W. Norton & Company, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
The author examines the weight and after effects of guilt and sacrifice on the individual and the effects on the family, the karmic laws of the universe, the search for happiness, the effects of loneliness, the tests of faith, etc on relatively ordinary characters. My favorites were Manifest, Things Boys Do, Imagine Me Carrying You, 24, Alhaji Williams Street, and Birdwoman. I enjoyed this set of stories and will definitely read this author again.
Thanks to the publisher, W. W. Norton & Company, and NetGalley for an opportunity to review.
July 3, 2024
I quite enjoyed this read!
June 24, 2024
It’s like a fever dream. Wonderful writing style makes it easy enough to chew. Pemi writes in this sweet and silky smooth prose. But the ideas and stories are odd and strange making them hard to swallow.
June 3, 2024
Jewels of prose fairy tales with serrated edges that sit and breathe like poems after the book is closed.
February 14, 2024
eee, I absolutely adored the stories in 'ghostroots'!! this collection had a big focus on family, parenthood & identity. loved all the magic & mythology sprinkled throughout and the writing style kept me hooked on stories that might've otherwise bored me. so many of these stories had me so impressed that I assumed they'd be my fav and then I'd read another that amazed me just as much!
it was also really cool learning more about lagos - nigeria is a setting i love in books in general but these stories felt like being transported there, v immersive. highly recommend this one and looking forward to telling all my friends about it!!
thanks netgalley and ww norton & company <3
4.5 rounded down
it was also really cool learning more about lagos - nigeria is a setting i love in books in general but these stories felt like being transported there, v immersive. highly recommend this one and looking forward to telling all my friends about it!!
thanks netgalley and ww norton & company <3
4.5 rounded down
June 12, 2024
A collection of horror stories (?) by this Nigerian-born author who, the back flap tells me, currently lives in the states. The stories themselves are all set in Nigeria, and often in the environs of Lagos, though within them, there's a range of settings and characters. There are more village type stories, with folks who have a very hard life, and stories in a more urban and suburban neighborhoods. That second group of stories worked better for me, but I think a lot of that is familiarity on my part. There are some foreign elements here that went over my head, but probably less than in the Filipino-American book I recently read.
Most of the stories have a supernatural element, though it can play out in different ways-- in "Masquerades" a ten-year old acquires what amount to magical friends, but they don't do anything to him, really, except maybe push him a little more quickly in a direction he was already going. In 'The Dusk Market," which more or less recreates Rossetti's Goblin Market, the market is a refuge for the protagonist instead of a trap, etc.
These are good-- there are few literary flourishes, but it also doesn't longer in gore or terror. These stories ride that genre line pretty convincingly. It wasn't scary, but it was uncomfortable sometimes. It took me a couple stories to get into it, but I ended up really enjoying this collection, which felt original and fresh, not just in the way it wove in Nigerian culture but also in Aguda's approach to her material. Solid diversions.
Most of the stories have a supernatural element, though it can play out in different ways-- in "Masquerades" a ten-year old acquires what amount to magical friends, but they don't do anything to him, really, except maybe push him a little more quickly in a direction he was already going. In 'The Dusk Market," which more or less recreates Rossetti's Goblin Market, the market is a refuge for the protagonist instead of a trap, etc.
These are good-- there are few literary flourishes, but it also doesn't longer in gore or terror. These stories ride that genre line pretty convincingly. It wasn't scary, but it was uncomfortable sometimes. It took me a couple stories to get into it, but I ended up really enjoying this collection, which felt original and fresh, not just in the way it wove in Nigerian culture but also in Aguda's approach to her material. Solid diversions.
July 4, 2024
It's been a while since I wrote a considered book review. Breaking out of a hibernation of sorts for this special book:
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, a character tells the protagonist, Milkman, “You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.”
