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Moses Ascending

By Sam Selvon
Penguin Classics
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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3.46 goodreads logo

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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
Moses Ascending by Sam Selvon is a rich narrative set in London, following the escapades of Moses Aloetta, a former Trinidadian construction worker who becomes the landlord of a decrepit building. The story delves into the complexities of power dynamics and identity as Moses navigates his new responsibilities, often with misguided ambitions. Through humour and wit, the book explores themes of immigration, race, and cultural displacement amidst the backdrop of 1970s Britain.
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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?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy humorous and satirical narratives exploring themes of immigration and identity. Set in London, it follows an immigrant's ambitious yet often misguided efforts to climb the social ladder. The author's witty writing makes it a delightful read for those who appreciate a blend of comedy and social commentary.

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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

An uproarious exploration of Caribbean immigrant experience from one of the great writers of the twentieth century.

Moses thinks he's got it made. Originally a poor Caribbean immigrant, he is now the proud landlord of a ramshackle house in Shepherd's Bush, London. He has visions of being master of his own domain, writing his memoirs while his trusty sidekick and handyman, Bob, does all the work. But Moses' problems are far from over...

Soon a Black Power group takes over the basement, headed by the indomitable - but very sexy - Brenda, and an illegal people-smuggling ring is discovered upstairs. Not to mention harassment from racist police, sheep-slaughtering in the backyard, and a Black Panther (the human kind) on the loose.

Will Moses' elaborately constructed castle in the air be demolished by these unruly forces?

Following the fortunes of characters from Selvon's The Lonely Londoners, Moses Ascending is a hilarious and telling depiction of 1970s Britain.

Series: Penguin Modern Classics

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241504390

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Introduction by Hari Kunzru

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 157g

Pages: 208

Collections

Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Penguin Classics: General Fiction Sam Selvon Series: Penguin Modern Classics

About the Author

Sam Selvon (Author) Sam Selvon was born in San Fernando (Trinidad) in 1923 and worked in his homeland as a wireless operator and reporter. In 1950 he left Trinidad for the UK, where he established himself as a writer with A Brighter Sun (1952). Many other books followed, including his best-known novel, The Lonely Londoners (1956), and its two sequels, Moses Ascending (1975) and Moses Migrating (1983). He moved to Canada in the late 1970s and died in 1994. Hari Kunzru (Introducer) Hari Kunzru is the author of the novels The Impressionist, Transmission, My Revolutions and Gods Without Men, and the story collection Noise. He lives in New York and his next novel, White Tears, will be published by Hamish Hamilton in spring 2017.

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  • Calypso in London
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