Letters to Kweku

A beautiful and uplifting new Young Adult novel from the critically acclaimed author of How Far We've Come, which was named The Times Children's Book of the Week.

Dear Kweku, I am still here, writing to you again from the Obroni land. Please, will you accept this cassette recording letter from me?

It is the late 1970s in London, and having left her small village in Ghana, Adwoa is writing to her friend Kweku who is back home. She records these letters onto cassette tapes, posting them abroad to tell him all about her new life abroad and about her hopes and dreams. Though Adwoa faces hardships in London, she also makes friends and is hopeful about the future. But it feels like Adwoa is keeping a secret, something that she can't confess to her friend – and why doesn’t Kweku write back?

Inspired by true events, Letters to Kweku is a hope-filled story of courage, friendship and survival. The story of a girl who kept on talking, waiting and hoping, one tape at a time.

‘An outstanding YA novel that will make readers think, and think again.’ Leila Rasheed, author of Empire’s End: A Roman Story

‘Joyce Efia Harmer writes with such passion, honesty, and humour . . . A hugely powerful read that deserves a ginormous audience.’ Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve

‘Heartbreaking and achingly raw, Letters to Kweku is a powerful, gorgeously written and compelling story . . . In Adwoa, Harmer has created a character whose voice rings with loud authenticity, resilience, and bravery.’ Ayaan Mohamud, author of You Think You Know Me

‘Beautifully written . . . I loved Adwoa’s voice and the emotional connection I felt with her story.’ Keren David, author of What We’re Scared Of

‘A moving and important story that deserves to be read and lingers long after the last page.’ Polly Crosby, author of This Tale is Forbidden

Praise for How Far We've Come:

‘A powerful exploration of racism, solidarity, friendship, freedom and hope’ Laura Bates

‘One of the most impressive young adult debuts of the year. This gripping novel takes a nuanced look at the legacy of slavery, injustice and inequality in today's world’ Observer

‘Both hopeful and heartbreaking, this gripping book turns a searchlight on the changing faces of injustice through time’ Guardian

‘A brilliant idea and a powerful debut’ The Times, Children’s Book of the Week

‘A seriously impressive debut. Read it now’ Irish Times

‘A powerful, ambitious, unforgettable read about freedom, rebellion, love and hope’ Liz Hyder

‘A gut punch of a debut, this book is both vital reading and a call to arms’ Laura Wood

‘Compassionate, brave, authentic, educational. Everyone should read it’ Abiola Bello