The beauty of most short story collections is that as one reads the writer's obsession starts to emerge. This is evident to anyone who reads 'Pemi Aguda's debut short story collection. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Aguda's characters are eager to unburden themselves of what they believe they have inherited or has been passed down to them. In some instances, like in the stories "Contributions" and "Birdwoman,"the freedom they seek is from their physical bodies. Another thread is this astutely written collection is the centering of the familial dynamics: what they cost us and what we do to get free.
This book's strength lies not only in the surprisingly surreal and psychological twists that Aguda brings to her stories. It is also in the precise and exacting prose, as well as the writer's astute gaze and psychological read on situations that one can easily pass off as mundane.
So, do yourself a favor and run to get this brilliantly layered and sharply written collection of short stories. Since I began this review with a Toni Morrison quote, I'll end with one: "Sometimes you don’t survive whole. You just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt."
In GHOSTROOTS, we see the characters make this attempt and it's a marvel to experience.
In Toni Morrison's Song of Solomon, a character tells the protagonist, Milkman, “You wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.”
The beauty of most short story collections is that as one reads the writer's obsession starts to emerge. This is evident to anyone who reads 'Pemi Aguda's debut short story collection. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Aguda's characters are eager to unburden themselves of what they believe they have inherited or has been passed down to them. In some instances, like in the stories "Contributions" and "Birdwoman,"the freedom they seek is from their physical bodies. Another thread is this astutely written collection is the centering of the familial dynamics: what they cost us and what we do to get free.
This book's strength lies not only in the surprisingly surreal and psychological twists that Aguda brings to her stories. It is also in the precise and exacting prose, as well as the writer's astute gaze and psychological read on situations that one can easily pass off as mundane.
So, do yourself a favor and run to get this brilliantly layered and sharply written collection of short stories. Since I began this review with a Toni Morrison quote, I'll end with one: "Sometimes you don’t survive whole. You just survive in part. But the grandeur of life is that attempt."
In GHOSTROOTS, we see the characters make this attempt and it's a marvel to experience.
July 8, 2024
These 12 stories were rich in Nigerian culture, beautifully written, and I found more than a few personally stirring.
Manifest - 5
This story was most satisfying to my curious nature and at the end I found myself wishing it were a whole book/movie. Steeped in suspense, folklore and superstition, and left me thinking about how much personal agency we may or may not really have.
Breastmilk - 4
I read this as a reflection on how our ancestors' experiences shape our present realities, and the healing we must do to be able to transmit love and strength across generations.
Contributions - 4
Examines themes of communal responsibility and how much of our personal agency we must relinquish to meet communal obligations.
The Dusk Market - 4
I loved the magical realism and themes in this story, and it's another one I wished were made into a whole book. It sort of gave me 'Spirited Away' vibes. The transient nature of human connections, what makes us real, what makes us belong—if we don't have those.
Masquerade Season - 4
This read as the most allegorical of stories in this collection and seemed to explore the interplay between societal and familial expectations, and individual autonomy—the pieces we give up of ourselves to conform, belong, and be loved. My heart ached for the main character while reading it.
Manifest - 5
This story was most satisfying to my curious nature and at the end I found myself wishing it were a whole book/movie. Steeped in suspense, folklore and superstition, and left me thinking about how much personal agency we may or may not really have.
Breastmilk - 4
I read this as a reflection on how our ancestors' experiences shape our present realities, and the healing we must do to be able to transmit love and strength across generations.
Contributions - 4
Examines themes of communal responsibility and how much of our personal agency we must relinquish to meet communal obligations.
The Dusk Market - 4
I loved the magical realism and themes in this story, and it's another one I wished were made into a whole book. It sort of gave me 'Spirited Away' vibes. The transient nature of human connections, what makes us real, what makes us belong—if we don't have those.
Masquerade Season - 4
This read as the most allegorical of stories in this collection and seemed to explore the interplay between societal and familial expectations, and individual autonomy—the pieces we give up of ourselves to conform, belong, and be loved. My heart ached for the main character while reading it.
