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Harmattan Rain
Harmattan Rain follows three generations of women as they cope with family, love and life. A few years before Ghana’s independence, Lizzie-Achiaa’s lover disappears. Intent on finding him, she runs away from home. Akua Afriyie, Lizzie-Achiaa’s first daughter, strikes out on her own as a single parent in a country rocked by successive coups. Her daughter, Sugri grows up overprotected. She leaves home for university in New York, where she learns that sometimes one can have too much freedom. In the end, the secrets parents keep from their children eventually catch up with them.
434 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 21, 2019
Harmattan Rain was not exactly what I thought it would be, but it was an entertaining book nonetheless. I was fascinated by the premise of it: a book following multiple generations of women just before, during, and following the independence of Ghana. As the first generation American daughter of two Ghanaians, both born shortly after independence, I wanted this book to be a different glimpse into the lives they may have led at that time. There were definitely moments of clarity about the country my parents spent their formative years in that I appreciated. I really enjoyed that the political side of things was interwoven into the lives of the characters in ways that didn’t feel overt or forceful. Nonetheless, I still think I set my expectations too high for the historical portion of this historical fiction novel. Reading this demonstrated to me that I need to spend more time reading and engaging with the historical records and accounts themselves.
With that being said, I enjoyed the read. The characters were fun to go through life with, in many ways felt familiar, and this story also allowed me to see parts of the place where my origins lie that I hadn’t seen before. I look forward to reading more of Ayesha Haruna Attah’s work in the future, given my time with her debut novel left me charmed and endeared by her writing.
With that being said, I enjoyed the read. The characters were fun to go through life with, in many ways felt familiar, and this story also allowed me to see parts of the place where my origins lie that I hadn’t seen before. I look forward to reading more of Ayesha Haruna Attah’s work in the future, given my time with her debut novel left me charmed and endeared by her writing.
August 2, 2017
See (no spoilers) review here: http://africanbookaddict.wordpress.co...
April 23, 2012
This book was honestly my favorite thing to read in Ghana. Once I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. The story really came alive for me, because I was in Ghana at the time, but I think it's a story that people who've never even left their hometown can relate to.
It's a beautiful coming-of-age story. It will make you smile. It will make you cry. It will make you appreciate. But most of all, it will make you glad that you picked up this book.
I loved it.
It's a beautiful coming-of-age story. It will make you smile. It will make you cry. It will make you appreciate. But most of all, it will make you glad that you picked up this book.
I loved it.
July 22, 2013
Being currently in Ghana, reading this book was a joy. Part 1 was certainly my favorite. Later on it get a little too westernized. I keep on wondering when we will get true post-colonial literature that does not take you the Western world... This book ends in NY.
January 10, 2022
Honestly a 2.5. There are too many heavy issues that were resolved too trivially. I expected more in-depth conversations but characters let issues go too easily. Forgiveness came too cheap!
October 18, 2020
This book was a very good read. This story started out in Ghana and spanned across 3 generations of a family. The women experienced and dealt with heart break, disrespect and true love.
August 17, 2020
t’s unusual for it to rain during harmattan. It announces itself with plenty winds and dust and dryness. Rain during harmattan is much like the women in this story - formidable and unexpected.
Harmattan rain surpassed my expectations by a mile. It follows the story of Lizzie Achiaa, her daughter Akua Afriyie and her granddaughter Sugri as they navigate life in Ghana over a span of 55 years.
I really liked how the book progressed. It’s wonderful to see characters grow in a story and I felt a kinship with all three women at different points. I was rooting for them even when I probably shouldn’t have been. From the beginning, the pace is set when Lizzie Achiaa decides to take her future into her own hands and run away from home. It’s only uphill from then on.
It’s an informative read as well. As the characters grow and evolve, so does Ghana and the story includes conversations that capture that. Everything from Ghana immediate post independence to the few years in the 80’s when she was plagued with a series of coups. The conversations were very rounded as well and that screams good writing to me. It made me do a lot more further research into my country’s history and I’m grateful for it.
My favorite character is definitely Akua Afriyie, the arguably most free-spirited one of the bunch. Life doesn’t go as planned for her but she comes out on top in the end. She was as unconventional as they came in her time and I loved that. There’s also moments of romance in this and 🥺. Bador Samed and Lizzie deserved more. That’s all i’m saying. If you’ve read this let me know if you agree.
