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Faceless
Street life in the slums of Accra is realistically portrayed in this socially-commited, subtle novel about four educated women who are inspired by the plight of a 14-year old girl, Fofo. As the main characters convert their library center into a practical street initiative, the novel invokes the squalor, health risks, and vicious cycles of poverty and violence that drive children to the streets and women to prostitution; and, from which, ultimately, no one in the society is free.
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
192 people are currently reading
2370 people want to read
About the author
Amma Darko
16 books85 followersAmma Darko (born 1956) is an African novelist.
She was born in Koforidua, Ghana, and grew up in Accra. She studied in Kumasi, where she received her diploma in 1980. Then she worked for the Science and Technology Center in Kumasi. During the eighties, she lived and worked for some time in Germany. She has since returned to Accra.
(from Wikipedia)
She was born in Koforidua, Ghana, and grew up in Accra. She studied in Kumasi, where she received her diploma in 1980. Then she worked for the Science and Technology Center in Kumasi. During the eighties, she lived and worked for some time in Germany. She has since returned to Accra.
(from Wikipedia)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 19, 2016
Very interesting story on a side of street girls I never really knew....I like a statement on page 112 by Ms. Kamame about our society failing to stick out our necks for street children. In the end, we all bear the responsibility one way or the other.
March 11, 2008
I first read this book while an exchange student at the University of Ghana. 'Faceless' brings attention to street children in Ghana. In her novel, Darko describes their strength, vulnerabilities, and some of the circumstances that force children to leave their homes for life on the street. 'Faceless' acts also as social commentary on the status of women and children in Ghana. Powerful book!
December 14, 2015
Faceless by Ghanian author Amma Darko, is one of the saddest books I’ve ever read. I discovered it via Celestine’s review at Reading Pleasure but even so I was unprepared for the bleak world it represents with such chilling authenticity.
It is a story of street children in the chaotic slums of Accra (the capital of Ghana) and although it ends with a hopeful resolution for one child, the novel leaves an indelible impression that there is no future for thousands of others. It’s a story of exploitation and neglect replicated in rapidly growing cities in many developing countries from India to Mexico, made more distressing because these children have families.
Faceless begins in a slum cynically christened Sodom and Gomorrah with 14-year-old Fofo narrowly escaping rape by Poison, a Street Lord and local thug. She flees to her friend Odarley where we learn that Poison controls even the shared toilets and that Fofo is constipated because all she’s had to eat is bread. The scene then shifts abruptly to the middle-class life of Kabria, a good-hearted researcher for MUTE, an NGO which is a repository for alternate stories not found in books. Kabria is harassed by her demanding children and a bone-idle husband who expects his wife to wait on him even though she is in full time work as well. (Gender relations has been a theme in many of the recent African novels I’ve read).
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2015/12/01/fa...
It is a story of street children in the chaotic slums of Accra (the capital of Ghana) and although it ends with a hopeful resolution for one child, the novel leaves an indelible impression that there is no future for thousands of others. It’s a story of exploitation and neglect replicated in rapidly growing cities in many developing countries from India to Mexico, made more distressing because these children have families.
Faceless begins in a slum cynically christened Sodom and Gomorrah with 14-year-old Fofo narrowly escaping rape by Poison, a Street Lord and local thug. She flees to her friend Odarley where we learn that Poison controls even the shared toilets and that Fofo is constipated because all she’s had to eat is bread. The scene then shifts abruptly to the middle-class life of Kabria, a good-hearted researcher for MUTE, an NGO which is a repository for alternate stories not found in books. Kabria is harassed by her demanding children and a bone-idle husband who expects his wife to wait on him even though she is in full time work as well. (Gender relations has been a theme in many of the recent African novels I’ve read).
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.com/2015/12/01/fa...
July 24, 2012
In this book, Amma Darko provides vividly what it is to live on the streets. It begins with a death. An interesting novel. Read my review here
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
Thanks
http://freduagyeman.blogspot.com/2009...
Thanks
January 30, 2020
I liked how she clearly expressed the struggles of children on the streets and the difficulties of providing help for them. She didn't treat the situation like it an open and shut case and showed lots of nuance in her writing. The main character Fofo is well written and the writer makes me want to root for her. It's a good read but I do have to say that there are slight moments of violence and mature activity in the book so if those offend you, tread cautiously.
May 23, 2015
Not Amma's best book.
December 7, 2019
Love the novel😍
May 3, 2019
It is a good novel
May 1, 2023
Faceless" by Amma Darko is a novel that sheds light on the harsh realities of street children in Accra, Ghana. The book follows the story of a 14-year-old girl named Fofo and her struggles to survive amidst poverty, violence, abuse, and the tragic death of her sister Baby T.
