REVIEW: iPods in Accra by Sophia Acheampong

Makeeda has GCSE revision to do, and her relationship with her boyfriend isn't as good as it used to be. Meanwhile, her post-exam summer holiday plans also start shaping up very differently from the way she'd imagined. Not only is she now going on a family trip to Ghana, but she also accidentally agrees to take part in a puberty ceremony she doesn't know much about. Suddenly her family and friends are treating her differently... what exactly has she let herself in for? And could there be another boy on the horizon for her?

This is the sequel to Growing Yams in London (reviewed here), but it works equally well as a standalone book. The fabulous characters from the first book are back: best friend Bharti, who has boy and family troubles of her own; entrepreneurial little sister Delphina, who seems to have something brewing despite a 'trading ban' from her parents; confident cousin Tanisha, who is still causing trouble between Makeeda and her mother; lovely tutor and friend Nick, and supercool boyfriend Nelson. We get to meet more of Makeeda's extended family, and the section that takes place in Ghana is fascinating. The romantic part of the book was also great.

My absolute favourite thing about this book, though, was the realistic, amusing and entertaining way it tackled the challenges that stem from growing up with two languages and cultures, especially when one of those cultures is a lot more family-orientated than the other. The novel realistically depicted multiculturalism not as a major issue but just as part of life for Makeeda and many of her friends, and it was great to see the way everything played out for them as they balanced the differing expectations of home and school.

I have personal reasons for loving this book, as it is partly set in the area of London I grew up in (also with two cultures), and I found the characters and locations came to life for me even more than usual when I read. But I think all readers will relate to Makeeda's emotions and struggles, and be thoroughly entertained by the journey she takes.

A light-hearted and charming look at one girl's life, and highly recommended.

Review by Luisa.

Read our interview with Sophia Acheampong.

Read our review of Growing Yams in London, the first book about Makeeda.

Comments

[Sophie]

I absolutely love the title of this book (and the previous one)! Genius!

[Katie Pinn]

This sounds like a fun read.
The title is really cool. Great review :D

[Jenny]

This sounds good, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so much! :)

[Luisa]

Thanks a lot for the comments, Sophie, Kate and Jenny. :)

[Natalie Poku Brefo Mensah]

I have read 'ipods in accra'and 'growing yams in london' and can tell everyone that it is great.It's highlighting all the key problems girls 12-17 have with their parents and having boyfriends.As i am ghananian i know the problems ghananian girls have to face with and their culture and respecting parents commands over boyfrinds.Personally i would listen to my parents because i know my parents want the best for me.I think every girl should read these books.

[Luisa]

Thanks a lot for your great comment, Natalie. I agree with you about the books!

[Natalie Poku Brefo Mensah]

Just wanted to say a big well done to sophia acheampong for writing such a great set of books dedicated to our great home country Ghana.
I have introduced this book to loads of ghananian friends and they have loved it so far.
WE LOVE SOPIA ACHEAMPONG BOOKS AND WE ARE STILL WAITING FOR THE NEXT SERIES OF BOOKS.

[Natalie Poku Brefo Mensah]

Thank you lusia
have also red both books?

[Luisa]

Yes, I have. I loved them both!
Thanks a lot for your comments. :)

[Natalie Poku Brefo Mensah]

well these points are very important to make and what are your views on having boyfriends.

[natalie poku brefo mensah]

this book is jus sick !