July 1, 2024
Ghostroots is a book I saw the cover for and immediately had to read it. It’s an interesting collections of mundane short tales about people’s lives in Lagos Nigeria, but with a sprinkle of supernatural and horror elements throughout. Not all the tales have that horror flair, but they still manage to keep me entertained throughout. Pemi Aguda has a way of writing the mundane so interesting. Some of these stories I wish were full length books to see how Pemi would expand on themes and plot threads, and I’m definitely interesting in reading a full length novel after dipping my toes into her writing.
While it’s not a five star read short story collections never get five stars as I always find one or two stories that I don’t like as much as the others but the majority of this collection was really good.
Some of my favourites from the collection were; Things Boys Do, which followed three different men who were becoming fathers and a twist connection to each other. Imagine Me Carrying You, which followed a girl who’s mother kills another mother’s child by accident and the repercussions of the accident on herself and her daughter. And Manifest, which followed a woman who believes her daughter is turning into her own mother.
While it’s not a five star read short story collections never get five stars as I always find one or two stories that I don’t like as much as the others but the majority of this collection was really good.
Some of my favourites from the collection were; Things Boys Do, which followed three different men who were becoming fathers and a twist connection to each other. Imagine Me Carrying You, which followed a girl who’s mother kills another mother’s child by accident and the repercussions of the accident on herself and her daughter. And Manifest, which followed a woman who believes her daughter is turning into her own mother.
April 26, 2024
I really enjoyed Ghostroots. Each story has a fairy tale quality, in both the content, and the rhythm — this book is the work of a pure storyteller, who could just as easily be sitting next to you, whispering in your ear, as in front of you, on the printed page.
It’s a book of short stories, so it’s inherently inconsistent in terms of quality - some feel like they end too soon, one I wish hadn’t been included, but the majority are strong - getting stronger as it goes. And the connective recurring theme of parents and children gives it a more considered feel than most modern short story collections.
My highlight: Things Boys Do, which is an excellent, original, horror concept, expertly delivered. It has the wonderful inevitability of all great short stories - one step ahead of you, leading you to a satisfying destination.
The final story, about the masquerades, that’s lovely too.
I’ll follow Aguda's work to enjoy their evolution. Loved the cover, by the way - it perfectly matches Ghostroot’s tone and feel.
It’s a book of short stories, so it’s inherently inconsistent in terms of quality - some feel like they end too soon, one I wish hadn’t been included, but the majority are strong - getting stronger as it goes. And the connective recurring theme of parents and children gives it a more considered feel than most modern short story collections.
My highlight: Things Boys Do, which is an excellent, original, horror concept, expertly delivered. It has the wonderful inevitability of all great short stories - one step ahead of you, leading you to a satisfying destination.
The final story, about the masquerades, that’s lovely too.
I’ll follow Aguda's work to enjoy their evolution. Loved the cover, by the way - it perfectly matches Ghostroot’s tone and feel.
March 25, 2024
Ghostroots is a unique and unsettling collection of 12 stories each a different tale of a life in Lagos, Nigeria. A blend of horror, supernatural elements and realism I enjoyed how things in each story ranged from just slightly off to out right weird. The settings were vivid and I felt immersed in the strangeness and magic of the narratives.
All the stories were interesting, the ones I have been reflecting on most are: Breastmilk, Birdwoman, Girlie and Masquerade Season. Each dealt with different things; loss, self-discovery, transformation, and family connections in dynamic ways. The writing across all stories was beautiful.
I also love style of the cover of the book, it looks like an art print and the colors contrast nicely with each other and the grotesqueness of the image. I recommend this book if you are looking for short, speculative stories to read.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!
All the stories were interesting, the ones I have been reflecting on most are: Breastmilk, Birdwoman, Girlie and Masquerade Season. Each dealt with different things; loss, self-discovery, transformation, and family connections in dynamic ways. The writing across all stories was beautiful.
