47 pages 1 hour read

Amos Tutuola

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1954

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola tells the story of an unnamed narrator's spiritual development and coming-of-age after he and his older brother become lost while fleeing from slave traders. Entering the wilderness known as the "bush of ghosts," the narrator encounters various magical and fantastical beings, experiencing numerous adventures and transformations that draw on Yoruba folklore and Christian beliefs. The novel explores themes of spirituality, the importance of folklore and mythology, and the consequences of colonialism. The source text discusses domestic violence, abuse, incarceration, and enslavement.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Amos Tutuola's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts is lauded for its imaginative narrative and unique blend of African folklore with magical realism. Critics praise its originality and cultural depth, though some find the prose challenging and uneven. Overall, it offers a compelling, if occasionally disorienting, adventure.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Life in the Bush of Ghosts?

Readers who enjoy My Life in the Bush of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola are often drawn to surreal storytelling, African folklore, and magical realism. Similar audiences appreciate One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez and Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe for their rich cultural narratives and imaginative plots.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Society: Colonialism

Values/Ideas: Good & Evil

Genre

African American Literature

Magical Realism

Fantasy

Topics

History: World