Darko's portrayal of Accra is vivid and unflinching, highlighting the inequality and corruption that pervade the city. The book is a haunting and necessary read that offers a window into a world that is often overlooked and ignored.
Maa Tsuru is portrayed as a neglectful mother, who is unable to provide for her children and often leaves them to fend for themselves. She also has poor judgment in men, as evidenced by her relationships with two bastards. How is one person this unlucky with love?
Baby T is a character who is found dead in a gutter in the slums of Accra, Ghana. The novel explores the lives of several characters who are connected to Baby T and her death, but the identity of the killer is not explicitly revealed.
The novel points fingers at two men: Onko and Poison. Both of these men were there in the last moments of her life. However, the killer's identity was not stated. After some reflection, I have come to think that Amma Darko leaves the identity of the killer open to interpretation as a way of suggesting that in a society where poverty, corruption, and violence are rampant, the murder of a street child was the least of their concern, and nobody really cared if the culprit was found or not.
The novel also highlights the importance of the work of NGOs in helping to address some of the issues faced by street children in the absence of government support. I liked Kabria and her relationship with Creamy, but I did not like Adade very much, although I respected him.
But the answer to question "who killed Baby T?", is Onko. That's it. Onko killed her
Darko's portrayal of Accra is vivid and unflinching, highlighting the inequality and corruption that pervade the city. The book is a haunting and necessary read that offers a window into a world that is often overlooked and ignored.
Maa Tsuru is portrayed as a neglectful mother, who is unable to provide for her children and often leaves them to fend for themselves. She also has poor judgment in men, as evidenced by her relationships with two bastards. How is one person this unlucky with love?
Baby T is a character who is found dead in a gutter in the slums of Accra, Ghana. The novel explores the lives of several characters who are connected to Baby T and her death, but the identity of the killer is not explicitly revealed.
The novel points fingers at two men: Onko and Poison. Both of these men were there in the last moments of her life. However, the killer's identity was not stated. After some reflection, I have come to think that Amma Darko leaves the identity of the killer open to interpretation as a way of suggesting that in a society where poverty, corruption, and violence are rampant, the murder of a street child was the least of their concern, and nobody really cared if the culprit was found or not.
The novel also highlights the importance of the work of NGOs in helping to address some of the issues faced by street children in the absence of government support. I liked Kabria and her relationship with Creamy, but I did not like Adade very much, although I respected him.
But the answer to question "who killed Baby T?", is Onko. That's it. Onko killed her
January 2, 2019
Faceless was an entertaining book that had a lot of twists and turns to the plot, Poison was an interesting character. What I appreciate about the book is that there are two stories about two different people one being Fofo and the other person being the African mother, and how the story combines the two people together to figure out the mystery of Poison and why Poison is doing the things that he does. I also care about the African mother in the story the second main character which is also a relatable mom who cares about their kids and how the kids are maturing to fast and the rapid growth of AIDS in Africa. I also like Fofo's character who is strong and independent and wants to figure out what is going on with Poison and to get off the street since Fofo is a street kid in Africa.
June 22, 2017
I read this book in 2011 and before that I'd never read a book totally set in Ghana but after reading Darko's book, I sought out books similar to hers...
I think she may have overestimated things a bit but altogether she created a vivid image that I found quite easy to capture, made be believe at a certain point that I really saw what she saw and truthfully that is what I look for in books...
I think she may have overestimated things a bit but altogether she created a vivid image that I found quite easy to capture, made be believe at a certain point that I really saw what she saw and truthfully that is what I look for in books...
January 25, 2011
My least favorite of the books I read abroad. About Kwame and a good insight into his life and personality, but I didn't really enjoy it too much. Saw a terribly hilarious performance of it in Accra.
Want to read
April 10, 2015is good
Want to read
November 15, 2015i like the novel i indeed enjoyed reading it
March 7, 2019
My best novel ever
Read
January 30, 2016okay
May 22, 2021
~Book Review ~ Faceless by Amma Darko
Anytime I see a child on the street, the first question that comes to mind is what has taken place in that child’s life to bring them to where they are now or to the point of believing that living on the streets is a viable option .
The phenomenon of street Children has become one of the most widely discussed social tragedies of our time. There are countless NGO supposedly working for the interest of street children. Even government claims to be doing it’s very best to tackle the issue and yet, the problem not only persist but also seems to be getting intractable.
In this heartbreaking novel, Amma Darko gives us an account of the complexities underlying street life in the slums of Accra.
14-year old Fofo is forced into the street by her mother to fend for herself whiles her little sister Baby T is sold into prostitution. Fofo narrowly escapes being raped by the street lord, poison, but when she is hit with the death of her sister, who is murdered and dumped in another slum, She goes on a quest to seek justice and vengeance.
