Java Hill: An African Journey: A Nation's Evolution Through Ten Generations of a Family Linking Four Continents

by T.P. Manus Ulzen

Born in the gold mining hot bed of Tarkwa, Ghana, T. P. Manus Ulzen is the oldest of 5 children. His parents were both educators. He grew up in Bolgatanga, Wa, Wenchi, Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi in Ghana until he was 12 years old. He started high school at the age of 10 at St. Augustine's College, Cape Coast and continued his education at Kabulonga School for Boys in Lusaka, Zambia after his family left Ghana following the 1966 coup which ended Nkrumah's first republic. He returned to Ghana to complete his high school education at Ghana Secondary Technical School, Takoradi.Though, greatly interested in liberal arts pursuits, he chose medicine as a career and graduated from the University of Ghana Medical School at the age of 22, becoming the youngest physician in his country at the time. After working as a general physician in Cape Coast, he left Ghana in 1980 for Canada to begin his specialist training.He completed his post graduate studies in Psychiatry at the University of Toronto in 1985 and has since had a successful career as an academic psychiatrist. He has been on the faculty at the University of Toronto, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University and is now Professor and Chair of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine in the College of Community Health Sciences at the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama where he is also Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. He is married to Ekua Mensah, a musician and they have 3 children, Adwoa, Kweku and Kofi.

Genres: Nonfiction

253 pages, Paperback

First published March 28, 2013

Reviews

[Jack Williamson]

I had trouble putting this book down! I was absolutely engrossed from start to finish because the language is so captivating and the story is so expertly constructed. The difficulties and triumphs of the characters seemed quite authentic. I'd suggest this book to anybody searching for a stimulating and motivating read.

[Elija Porter]

Reading this book was a great pleasure. The author's use of words and images was just amazing, and the narrative was both exciting and endearing. I felt a strong connection to the characters since they were so well-written. Anyone searching for a wonderfully written and inspirational read should definitely pick up this book, in my opinion.

[Andrew Booner]

The book really blew me away! I was completely absorbed in the world of the characters because of the author's extraordinary narrative abilities. The book's overarching themes of optimism and resiliency are motivating and thought-provoking. If you're seeking a profound and emotional read, I highly suggest this book.

[Will Hudson]

This book is a real treasure. I found myself reading well into the night because of how interesting the author's writing is and how engrossing the plot is. The characters are so well-rounded, that it's easy to relate to their challenges and successes. Anyone searching for a well-written and touching read should definitely pick this book up.

[Nina Chachu]

Rather fascinating history of some members of a Fanti family from Elmina.