I also love style of the cover of the book, it looks like an art print and the colors contrast nicely with each other and the grotesqueness of the image. I recommend this book if you are looking for short, speculative stories to read.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!
May 11, 2024
Lagos. So much literature is set there that I feel like I've been to that legendary place. *Ghostroots* is the latest collection of short stories to tackle Lagos, and, like others, it too teems with large city life and also the supernatural. There's the woman who looks like her grandmother, or is possibly possessed by her. The night market, that wonderfully spooky urban legend. Death stalks a particular street; can residents escape it? A daughter learns to mother her mother after a terrible accident on Ibadan Expressway.
There were stories I really loved. My favourite, *Contributions*, is an African feminist tale on the common practice of *esusu* (Yoruba, known as *stokvel* in South Africa, and many other names on the continent), and is also about how tired women are. *The Hollow* is also a feminist tale, about a house that protects women. In *Birdwoman*, an unhappy woman turns into a bird, but people misunderstand right to the end. And *Masquerade Season* is a lovely and whimsical story about a little boy and his friends from folklore.
While *Ghostroots* is a nice collection, it didn't stir me like I'd hoped. This is really a fault of the format: not all short stories are created equal, and I connected with some in this collection, but not others. Aguda is an excellent writer, if somewhat cautious; I would love more daring stories like *The Dusk Market* and *Masquerade Season*, where I feel her talent really shines. Still, readers should enjoy this collection; it's very much worth picking up.
Grateful thanks to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for early access.
There were stories I really loved. My favourite, *Contributions*, is an African feminist tale on the common practice of *esusu* (Yoruba, known as *stokvel* in South Africa, and many other names on the continent), and is also about how tired women are. *The Hollow* is also a feminist tale, about a house that protects women. In *Birdwoman*, an unhappy woman turns into a bird, but people misunderstand right to the end. And *Masquerade Season* is a lovely and whimsical story about a little boy and his friends from folklore.
While *Ghostroots* is a nice collection, it didn't stir me like I'd hoped. This is really a fault of the format: not all short stories are created equal, and I connected with some in this collection, but not others. Aguda is an excellent writer, if somewhat cautious; I would love more daring stories like *The Dusk Market* and *Masquerade Season*, where I feel her talent really shines. Still, readers should enjoy this collection; it's very much worth picking up.
Grateful thanks to W. W. Norton and Edelweiss for early access.
May 7, 2024
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this story collection, and once I started reading I could hardly put it down. I was out of sync with the first couple stories, the off-putting images, the strangeness and dread, but after reading "Contributions" I was hooked, and had a better grasp on what this book was going to do to me. 'Pemi Aguda has a WAY with story, I imagined I could hear her voice reading to me of spirits and ground and distinctly human horror. Many of these stories did not feel resolved, but they felt finished (?) I'm not sure what I mean. I felt like I ate and swallowed each story - some did not fill me, some did, but each one left a certain taste - YES! I could taste each story, like a feeling, and by certain I mean specific, not as placeholder. They tasted like milk or a split lip, like freedom in captivity. I'm rambling now. I recommend this collection. The more I think on it the more I like it.
June 24, 2024
Strong sense of setting and very real characters bring the city of Lagos to life in ways many authors fail to achieve in their own work. From the hidden stalls of the Dusk Market to harping mothers and strange "Masquerades" that come to follow a young boy... to his wonder and distress. There is an underlying sense of dissatisfaction with life and a parallel sense of wonder, drawing the characters forward. There are messages in these stories, and there is a very real connection those who have never been to Lagos can latch onto and recognize in their own worlds, homes and relationships. A solid collection from a very talented author. My personal favorite was BIRDWOMAN, which is elegant and eerie.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dele Ogundira and Ore Apampa-Araba, both of whom brought a deeper level of authenticity to the work
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dele Ogundira and Ore Apampa-Araba, both of whom brought a deeper level of authenticity to the work
May 17, 2024
Giveaway review
Ghostroots: Stories by 'Pemi Aguda
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
If I could give this 4.5 stars, I would. First and foremost, the sheer life infused into every story is a mark of Aguda's well-honed voice. And it's the through-line of this voice that makes Ghostroots such an enticing read. Despite each story feeling unique in expression and style, Aguda's creative voice manages to shine through; no story feels quite the same, yet none feel like left-field additions. They are all strung together by one strong, artistic voice, and simply feel like they're coming from a storyteller at the top of their craft. Overall, this collection feels incredibly fulfilling, satisfying, and worthwhile.