I sighed a happy sigh when I finished this. Especially at the last sentence of the book. Totally a full circle moment. It’s just a really good story and it’s very realistic. Perhaps i’m biased because excellent Ghanaian writers are my achilles heel but I’m not mad at it😂. This has easily made its way unto my recommendations list and Ayesha Harruna Attah has a fan in me. I’m excited for her book, The Deep Blue Between coming later this year.
Harmattan rain surpassed my expectations by a mile. It follows the story of Lizzie Achiaa, her daughter Akua Afriyie and her granddaughter Sugri as they navigate life in Ghana over a span of 55 years.
I really liked how the book progressed. It’s wonderful to see characters grow in a story and I felt a kinship with all three women at different points. I was rooting for them even when I probably shouldn’t have been. From the beginning, the pace is set when Lizzie Achiaa decides to take her future into her own hands and run away from home. It’s only uphill from then on.
It’s an informative read as well. As the characters grow and evolve, so does Ghana and the story includes conversations that capture that. Everything from Ghana immediate post independence to the few years in the 80’s when she was plagued with a series of coups. The conversations were very rounded as well and that screams good writing to me. It made me do a lot more further research into my country’s history and I’m grateful for it.
My favorite character is definitely Akua Afriyie, the arguably most free-spirited one of the bunch. Life doesn’t go as planned for her but she comes out on top in the end. She was as unconventional as they came in her time and I loved that. There’s also moments of romance in this and 🥺. Bador Samed and Lizzie deserved more. That’s all i’m saying. If you’ve read this let me know if you agree.
I sighed a happy sigh when I finished this. Especially at the last sentence of the book. Totally a full circle moment. It’s just a really good story and it’s very realistic. Perhaps i’m biased because excellent Ghanaian writers are my achilles heel but I’m not mad at it😂. This has easily made its way unto my recommendations list and Ayesha Harruna Attah has a fan in me. I’m excited for her book, The Deep Blue Between coming later this year.
April 28, 2021
“He had always been closer to the spirit world than anyone else she knew. There was no one else she’d go on this journey with.”
~ The story is neatly spread over three generations, beginning with Lizzie the run-away and her missing lover, Bador Samed. After carving an unexpected path for herself, we move to follow her daughter, Akua Afriyie, who is misled by rascal Rashid and left as a single parent, stuck working only to live, without time for her passion - art. The final section introduces her daughter Sugri who travels to the US to study and finally concludes in full circle.
~ The book is beautifully written, short but sweet, extremely educational around internal policies following Ghanaian independence and complex in content and character development. I knew a fair amount from my short visits but this book enabled deeper cultural growth.
~ The harsh reality of the weather complemented the battles each protagonist faced, but just as the weather passes, they too overcame their struggles. The book delightfully presented the strength we can find in ourselves when we need to and the reality that every single decision, good or bad, shapes our path and others. There is no point in regrets, because without every past experience, we wouldn’t be who we are today.
~ I adored that the book didn’t fall into a trauma porn trope and instead used every misfortune for a deeper purpose and as a launch-pad for growth.
~ Finally. Somehow I can’t imagine any other ending than learning of Babasam’s origins and fall from grace. His loss became the unexpected catalyst for the entire novel and allowing him to find what he had been looking for was necessary.
Well done Ayesha. I adored every word and will absolutely buy every other book you publish.
~ The story is neatly spread over three generations, beginning with Lizzie the run-away and her missing lover, Bador Samed. After carving an unexpected path for herself, we move to follow her daughter, Akua Afriyie, who is misled by rascal Rashid and left as a single parent, stuck working only to live, without time for her passion - art. The final section introduces her daughter Sugri who travels to the US to study and finally concludes in full circle.
~ The book is beautifully written, short but sweet, extremely educational around internal policies following Ghanaian independence and complex in content and character development. I knew a fair amount from my short visits but this book enabled deeper cultural growth.
~ The harsh reality of the weather complemented the battles each protagonist faced, but just as the weather passes, they too overcame their struggles. The book delightfully presented the strength we can find in ourselves when we need to and the reality that every single decision, good or bad, shapes our path and others. There is no point in regrets, because without every past experience, we wouldn’t be who we are today.
~ I adored that the book didn’t fall into a trauma porn trope and instead used every misfortune for a deeper purpose and as a launch-pad for growth.
~ Finally. Somehow I can’t imagine any other ending than learning of Babasam’s origins and fall from grace. His loss became the unexpected catalyst for the entire novel and allowing him to find what he had been looking for was necessary.
