The Prophet of Zongo Street - by Mohammed Naseehu Ali (Paperback)

From the Back Cover

A dazzling collection of stories, The Prophet of Zongo Street takes readers to a world that seamlessly blends African folklore and myths with modernity. Set primarily on Zongo Street, a fictitious community in West Africa, the stories -- which are reminiscent of the works of Ben Okri and Amos Tutuola -- introduce us to wonderfully quirky characters and the most uproarious, poignant, and rawest moments of life. There's Kumi, the enigmatic title character who teaches a young boy to finally ask questions of his traditions. And as Ali moves his characters to America we meet Felix, who struggles with America's love of the exotic in "Rachmaninov."

The Prophet of Zongo Street heralds a new voice and showcases Mohammed Naseehu Ali's extraordinary ability to craft stories that are both allegorical and unforgettable.

Review Quotes

"Imaginistic, muscular, superb." - Barry Hannah, author of Airships and Ray
"Lively. . .polished. . .Ali shows. . .a keen eye for . . .humanistic detail." - Starred Kirkus Reviews
"With clear, direct prose. . .Ali delivers an amalgam of modern life and ancient tradition. Unique scenes and descriptions. . .give a palpable richness to stories circling rhythmically around difficult and intriguing issues." - Richmond Times-Dispatch
"A collection of rich and resonant stories, haunting and ultimately hopeful in their commitment to the truth." - O magazine
"Ali skillfully crafts characters whose warmth and familiarity entice the reader...Ali writes like a butterfly." - Entertainment Weekly
"Beguiling. . .powerful writing that broadens our notion of contemporary fiction." - People
"Ali blends African folklore, dreams, the wisdom of elders and the pranks of children, and pitch-perfect dialogue...Ali's first book is moving, subtle and ingeniously constructed." - New York Times Book Review
"Ali's first book is moving, subtle and ingeniously constructed." - New York Times Book Review
"These colorful tales run the gamut of the seriocomic, managing somehow to be simultaneously funny, frightening, sad, shocking and, most of all, deeply humane. They abound with memorable characters and situations." - Los Angeles Times
"Colorful tales...funny, frightening, sad, shocking and, most of all, deeply humane." - Los Angeles Times