Ghostroots: Stories by 'Pemi Aguda
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
If I could give this 4.5 stars, I would. First and foremost, the sheer life infused into every story is a mark of Aguda's well-honed voice. And it's the through-line of this voice that makes Ghostroots such an enticing read. Despite each story feeling unique in expression and style, Aguda's creative voice manages to shine through; no story feels quite the same, yet none feel like left-field additions. They are all strung together by one strong, artistic voice, and simply feel like they're coming from a storyteller at the top of their craft. Overall, this collection feels incredibly fulfilling, satisfying, and worthwhile.
June 24, 2024
3.75 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
It's rare for a book to inspire me to write my own stories, but this one did just that! From the very first story, I was hooked. Each story carries an eerie vibe that keeps you guessing, wondering where it’s all leading. While a few stories fell flat, especially with their open-ended conclusions, I still enjoyed the read. It reminded me that our intrusive, weird thoughts can make the best stories. My favourite stories from this collection were "Breastmilk," "Contributions," "Imagine Me Carrying You," "24, Alhaji Williams Street" (one of the weirdest stories I've ever read), and "Girlie." Give this book a try, and thank me later! 💅🏽
It's rare for a book to inspire me to write my own stories, but this one did just that! From the very first story, I was hooked. Each story carries an eerie vibe that keeps you guessing, wondering where it’s all leading. While a few stories fell flat, especially with their open-ended conclusions, I still enjoyed the read. It reminded me that our intrusive, weird thoughts can make the best stories. My favourite stories from this collection were "Breastmilk," "Contributions," "Imagine Me Carrying You," "24, Alhaji Williams Street" (one of the weirdest stories I've ever read), and "Girlie." Give this book a try, and thank me later! 💅🏽
June 30, 2024
3.5
Stories just being stories most of the time. Good for what they are. I liked the unique backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria and the look into the culture, but I felt that it was sort of underrepresented or something. A lot of things that sound like they should be specific to this place aren’t really elaborated on, which I think would’ve made a lot of stories stronger. A lot of the ones in the middle felt sort of taxing to me because they have so much going on, or they were missing something. I was also hoping for more horror.
Favorites: Manifest, Contributions, Imagine Me Carrying You, 24, Aljahi Williams Street, Birdwoman, The Dusk Market, Masquerade Season
Stories just being stories most of the time. Good for what they are. I liked the unique backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria and the look into the culture, but I felt that it was sort of underrepresented or something. A lot of things that sound like they should be specific to this place aren’t really elaborated on, which I think would’ve made a lot of stories stronger. A lot of the ones in the middle felt sort of taxing to me because they have so much going on, or they were missing something. I was also hoping for more horror.
Favorites: Manifest, Contributions, Imagine Me Carrying You, 24, Aljahi Williams Street, Birdwoman, The Dusk Market, Masquerade Season
July 10, 2024
The first blurb inside the jacket calls this collection "unsettling" and that's a great way to put it. Never particularly graphic or even overtly scary there is a tension of something horrific just to about to happen starting with the opener, "Manifest," in which a girl is seemingly possessed by her loathed grandmother's spirit. There's a creepy house ("The Hollow"), plenty of creepy kids ("Things Boys Do," "The Wonders of the World"), creepy dancers who might not be that creepy ("Masquerade Season"), creepy advancing fever ("24, Alhaji Williams Street" - maybe the best one?) - lot to like. "Contributions" a great short one.