Well done Ayesha. I adored every word and will absolutely buy every other book you publish.
April 22, 2020
Harmattan Rain details the lives of three generations of women before, during, and after the independence of Ghana. Each of them battle with family, love and life; trying to find their way given unique circumstances. A few years before Ghana's independence, Lizzie leaves her village in hopes to find her disappeared lover. Akua Afriyie, Lizzie's first daughter, becomes a single mother and must navigate her new life on her own. Her daughter, Surgi, is very intelligent; she finds her way to New York City, where she attends Columbia University. Each woman has an inspiring story that is connected with the rich history of Ghana.
Previously having read The Hundred Wells of Salaga, which also takes place in Ghana, I still knew very little about the country's complex history. I was eager to learn more and Harmattan Rain allowed me to do that. Attah provides a modern lens to Ghana's past as she guides us through the novel. As the novel progresses, life in Ghana changes drastically making each character's experience unique. My one critique is that I feel the novel is a bit slow; I felt it took awhile for the story gain momentum. However, once it did so I wasn't able to put the book down. I would highly suggest this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with unique characters and experiences.
Previously having read The Hundred Wells of Salaga, which also takes place in Ghana, I still knew very little about the country's complex history. I was eager to learn more and Harmattan Rain allowed me to do that. Attah provides a modern lens to Ghana's past as she guides us through the novel. As the novel progresses, life in Ghana changes drastically making each character's experience unique. My one critique is that I feel the novel is a bit slow; I felt it took awhile for the story gain momentum. However, once it did so I wasn't able to put the book down. I would highly suggest this book to anyone who loves historical fiction with unique characters and experiences.
July 4, 2019
This is EPIC! I have enjoyed every page of this book! The story of three generations of Ghanian women is so fascinating!
I can totally relate to the relationship between these women, even though Ghana seems like such a faraway country. I guess mother-daughter relationships are similar everywhere - despite misunderstandings, we are connected to our families, even if we are not much aware of that connection at some points.
I love the author's narration style. She seems to be able to effortlessly describe complex thoughts emotions - a sign of a truly gifted writer!
I can totally relate to the relationship between these women, even though Ghana seems like such a faraway country. I guess mother-daughter relationships are similar everywhere - despite misunderstandings, we are connected to our families, even if we are not much aware of that connection at some points.
I love the author's narration style. She seems to be able to effortlessly describe complex thoughts emotions - a sign of a truly gifted writer!
January 2, 2024
I really enjoyed reading the storyline flowing through three generation of strong minded women. I particularly enjoyed Lizzie’s story and the depiction of “Harmattan Rain” referrring to an event that occurs unexpectedly.
This was my first book from this Author and it was a great one. Learning about Ghana’s political history was an extra bonus from the book.
Though to be honest, at some point reading through all the political party propaganda made me bored but nonetheless, it was an amazing read!!!
This was my first book from this Author and it was a great one. Learning about Ghana’s political history was an extra bonus from the book.
Though to be honest, at some point reading through all the political party propaganda made me bored but nonetheless, it was an amazing read!!!
December 19, 2024
A novel by Ayesha Harruna Attah is about a tale of love, loss, and the complexities of life in Ghana. The story follows a woman as she faces challenges in her family and personal life. I enjoyed the beautiful writing and how the characters felt real. The book explores themes of identity and motherhood, making it relatable to many readers. I think this book is great for anyone interested in stories about culture and personal growth. I would recommend it!
May 26, 2020
As I have lived in Ghana twice in my life, I can assure you this book "get's the picture" in an amazing way. The descriptions are extremely accurate. I felt I was there once again.
Truth to be told, I ended up really disapointed regarding the main love of Lizzie-Achiaa.
Besides that particular issue, I find it really enjoyable.
Truth to be told, I ended up really disapointed regarding the main love of Lizzie-Achiaa.
Besides that particular issue, I find it really enjoyable.
April 24, 2025
#ReadAroundTheWorld #Ghana
Written by prize-winning Ghanaian author Ayesha Harruna Atta, this is a multi-generational saga straddling the years before and after Ghana’s independence.
Lizzie Achiaa grows up in the village of Adukrom No. 2 in the 1950s. She decides to run away to Accra with her lover Bador Samed to escape from her abusive father, and his mercenary plans to marry her off to an old man. Bador Samed does not arrive at the rendezvous so Lizzie decides to go it alone.