Kabria and Fofo’s path crossed and through the help of her NGO and a radio station the perpetrators are identified. Fofo is given a second chances at life and her dream is actualized, But what becomes of Odarley, Poison, and the many children living in the streets?
Darko gives us a very vivid and realistic portrayal of society:The struggles, the survival, the near death experience of living on the streets of Accra, the role of the media , the inefficiency of the police institution, child labor, child trafficking, molestation, irresponsible parenting and superstition.
She highlights the varied responses of the women when it comes to their experiences with men. Faceless is intense and suspenseful. We find children speaking , thinking and acting above their age. For them acting “grown up” is a necessary skill for survival on the streets.
I love the narrative style, simple but humorous. Amma Darko touches on complex issues interjecting it with light hearted moments which makes reading bearable. Although it ends with a hopeful resolution for one child, the novel leaves a lasting impression that there is no future for thousands of others.
And just as Aniyidoho said, “Faceless is a wake up call. It is not enough to sow seeds of human life in quick, repeated reckless ecstasy. Beyond the light of tears, the passionate intensity of countless orgasm, the future of our children, our own mortality and ancestry awaits our constant vigilance and careful nurturing. No seed grows into a harvest of joy without the planters’s diligent labor of love”.
If you enjoy reading social commentaries then you would love this. I really enjoyed reading it. I hope when you finally do read it you enjoy it too.
Anytime I see a child on the street, the first question that comes to mind is what has taken place in that child’s life to bring them to where they are now or to the point of believing that living on the streets is a viable option .
The phenomenon of street Children has become one of the most widely discussed social tragedies of our time. There are countless NGO supposedly working for the interest of street children. Even government claims to be doing it’s very best to tackle the issue and yet, the problem not only persist but also seems to be getting intractable.
In this heartbreaking novel, Amma Darko gives us an account of the complexities underlying street life in the slums of Accra.
14-year old Fofo is forced into the street by her mother to fend for herself whiles her little sister Baby T is sold into prostitution. Fofo narrowly escapes being raped by the street lord, poison, but when she is hit with the death of her sister, who is murdered and dumped in another slum, She goes on a quest to seek justice and vengeance.
Kabria and Fofo’s path crossed and through the help of her NGO and a radio station the perpetrators are identified. Fofo is given a second chances at life and her dream is actualized, But what becomes of Odarley, Poison, and the many children living in the streets?
Darko gives us a very vivid and realistic portrayal of society:The struggles, the survival, the near death experience of living on the streets of Accra, the role of the media , the inefficiency of the police institution, child labor, child trafficking, molestation, irresponsible parenting and superstition.
She highlights the varied responses of the women when it comes to their experiences with men. Faceless is intense and suspenseful. We find children speaking , thinking and acting above their age. For them acting “grown up” is a necessary skill for survival on the streets.
I love the narrative style, simple but humorous. Amma Darko touches on complex issues interjecting it with light hearted moments which makes reading bearable. Although it ends with a hopeful resolution for one child, the novel leaves a lasting impression that there is no future for thousands of others.
And just as Aniyidoho said, “Faceless is a wake up call. It is not enough to sow seeds of human life in quick, repeated reckless ecstasy. Beyond the light of tears, the passionate intensity of countless orgasm, the future of our children, our own mortality and ancestry awaits our constant vigilance and careful nurturing. No seed grows into a harvest of joy without the planters’s diligent labor of love”.
If you enjoy reading social commentaries then you would love this. I really enjoyed reading it. I hope when you finally do read it you enjoy it too.
November 11, 2023
"Should my teen read Faceless"?. Absolutely yes
"Faceless" by Amma Darko vividly illustrates how the world can be profoundly unjust to those without financial means. These individuals, often abandoned by their own families, find themselves vulnerable to the most heinous crimes, including sexual assault and human trafficking. Their plight is exacerbated by a lack of protection or support. The novel poignantly sheds light on the harsh realities faced by street children and the multifaceted challenges they endure.
The book is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the harsh realities of street life in Accra, Ghana. Darko's vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling bring to life the struggles of the marginalized, especially young girls who find themselves in dire circumstances.
This novel delves into the harsh realities of street life in the slums of Accra. It revolves around four educated women who, moved by the plight of a 14-year-old girl named Fofo, embark on a socially-committed mission. Converting their library center into a practical street initiative, the story vividly portrays the grim conditions, health hazards, and unrelenting cycles of poverty and violence that push children onto the streets and force women into prostitution. Ultimately, it paints a stark picture of a society where no one is truly free from these pervasive issues.