February 13, 2024
I don’t usually encounter a story collection where I have joyed each story as much as Ghostroots!! And that cover?? Incredible.
This was so powerful! There were many different aspects of family bonds, with a focus on the relationships between parents and children. These stories spoke of breaking free from oppression. They spoke of growth and self knowledge.
Some of my favorites include:
Breastmilk
Things Boys Do
Birdwoman
My absolute favorite story in the collection was Masquerade Season! It was heartbreaking and empowering at the same time.
This was so powerful! There were many different aspects of family bonds, with a focus on the relationships between parents and children. These stories spoke of breaking free from oppression. They spoke of growth and self knowledge.
Some of my favorites include:
Breastmilk
Things Boys Do
Birdwoman
My absolute favorite story in the collection was Masquerade Season! It was heartbreaking and empowering at the same time.
July 7, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read GHOSTROOTS early in exchange for a honest review.
This collection of short stories is at once surreal and dark while blending realistic horrors in fairytale-esque messages. The surrealistic happenings are straight out of dreamscapes—things you would think were hallucinations, and yet capture the reader’s attention in rapt curiosity, desperate to know what comes next. Beautiful, fascinating, strange; I gobbled this collection up from page one. I cannot harp on how fantastic GHOSTROOTS is, and I hope you add it to your TBR for 2024.
This collection of short stories is at once surreal and dark while blending realistic horrors in fairytale-esque messages. The surrealistic happenings are straight out of dreamscapes—things you would think were hallucinations, and yet capture the reader’s attention in rapt curiosity, desperate to know what comes next. Beautiful, fascinating, strange; I gobbled this collection up from page one. I cannot harp on how fantastic GHOSTROOTS is, and I hope you add it to your TBR for 2024.
March 4, 2024
It's rare to find a collection of short stories where every one is excellent. I read this all in one sitting and thoroughly enjoyed it.
There's a blend of horror and magical realism. All of which is very unsettling. My favorites were:
"Manifest" (what an opener)
"The Hollow" (love uncanny architecture)
"24, Alhaji Williams Street" (leaves me speechless)
I loved this collection despite having no familiarity with Nigerian culture or language. I imagine it would be all the better with the added context.
There's a blend of horror and magical realism. All of which is very unsettling. My favorites were:
"Manifest" (what an opener)
"The Hollow" (love uncanny architecture)
"24, Alhaji Williams Street" (leaves me speechless)
I loved this collection despite having no familiarity with Nigerian culture or language. I imagine it would be all the better with the added context.
June 12, 2024
If you want scary stories to read in the dark, this may not be it. But if you want eerie, unsettling stories set in Nigeria, this might be it. I really enjoyed these stories, the writing is very good, and the supernatural elements are subtle and well executed. I especially liked the last one with the masquerades, a bit unsettling, but also quite emotional.
I understand this is a debut, which is very impressive. Looking forward to what the author has to offer further on.
I understand this is a debut, which is very impressive. Looking forward to what the author has to offer further on.
May 1, 2024
Beautifully written, often soothing and comfortable but also wonderfully creepy and shocking. I was very willingly along for this ride. The insertion of Nigerian language, objects and foods is great, although subtle. I am left wanting more!
It gives so much, reminding me of Carrington’s haunting dream stories or Calvino’s Under The Jaguar Sun.
It gives so much, reminding me of Carrington’s haunting dream stories or Calvino’s Under The Jaguar Sun.
May 2, 2024
This book reminded me a lot of Carmen Maria Machado's In the Dream House, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's Friday Black, Lidia Yuknavitch's Verge, and other short story collections of that era. I'll be excited to read what else Aguda writes in the future!
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the e-arc.
Thank you to the publisher and Edelweiss for the e-arc.
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