After Lizzie’s later marriage, the story continues on with her free-spirited artist daughter Akua Afriyie, who struggles to find her way as a single mother in times of political turmoil, and then follows on to her granddaughter Sugri who goes to university in New York.
The story is fairly long but is engaging. It deals with strong women, the relationships between them, secrets and betrayal, and the political background of the Nkrumah Revolution and the resistance against British colonial rule. I would like to read another book by this author.
Written by prize-winning Ghanaian author Ayesha Harruna Atta, this is a multi-generational saga straddling the years before and after Ghana’s independence.
Lizzie Achiaa grows up in the village of Adukrom No. 2 in the 1950s. She decides to run away to Accra with her lover Bador Samed to escape from her abusive father, and his mercenary plans to marry her off to an old man. Bador Samed does not arrive at the rendezvous so Lizzie decides to go it alone.
After Lizzie’s later marriage, the story continues on with her free-spirited artist daughter Akua Afriyie, who struggles to find her way as a single mother in times of political turmoil, and then follows on to her granddaughter Sugri who goes to university in New York.
The story is fairly long but is engaging. It deals with strong women, the relationships between them, secrets and betrayal, and the political background of the Nkrumah Revolution and the resistance against British colonial rule. I would like to read another book by this author.
September 13, 2025
I admire how the author, with her words, captured my attention and carried me throughout the story. A 90s baby like myself appreciates the early history of Ghana's pre-independence and post-independence, wow, that must have required a lot of research. I fully understand how an action or decision can change one's life or generation forever. I recommend this book to you all, it's unputdownable!
April 29, 2021
3 generations of women.
May 16, 2021
Excellently written with an ending that comes full circle! Would read it over and over again !
April 20, 2025
Rich authentic Ghanaian post-colonial piece. Loved it. Full of Suspense, family issues, etc.
May 9, 2025
This book went on longer than it should have...To many unnecessary details etc. The ending was worth it though but gosh....
March 7, 2021
I'm reviewing this in retrospect, and I think it deserves more credit than I initially gave.
Harmattan Rain vividly captured the 1950s-a monumental period in Ghana's history as it marked the Nkrumah Revolution and resistance from colonial rule. I'm grateful to have seen these events from a new lens; the historical titbits that were interspersed were very enlightening. I certainly appreciate the leaders for the fight they put up even more.
A significant portion of the book's setting was in Accra, where I lived for the most part of my life. I was happy to see the places mentioned and compare what remains 60+ years later. (Not much)
I was very let down by how she handled the last portion of the book but then again,I've noticed from my reviews that I tend to be dissatisfied with most endings. I've made a mental note to get over it and acknowledge the author's entire vision.
All in all, I'm gonna give this 3.75 stars!
Harmattan Rain vividly captured the 1950s-a monumental period in Ghana's history as it marked the Nkrumah Revolution and resistance from colonial rule. I'm grateful to have seen these events from a new lens; the historical titbits that were interspersed were very enlightening. I certainly appreciate the leaders for the fight they put up even more.
A significant portion of the book's setting was in Accra, where I lived for the most part of my life. I was happy to see the places mentioned and compare what remains 60+ years later. (Not much)
I was very let down by how she handled the last portion of the book but then again,I've noticed from my reviews that I tend to be dissatisfied with most endings. I've made a mental note to get over it and acknowledge the author's entire vision.
All in all, I'm gonna give this 3.75 stars!
June 21, 2010
this book is by a young Ghanaian woman writer and chronicles the story of a woman who becomes a young adult at about the same time Ghana gains its independence, her daughter and her granddaughter.
It provides a light overview of modern Ghanaian history while telling the stories of three women.
I found it to be very realistic.
It provides a light overview of modern Ghanaian history while telling the stories of three women.
I found it to be very realistic.
July 24, 2012
I attended the writer's book reading. This is the first book I attempted to review when I started blogging. In the end I only provided what happened at the reading though I still count it as a review. The following link leads to it on my blog.
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
Thanks
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
Thanks
June 17, 2010
i loved this book -- which was shortlisted for the 2010 commonwealth writers prize -- about three generations of ghanaian women grappling with the vicissitudes of life against a backdrop of political unrest. a very human telling of the history of ghana.
July 4, 2009
Heard the author do a reading, although I had bought the book before that!
May 29, 2013
I LOVE THIS BOOK and this author! I have already cast the movie in my mind and it is fabulous. More later...
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