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A Wreath for Udomo (Faber Editions)

Series: Faber Editions
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( 111 ratings, 19 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Wreath for Udomo by Peter Abrahams explores the journey of a young African leader, Michael Udomo, who returns to his homeland after studying abroad to pursue independence from colonial rule. The novel delves into the challenges and moral dilemmas he faces as he grapples with the responsibilities and ideals of leadership in the midst of political and personal turmoil. Through its richly drawn characters, the book provides a compelling study of ambition, identity, and the complexities of revolution.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by politically charged narratives exploring the complexities of post-colonial Africa. It offers a deep dive into themes of leadership, loyalty, and the struggles of nationalist movements, resonating with those interested in historical fiction with a focus on social justice and identity.

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Introduced by Petina Gappah, a lost classic by a radical black South African author: as exiled African activists in post-war London plot to revolutionise their native countries, idealism and tragedy collide when they return home as political leaders ...

Introduced by Petina Gappah, a lost classic by a radical black South African author: as exiled African activists in post-war London plot to revolutionise their native countries ...

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Those men who are history now; did they feel like this?

A 1950s Hampstead pub; a freezing night. Lois can't tear her eyes away from the haunted, restless African man in the corner. Over brandy and stew, she discovers he is in awe of her friend, Panafrica's greatest political writer and fighter. Their meeting inducts this stranger, Udomo, into London's revolutionary community of exiled African activists: the start of a life-changing journey. Amidst the internal politics and love affairs, Udomo is inspired by other leaders' independence uprisings; but when he returns to his native land to overthrow the colonial oppressors, his idealism is put to the ultimate test...

Inspired by Peter Abrahams' befriending of future African heads of state in mid-century London, A Wreath for Udomo (1956) is a radical lost classic, unforgettably exploring the nature of freedom, power, leadership and love.

'An African writer, a writer of the world, who opened up in South Africa a path of exploration for us, the writers who have followed the trail he bravely blazed.' - Nadine Gordimer

'Abrahams explored with sensitivity and passion, the injustices of apartheid and the complexities of racial politics.' - New York Times

Series: Faber Editions

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  • A Wreath for Udomo (Faber Editions)
    Those men who are history now; did they feel like this? A 1950s Hampstead pub; a freezing night. Lois can't tear her eyes away from the haunted, restless African man in the corner. Over brandy and stew, she discovers he is in awe of her friend, Panafrica's greatest political writer and fighter. Their meeting inducts this stranger, Udomo, into London's...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Peter Abrahams is praised for addressing the injustices of apartheid and racial politics with passion and sensitivity. His work is lauded as pioneering and significant, providing vivid and dignified insights into African leaders and revolutionaries. The novel is described as intelligent, exciting, and written with skill, offering a unique perspective on African political figures.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571376391

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 03 November 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Petina Gappah

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 320g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Peter Abrahams was born in Vrededorp, near Johannesburg, in 1919. His Ethiopian father worked in the gold mines; his mother was the daughter of a black African father and white French mother, classifying Abrahams as 'coloured'. After his father's death, he had an impoverished childhood, selling firewood and working for a tinsmith, before winning a scholarship to school. In 1939, Abrahams left South Africa for European exile, writing for the Communist Daily Worker, befriending political activists and organising the Fifth Pan-African Congress. His first book was published in 1942, followed by ten volumes of trailblazing fiction and autobiography exposing racial injustice. He settled in Jamaica in 1956 - where he lived until his death aged 97 - where he continued writing and broadcasting radio commentaries; he was married twice, both to white Englishwomen, and had three children.

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