Blindspot in America - by Elom K Akoto (Paperback)

About the Book

"Kamao is the son of a prominent Ghanaian academic and incumbent minister of health and is devoted to all that America symbolizes. After immigrating to the United States in pursuit of higher education and the American Dream, he becomes unwittingly entangled with American politics when he meets Lindsey McAdams, the daughter of an influential, anti-immigration senator. As the couple's feelings grow, so too does the senator's animosity toward Kamao. Despite support from fellow immigrants Lazo, Ayefumi, and Dania-who follow American Dreams of their own-Kamao soon finds himself drawn into intrigues hidden from the American public that make him question himself and his adopted country. When Kamao is implicated in a murder, Lindsey's loyalties are tested, Dania must decide if she is willing to risk her own future and security for the sake of justice, and Kamao discovers how far he'll go to fulfill his American Dream"--

Book Synopsis

Blindspot in America gives a provocative depiction of some of the realities immigrants face in the United States--racism and discrimination--but also their hopes and faith in a country that promises freedom and opportunity to all.

Kamao is the son of a prominent Ghanaian academic and incumbent minister of health and is devoted to all that America symbolizes. After immigrating to the United States in pursuit of higher education and the American Dream, he becomes unwittingly entangled with American politics when he meets Lindsey McAdams, the daughter of an influential, anti-immigration senator. As the couple's feelings grow, so too does the senator's animosity toward Kamao. Despite support from fellow immigrants Lazo, Ayefumi, and Dania--who follow American Dreams of their own--Kamao soon finds himself drawn into intrigues hidden from the American public that make him question himself and his adopted country. When Kamao is implicated in a murder, Lindsey's loyalties are tested, Dania must decide if she is willing to risk her own future and security for the sake of justice, and Kamao discovers how far he'll go to fulfill his American Dream.

Review Quotes

"What happens when a prominent Ghanaian immigrant moves to the American ghetto? What happens when Ghanaian privilege meets American privilege? What happens when higher education and American politics become entangled? What you get is a good story, a story of class, privilege, and power. . . . Elom K. Akoto's fiction makes a simple, yet sharp meditation on the American Dream, and yes, a dream that for the faithful is still possible." --William Archila, author of The Art of Exile, winner of the International Latino Book Award, and The Gravedigger's Archaeology, Letras Latinas/Red Hen Poetry Prize

"His novel is at its best when it gives its characters space to discuss their ideas, hopes, and dreams. More successful as a character study than a political thriller."--Kirkus Review