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Letters to Kweku

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Letters to Kweku

By: Joyce Efia Harmer
Narrated by: Elèna Gyasi
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A beautiful and uplifting story of immigration, hope and anguish, based on true events from the critically-aclaimed author of How Far We've Come, which was named The Times Children's Book of the Week.

Dear Kweku, I am still here, writing to you again from the Obroni land. Please, will you accept this cassette recording letter from me?

London, late 1970s. Like thousands of Ghanaians far from home, Adwoa doesn't write letters - she records them, her voice travelling home on cassette tapes for the whole village to gather round and hear.

But Adwoa's tapes are for one person only: Kweku, her best friend that she left behind. She tells him about the cold, the grey, the strange new city. She tells him she is fine. She is always, always fine.

But some things can't be said out loud - not even alone, into a machine.

Inspired by true events, Letters to Kweku is a devastating and hope-filled story of courage, friendship and survival. The story of a girl who kept on talking, waiting and hoping, one tape at a time.

Praise for How Far We've Come:

‘A powerful exploration of racism, solidarity, friendship, freedom and hope’ Laura Bates

‘One of the most impressive young adult debuts of the year. This gripping novel takes a nuanced look at the legacy of slavery, injustice and inequality in today's world’ Observer

‘Both hopeful and heartbreaking, this gripping book turns a searchlight on the changing faces of injustice through time’ Guardian

‘A brilliant idea and a powerful debut’ The Times, Children’s Book of the Week

‘A seriously impressive debut. Read it now’ Irish Times

‘A powerful, ambitious, unforgettable read about freedom, rebellion, love and hope’ Liz Hyder

‘A gut punch of a debut, this book is both vital reading and a call to arms’ Laura Wood

‘Compassionate, brave, authentic, educational. Everyone should read it’ Abiola Bello Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction
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Critic reviews

‘This book is a genuine work of art. It’s emotional, fascinating, and super relevant for all young people building empathy. A wonderful read.’ (Nathanael Lessore, author of King of Nothing)
‘An unforgettable, hauntingly beautiful story, written with such tenderness – a testament to the power of love and hope.’ (J.P. Rose, author of Birdie)
‘A moving and important story that deserves to be read and lingers long after the last page.’ (Polly Crosby, author of This Tale is Forbidden)
‘Beautifully written . . . I loved Adwoa’s voice and the emotional connection I felt with her story.’ (Keren David, author of What We’re Scared Of)
‘Heartbreaking and achingly raw, Letters to Kweku is a powerful, gorgeously written and compelling story . . . In Adwoa, Harmer has created a character whose voice rings with loud authenticity, resilience, and bravery.’ (Ayaan Mohamud, author of You Think You Know Me)
‘Joyce Efia Harmer writes with such passion, honesty, and humour . . . A hugely powerful read that deserves a ginormous audience.’ (Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve)
‘An outstanding YA novel that will make readers think, and think again.’ (Leila Rasheed, author of Empire’s End: A Roman Story)
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