This book is told (mostly) from the perspective of Kobby and Nana, both contemporary Ghaniains. The former represents the liberal and western-leaning Ghana, while the latter represents the more traditional part of that society. The story unfolds during 2019, the Year of Return, when the government of Ghana encourages blacks who live in e.g,, US and Europe to come visit Ghana and connect to their roots. The story centres 3 friends who come from the US, and meet both Kobby and Nana, and spend 2 weeks with them.
The book tackles multiple topics. First and foremost, it's about the tension between black Africans and the descendants of black slaves living outside of Africa. This is the central theme, and governs much of the tension in the book. Secondly, it's about the gay experience in Ghana, and how local gays survive and thrive (or not). Thirdly, it's about psychological suffering and inner deamons, and what it takes to exercise them (or at least keep them at bay). Finally, it's a thriller with murder(s) at its core.
The story is immensely powerful. Its use of language is superb - with the narratives of Kobby and Nana written in the first person, and genuinely coming across as being written by different people. The emotional tension and the psychological depth are spectacular. The story of Kobby in particular is mesmerising - he is such a complex and multifaceted personality that finding out more about him feels like its own kind of thriller. I also loved the intensely personal characterisation of the politics at the core of the book, which helped me see what it might feel like living in the midst of the tension between the local population and the "returnees".
I have to also comment on the fantastic depiction of gay life and culture in this book. It's probably the best I've ever read, in any novel, from any country. It comes across as genuine, authentic, warm, nuanced, complex, and intimate. It's not contrived, "over-acted", or over-dramatised.
The only flaw I saw in this book is probably the final chapter, which tells the story post 2019. Frankly, it would have been a better book without it. It felt like a 5 limb - it had a different vibe, rhythm, and style. It also felt faintly post-apocalyptic, but not in a great way.
Highly recommend it to anyone interested in Africa, the black experience, being gay in Africa (or elsewhere), relationship between men, trying to find oneself, impact of colonialism on contemporary culture, etc. One of the most powerful and intense books I read in a long time. I feel like Kobby will stay with me for a long time.
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