"GraceLand" by Chris Abani: A Gripping Tale of Redemption and Hope

tmcm exclusives: The best thing about this novel is the way it takes the reader to the past, and then paints a picture of the present. It gives the reader the opportunity to see the main character in two different periods; as a young man, and as an adult

United Kingdom on Mar 11, 2020

Lyle: Whether you are interested in Nigeria or just love a great story about an intriguing character, Graceland is a marvel of literary creation.

United States on Nov 15, 2018

bonds: charming, interesting and enjoyable

United Kingdom on Apr 28, 2017

Mr M.: Nice read.

What I loved most about it was the somewhat intricate detailing on Igbo culture. Good bok.

United Kingdom on May 08, 2015

kastner: The title has nothing to do with Paul Simon's appropriation of South African music or Elvis Presley's Mansion thank heaven. The main character is named Elvis, a young Nigerian boy who impersonates Elvis Presley to try to lessen the extreme poverty he experiences in life. The book gives a rare view into the lives of those who experience extreme poverty in the slums of most large third world countries. This is set in Lagos, Nigeria. You will follow Elvis through a rollercoaster of emotions with his father and family. Abani does not pull any punches and parts of the book are very dark and difficult to read. Life in the slums is not pretty or cute. Get out of your comfort zone and you won't be disappointed. This is a wild ride and worth every moment of your time.

Canada on Jan 07, 2015

Amazon Customer: The main character: Elvis tries to make his way in Nigeria. He has been named after an American entertainer who he tries to imitate meanwhile he fights with his father, the failed politician Sunday, and has to cope with his father's new wife comfort. There is action as Elvis must flee what he knows after a shady deal comes apart.

The story bounces back and forth between the character's present and past and I really found it to be a page turner; and despite it being an assigned book I loved it! Well worth the read.

United States on Jun 17, 2014

Dee: I had never heard of Chris Abani before this book so didn't know what to expect. I found the story interesting, the book did drag a little though. In any case, would read another Chris Abani bool

United States on May 26, 2013

JPowers: Chris Abani's GraceLand is the story of sixteen-year-old Elvis, a Nigerian teenager living in Lagos in 1983 who wants nothing more than to be an Elvis Presley impersonator. That summary alone is what got me to pick up Abani's novel, but what is even more impressive than Elvis's characterization is the cultural and worldly scope in which Abani crafts Elvis's story. While the novel maintains a close third-person perspective on Elvis, Abani uses an omniscient narrative voice that can sneak its way into the minds of even the most peripheral characters. In this way, Abani tells the story of a country through the story of one of its children; even though his hopes and dreams may be out of the ordinary, they are - at their basest level - the hopes and dreams of a country.

The non-chronological story telling method Abani utilizes functions as a spiral. I like to picture a conch shell while thinking of the novel now, the winding walls becoming narrower and narrower as the story closes in on itself. The dramatic presence takes place in Lagos in 1983, after Elvis and his estranged father, Sunday, have moved from their small village into Maroko, a Lagos slum. Every alternating chapter...

United States on Apr 15, 2013

Michael J. Law: Having visited Lagos several times this book is an accurate reflection of the trials & tribulations of the average Nigerian. Great storyline,a real eye opener,just read it.

United Kingdom on Jun 15, 2012

A reader: Occasionally, a book is published that makes you want to sing and dance, and tell everyone you know to go and read it. Chris Abani's, Graceland, is one of these books. The story is about Elvis, a young man living in the slums of contemporary Lagos. With the skill of a master writer, Abani depicts the humour and pathos of life in one slice of modern day Africa. While the setting is refreshingly unique, its themes and characters are recognizably universal. This is a book that will appeal to anyone looking for good literature, and especially to those who have an interest in Africa, and are longing for more stories set in this continent.

United States on Feb 06, 2004