A collection of ten short stories with alternating settings—one taking place on Zongo Street in Africa (fictional setting), the next describing the experiences of a Ghanian immigrant in NYC. All characters enjoy gossip and are storytellers. The folk-like narrative technique disguises the fact that these are extremely sophisticated stories with complex themes. It's a window on a different culture, critical of it, and at the same time filled with longing.

1. The Story of Day and Night a grandmother describes the mythical birth and youth of a bad child as responsible for causing day and night
2. The Prophet of Zongo Street Kumi, an intelligent man, is driven mad thinking about the imperialistic effects of Christianity and Islam on the Ghanian culture (a portrait of a would-be terrorist?)
3. Live-in An immigrant live-in nursemaid for an elderly woman is suspected of cheating her. She is patronized by the woman’s nephew. The maid decides that the community of Ghanian culture is superior, and vows not to die in America.
4. The Manhood Test describes the marriage of an unhappy couple (the man is impotent) and has a surprisingly tender ending.
5. The True Aryan An Armenian cab driver talks about his immigrant experience to his Ghanian customer This also is tender: “I’ll take your pain.”
6. Ward G4 A young boy spends time as a patient in the hospital in the company of the dying.
7. Rachmaninov This story reminds me of Richard Wright’s Bigger Thomas in Native Son—You have to judge it in that context (although the protagonist is educated). It is about the disturbing effects of a sick, racist culture on an individual.
8. Mallam Sile, the tea-house owner, marries a tough woman who stops him from being cheated by his customers. Although he is a peaceful type, she accomplishes his elevation in the community through violence.
9. Faith—describes the 2nd coming
10. Man pass man—a charming swindler tells his story of being outwitted by ghosts. ( )

Nice collection. Some are set in Ghana. Others are about Ghanaian immigrants in New York. All are filled with interesting characters, a bit of whimsy, superstition, and mischief. (warning some people might be put off by the sex in a couple of these)
Contents: The story of day and night; The prophet of Zongo Street; Live-in; The manhood test; The true Aryan; Ward G-4; Rachmaninov; Mallam Sile; Faith; Man pass man.

My copy was a library sale find--for 10 cents.A great buy. ( )