"Faceless" by Amma Darko vividly illustrates how the world can be profoundly unjust to those without financial means. These individuals, often abandoned by their own families, find themselves vulnerable to the most heinous crimes, including sexual assault and human trafficking. Their plight is exacerbated by a lack of protection or support. The novel poignantly sheds light on the harsh realities faced by street children and the multifaceted challenges they endure.
The book is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that delves into the harsh realities of street life in Accra, Ghana. Darko's vivid descriptions and powerful storytelling bring to life the struggles of the marginalized, especially young girls who find themselves in dire circumstances.
This novel delves into the harsh realities of street life in the slums of Accra. It revolves around four educated women who, moved by the plight of a 14-year-old girl named Fofo, embark on a socially-committed mission. Converting their library center into a practical street initiative, the story vividly portrays the grim conditions, health hazards, and unrelenting cycles of poverty and violence that push children onto the streets and force women into prostitution. Ultimately, it paints a stark picture of a society where no one is truly free from these pervasive issues.
February 15, 2025
Come to this book with an open mind. If you’re not Ghanaian or of Ghanaian descent, a lot of things in this book may come off as unfamiliar to you. (I’m Nigerian, so I had to do a little stretching but I got to it immediately after the third chapter)
Years back, 11 years old and waiting in my mother’s office after school, this was the first Amma Darko book I’d ever read, and it left such a good impression on me that I proceeded to binge read her entire catalogue.
Amma Darko with Faceless takes you on a murder mystery-esque journey, and you witness firsthand how the trenches of poverty and a decayed society, takes out its anger on the unfortunate street girls, who from a young age, have no one to turn to and no salvation.
The experience is not unique to Ghanaian society. It’s something that you can see in any backwater African nation. All countries have their slums, but there is a specific violence that is belted onto black women and black girls in poor African nations.
I truly recommend it. It’s a cozy read.
Years back, 11 years old and waiting in my mother’s office after school, this was the first Amma Darko book I’d ever read, and it left such a good impression on me that I proceeded to binge read her entire catalogue.
Amma Darko with Faceless takes you on a murder mystery-esque journey, and you witness firsthand how the trenches of poverty and a decayed society, takes out its anger on the unfortunate street girls, who from a young age, have no one to turn to and no salvation.
The experience is not unique to Ghanaian society. It’s something that you can see in any backwater African nation. All countries have their slums, but there is a specific violence that is belted onto black women and black girls in poor African nations.
I truly recommend it. It’s a cozy read.
February 11, 2024
Conflicted about how I should rate this book. Deep down I know it's a 4-star but the echoes of a 3.5-star keep resounding within the walls of my brain (could have something to do with a book blanket I started to crochet that's based on the star ratings.)
Anyway, I did enjoy reading Faceless despite my initial hesitance to pick it up because of the focus of the story. However, the way Darko went about addressing the issues that is street life specifically street children, how they ended up in that position and the society's attitude towards it made it easy to get through the book. She went straight to the point which I liked, with no detours or unnecessary side plots that had nothing to do with the main plot. What I was expecting when I picked this book up was not at all what I got and that is a very good thing.
I'm glad I picked Faceless up after years of purposefully ignoring it.
Anyway, I did enjoy reading Faceless despite my initial hesitance to pick it up because of the focus of the story. However, the way Darko went about addressing the issues that is street life specifically street children, how they ended up in that position and the society's attitude towards it made it easy to get through the book. She went straight to the point which I liked, with no detours or unnecessary side plots that had nothing to do with the main plot. What I was expecting when I picked this book up was not at all what I got and that is a very good thing.
I'm glad I picked Faceless up after years of purposefully ignoring it.
January 12, 2025
Another great book by Amma Darko , beautiful name and very sad story about hawkers , girls who don’t get proper upbringing due to negligence from parents . Parents who believed they were cursed and so nothing can be done about their future . The highlights on Baby T , Maa Tsurus daughter and Fofo , Baby Ts sister . I admire Fofo strength to keep Going even after fallen to a victim to the streets of Accra and losing her sister in cold blooded misery and death . Be ready to shed tears when reading this , do I recommend it yes yes
February 15, 2020
This is a book that portrays not only the pain of children but also the pains that women go through how the government lack in giving the basic amenities needed and therefore making the children to fend for themselve i see this book as an eye-opener for both male and female but specifically for the females as Darko has poured out her heart in full details while writing this book.
October 14, 2017
boring
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 22, 2018
Ghana and the power of its women. A young adult to adult reading. Eye opening
October 28, 2018
An insight in to the life of people in Ghana, Akra. Well written, easy to read.
January 2, 2019
Good
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2019
Reading option
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2019
Nice book
Want to read
December 20, 2019How do u read the book
Read
January 6, 2020Please how do l start
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews