Book Review: Tales from Different Tails – The Mirror

Book: Tales from Different Tails
Author: Nana Awere Damoah
Pages: 145
Publishers: Multipixel
Reviewer: Caroline Boateng

A BALANCED diet of witticism, proverbs and narrations, all interwoven into a tight delightful story.

This is what Tales from Different Tails by Nana Awere Damoah affords the reader.

This fresh addition to Ghanaian literary works is classic in that Nana Damoah manages to hold his readers’ attention by engagingly re-telling the story of our daily experiences.

The experiences of being cheated by a bosom ‘Kweku Ananse’ (a crafty man), the experiences of the first taste of independence and love in second cycle institutions, the first real state of confusion at heart that comes with the experience of love, relieved by Akua, one of the characters.

Tales from Different Tails also satisfies the human urge for revenge. The reader will experience the satisfaction with the downfall of Kweku Ananse, who won the heart of his friend’s beautiful fiancée by craft, but then had to lose her when his machinations were exposed.

However, the subtle theme of restoration, when all seems lost and an individual has even given up, is interwoven in a story of pain of Randy, a.k.a. Zagidibogidi, hardened by circumstances of life and subsequently softened the restoration of the Saviour, Jesus.

The different tails tell the stories of the teeming youth in the streets of cities, lives like in difficulty, destitution and despair of the future, with Kojo Nkrabeah representing all those who, due to circumstances, find themselves living on the streets of Accra and in slums.

Nana Awere Damoah’s style as a writer is easy. He envelopes the reader with his proverbs and finishes up his art with memorable witticism that leaves the reader deep in thought of the wisdom of it all.

For instance, most readers, particularly women, would agree and smile when they read his words, “A man thinks he chases a woman, to win her; but a careful observer of the oldest game in life knows that a man chases a woman until she catches him.”

Nana Awere Damoah treats social ills in a fast-paced, dramatic, almost hilarious, but poignant manner.

Flirtatious married women and betrayed wounded husbands who become enraged beasts, excursions through the city on local commercial vehicles (“trotros”) and the attendant “wahala” (troubles) such as breakdowns and discomfort from “big Markola mummies” and mates who are experts in what the author terms “Kweku Ananse mathematics,” or “substitution by shifting around,” that is, ripping off passengers by charging exorbitant fares, or confusing them with change on their fares, are some of the different tales that will engage readers.

In all the different tails, the tales of life’s principles are told.

Tales that assure readers that life has a way of working out its own complexities in the end, that evil does not pay, that love conquers all and that even when one has compromised his or her life with evil, there is restoration.

Nana Awere Damoah’s book is a good read and recommended for all readers.

It is a handy pocket book to be pulled out easily and enjoyed everywhere as one waits for an appointment. It is for the youth, grown-ups, the light-hearted and those wanting some relaxation from an intense day.

It is available in all leading bookshops in the country or can be obtained by contacting the author at ndamoah@yahoo.co.uk

Source: The Mirror (http://www.graphic.com.gh/mirror/index.php), Saturday June 16 2012

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‘TALES FROM DIFFERENT TAILS’ LAUNCHED – by Paul Azumah-Ayitey

By Paul Azumah-Ayitey
(Published in Business and Financial Times Weekend, Friday 16 Dec 2011)

The Teachers Hall of the GNAT Complex in Accra over the weekend became a haven for the display and appreciation of creative writing, poetry and satire as celebrated writer, Nana Awere Damoah, launched his new book, ‘Tales from Different Tails’. The ambience in the cute hall was friendly and full of laughs, and brought together people from different sectors including the creative industry, and business. Also present were friends who hitherto the launch were only known virtually (online) through social media platforms, chief being the addictive facebook.

As expected of Nana Awere Damoah, he signaled the start of the launch exactly on time ending the musical interlude by Ken Cabonu. After prelim footnotes usual of functions: opening prayer, welcome address, introduction of chairperson and guest of honour, compere for the night, Theo Aryee, called Nana Asase, a young poet to deliver a piece. Nana Asase awed the audience with fluid delivery of his poem,’ Tongue Tale’.

Afterwards, the launch flowed with an enlightened review of ‘Tales from Different Tails’ by Kwame Gyan before Nana Asase was called again to conclude to render a second part of his ‘Tongue Tale’. Nana Awere Damoah then took centre stage and gave an entertaining read of his book, ‘Tales from Different Tails’. He picked two stories from the book- the thrilling ‘October Rush’ and captivating ‘Face to Face- Trotro Palaver’- and drew laughs, applause and admiration from patrons.

Later, ‘Tales from Different Tails’ was ceremonially launched by the guest of honor, Mr. Charles Cofie, who bought the first book for $1000 during the grand auction conducted by Bernice Natue. But before the auction, another masterpiece of a poem was delivered by Rhymesonny and then his colleague, Archiebold Acheampong, impressed with appellations in Akwapim twi about the writer, Nana Awere Damoah and his book. More copies of the book were purchased before the launch was brought to an end paving way for refreshment, chats and book signing.

Nana Awere Damoah, a former President of celebrated Ghanaian gospel music group, Joyful Way Incorporated, is a chemical engineer who works with Unilever West Africa but has writing as a strong passion. He has two books to his credit: ‘Excursion in My Mind’ and ‘Through the Gates of Thought’. ‘Tales from Different Tails’ comes to add as his third book. It is a collection of 8 (eight) carefully woven stories that are presented in a creative fashion which intricately paint a picture of the very heartbeat of Ghanaian society and culture along the lines of humour and satire. The book has received enviable comments from literary giants and monuments from different parts of the world making it a must-read. It is already available in all major bookshops in Ghana and still making inroads into other outlets. However, electronic fomats can be purchased on amazon.com.

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Book Review: Tales from Different Tails – by Dr Frankie Asare-Donkoh

Book Review

Title: Tales From Different Tails
Author: Nana Awere Damoah
Pages: 145
Available: All leading bookshops

Review by: Dr Frankie Asare-Donkoh

The rhyming title of this book does not disappoint the reader as the book has a long tail of tales that keeps the reader in different moods – sadness, laughter, confusion and in suspense. As a young man growing up in a rural community, books by great authors like Ama Atta Aidoo, Chinua Achibe, Atukwei Okai, Ayikwei Armah and others were my immediate companions as they led me to understand the use of language, especially spicing sentences with African proverbs.

Then there was the famous Baffour column in the then Weekly Spectator (now The Spectator) written by my very senior colleague, the witty and humorous writer, Willie Donkor, who enlivened my interest in reading.

With the Ama Aidoos, the Atukwei Okais and Chinua Achibes gradually fading away through natural progression of humans, one wonders in whose hands they are leaving readers of African-centred and authored novels. However, with young authors like Nana Awere Damoah emerging unto the scene carrying the trademarks of our revered and cherished authors named above, one is confident that the African story-telling tradition is being sustained.

Usually, one would not expect chemical engineers to have much interest in novel writing, to an extent of coming out with world-class novels. But Awere Damoah, a Chemical Engineer with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Nottingham, UK, proves such views wrong with his own style of exciting, inciting and invigorating story- telling in the traditional African way.

Author of two previous books, Excursions in My Mind (2008) and Through the Gates of Thought (2010), Awere Damoah indeed shows that he indeed has a long tail of tales to share with his readers. His third and current book, Tales from Different tails, takes readers through some of the everyday life situations most people go through in Ghana and other parts of Africa.

The book’s opening chapter, ‘October Rush’ set at the campus of the KNUST, Kumasi, brings long-held memories by many who were privileged to be boarding students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions. It’s a mixture of religiosity and secularity, a situation very common in most university and college campuses where the most religious and non-adherents struggle to win each other over. It’s also about a love encounter between people who in their inner parts had fallen for one another of the opposite sex but cannot show their true inner feelings because they operate behind the curtains of the Scriptures Union (SU), which sometimes bluntly considers even the mere talk about ‘love and romance’ as sin.

‘October Rush’ thus keeps the reader captivated right from the beginning to the end and would not make one put the book down. Perhaps, what might intrigue a lot of readers of this book who know the religious background of Nana Awere Damoah, and his deep involvement in the SU, is how he classically categorises the girls on campus into ‘New Stock’ (freshers), ‘Reduced to Clear’ (sophomores), and ‘Buy One, Get One Free’ (final years), indicating how ‘fresh’ or ‘expired’ a girl could be depending on the length of her ‘operations’ on campus. The suspense in this opening chapter is superb.

The other chapters of the book are cleverly shared to cover different life experiences which many of us go through. They range from pure and unadulterated love to unbelievable betrayal of friendship and loyalty. ‘Truth Floats’, ‘Dribble Zagidibodidi’ and ‘Hope Undeferred’ (Chapters 2, 3 and 4) clearly display different levels of love, loyalty and jealousy and how sometimes jealousy could drive some people to send their friends to jail in order to have their girlfriends, wives, husbands, properties and positions in life. The happy endings of some of these stories, particularly that of chapter three, brings out Awere Damoah’s story-telling skills.

Chapters 5 and 6, provide a lot of lessons for many a young man and woman embarking on life’s journey. Kojo Nkrabeah’s move from the village to the city to take his share of the flowing gold and wealth on the streets provides a good warning to those who are easily swayed by the sudden transformation of their friends’ poor lives without pondering over the source of their wealth. ‘Guardian of the Rented Well’ (chapter 6) is about how both men and women would trade sex to achieve their goals, and how they are eventually shamed and punished.

The ‘Trotro Palaver’ (chapter 7) captures the usual scenes within trotros (most popular transport in Ghana) and taxis where debates, gossips and all sorts of discussions take place, sometimes leading to some passengers engaging themselves in hot exchanges in favour of their preferred political parties and leaders. The chapter also reveals the behaviours of some drivers and their mates (aplanke) and how they treat passengers.

The other fascination about this book is how Nana Awere Damoah establishes himself as a good African story-teller by interspersing his narrations with proverbs, bringing my memories of Baffour and his usual antics with his numerous friends at their palm wine bars. “…the offspring of the long snake could not be short” is how Awere Damoah rebrands the old Ghanaian proverb of “Okoto nwo anoma” (a crab can’t give birth to a bird) on page 52 of the book.

In order not to let you drink your soup before the fufu is brought, all I can do is to leave you, dear reader, to enjoy the re-birth of African story-telling by going for a copy of this fascinating and easy to read book which is on sale at all leading bookshops in Ghana and also on Amazon and other internet bookshops.

About the Reviewer
Dr. Frankie Asare-Donkoh is a Media and Governance Consultant, and Lecturer in Political Science at the Department of History and Political Studies of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Dr Asare-Donkoh has been a journalist, columnist and newspaper editor for over 15 years, publishing over 400 newspaper articles since he began. In 1995, he won the Best News Reporter award in Ghana. Frankie was the acting General Secretary and Deputy General Secretary of Ghana Journalists Association for four years.

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Outlets/Contacts for Tales from Different Tails

Tales from Different Tails is now available in hard copies in Ghana, and can be obtained from the following outlets/contacts across Ghana:

Accra: SyTris bookshop, Osu and Silverbird Lifestyle Shop, Accra Mall.

Kumasi: Kingdom Books and Stationery Bookshop, KNUST campus.

Cape Coast: Contact Stephen Yankey on UCC campus or call him on 0247406654

Takoradi: Contact Kwamina Ekremet, call him on 0246467004

Obuasi: Contact Benedicta Fiave, call her on 0244126502

Tamale, Bolga, Wa: Contact Isaac Amoyaw, call him on 024568990

For bulk purchases or general enquiries, feel free to contact me via ndamoah@yahoo.co.uk or through Facebook.

Courier deliveries can be done to anywhere in Ghana for GHC20 per copy and anywhere in the world for GHC25 per copy (payment to be done via Moneygram).

Thanks for all the support, and I will keep updating the outlets.

E-book version of all my three books – Excursions in My Mind, Through the Gates of Thought and Tales from Different Tails - are available via Amazon in USA, UK, Germany and France.

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Tales from Different Tails: My Review – by Kwame Gyan

There was a terribly cold Cold War going on between Dede (my wife) and me. It was the type of cold war that will normally result in a man hopping into his car and heading to the spot for a shot (I am sure we all know that ‘spot’ in Ghana means bar. Yes?) Ah well, this cold war had ensued for two days now and from all indications it was going to break our personal Cold War record, that is, our longest Cold War spanning 3 long days and may I say, even colder nights. I had asked Nana Awere Damoah to send me a review copy of Tales from Different Tails but I had not started to read it yet. But on this night with an unfriendly breeze blowing, I grabbed my Galaxy Tab and began reading it.

First I smiled.

Then I smiled some more.

Then I began to giggle.

I giggled some more.

Then a little more.

Dede was getting curious and upset, but more of curious. I feel more comfortable thinking she was more curious than upset. She was wondering what I was smiling and giggling about. So when I began laughing out so loud that tears began streaming down my cheeks, VOILA! She involuntarily ended the two-day old Cold War.

‘What is it?’ she asked.

I handed the Tab to her and headed for a glass of water from the refrigerator across the hall. I needed a drink. Water seemed more appropriate. Good ol’ H₂O. I had begun to kiss the tip of the glass when I heard her laugh out louder than I did.

Such was the effect Tales from Different Tails had on me moments after I began reading it. Right from the first paragraph in the first tale when he writes in October Rush that;

 

“Tina was a timid girl, the sort whose timidity enhanced her countenance. She looked stressed and it was clear she needed a listening ear. As a leader in our hall fellowship, I was an appropriate downloading site for her worries, one to offer the requisite comfort and advice. She had been to look for me in my room on three previous occasions, each time failing to meet me since I kept a busy schedule and hardly studied in my room. I braced myself for what she had to say. After a few minutes of hesitation, during which I sat looking at her, encouraging her in silence, she blurted: “It’s the boys! They are pestering me so, and I just can’t cope!” 

Nana carries his reader to a typical scene within the four walls of a typical Ghanaian university and manages to walk you through each setting as though you were sitting around the fires our fathers used to sit to hear stories of our ancestors. In Nana Awere Damoah, we have a young old man who captivates our attention and manages not to confuse us whiles telling into our failing ears the stories that we all experienced at some point in time back in school, in our lantern-lit village squares, in our white-collared offices, in our prison-style barricaded homes, on the rickety trotro criss-crossing our heavily pot-holed roads with our nunu-scented drivers’ mates stretching their arms across our noses, and in the make-believe love lives that we live with.

Nana tells his tales in a crisp and simple manner such that it places the reader right in the middle of the narration. The sort of stories that our uncles and parents used to tell us about life in the village are re-told in a manner only a good old story teller with years of experience living in a palace and squatting at the feet of village historians could dare. If you have not tasted life in a Ghanaian university; or seen the travails of a long distance relationship on the face of a lover; or heard of the hassle of the illiterate village boy seeking greener pastures in the messed up big villages we call cities in Ghana, then Tales of Different Tails is a must-read for you. On the other hand, if you feel you have seen it all and heard it all, then perhaps a gentle reminder is in order, and my friend has done a good job in providing that. Nana Awere Damoah brings to life using simple yet pregnant words, phrases and paragraphs to say the things that you have seen before, thought about before, and even said before in a manner which puts the reader right in the midst of the action or within a proximity so close one seems to feel the heartbeat and each breath of the characters.

The story of Inte Gorang for instance, the second tale in this book reminds me so much of my days in the Vandal City at Legon. What particularly brings back memories is the encouraging song that heralded Inte Gorang’s sojourn for love;

Ma ensi wo yie

Inte Gorang eeei

Inte rebel leader eei

Fa nkunim die bra nne!  

You know how creative students can get in re-composing even the most complex of music. In tracing the story of this legend, we are led in on some of the most prevailing happenings in our schools and how what seems is not always what is. The reader is led into the mind of the typical male as he strategizes to execute and how things planned do not always yield results to much the work put in. we are also made aware of the very different species of females we have strategically spread across the world as though the old man above wanted man to encounter a woman who would match him boots-for-heels, chests-to-breasts, natural hair-to-Brazilian wig.

I got totally entertained reading each tale. I must admit I do not have a favorite. From October Rush through Truth Floats, the mastery of Dribble de Zagidibogidi, the unyielding spirits contained in Hope Undeferred, the gentle love portrayed in Kojo Nkrabeah, the angelic presence captured in Guardian of the Rented Well, the challenges and humor-laden Face to Face tale of the Trotro Palaver to the wahala in executing Project Akoma, the reader is guaranteed wisdom, humor, a walk-through in the life of the Ghanaian in various facets of life, but above all, the reader is guaranteed that Tales of Different Tails will be worth the read.

PS: Copies can be purchased here: Amazon USA, Amazon.co.uk (UK), and Amazon (France) & (Germany). In Ghana, copies can be obtained from Silverbird Lifestyle Shop (Accra Mall) and Kingdom Books and Stationery Bookshop (KNUST campus, Kumasi).

Tales from Different Tails will be launched on 1 December 2011 at the Teacher’s Hall Complex near Workers’ College and Tigo Headoffice, Adabraka, Accra, at 6pm. This is Nana Awere Damoah’s third book, the first two being Excursions in My Mind (2008) and Through the Gates of Thought (2010).

 

About the Reviewer:

Kwame Gyan is a trained journalist who has taken a break to practice corporate communications but still has an eye on the profession he loves most. He started writing in junior secondary school whiles his broadcasting career started at Radio Univers whiles a student at the University of Ghana in 2001 and has gone on to have stints with Joy FM and CITI FM. He is currently a columnist in The Globe, an Accra-based freely-distributed newspaper. His articles cutting across entertainment, politics, sports and pure fiction are featured in some other newspapers and blogs. He may be reached via Kwame.Gyan@gmail.com.

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Tales from Different Tails, by Nana Awere Damoah

We first featured Nana Awere Damoah as a contributing author to African Roar: An Eclectic anthology of African authors. It is a pleasure to feature Nana’s Damoah’s third book, Tales From Different Tails, which comes out on December 1st this year.

An excerpt of the foreword to the book written by Kofi Akpabli, CNN African Journalist for Arts and Culture (Winner for 2010 and 2011) reads: “Each time a writer digs into his resources and brings out a story, humanity is largely, well- served. But it first begins with curiosity and plenty of generosity. In other words, one must first be interested in observing the human situation, and care enough to share. Tales from Different Tails sets out exactly to achieve this. In this selected work of fiction, Nana Awere Damoah gifts the world with his and our story and tells them in terms that enable us relate effectively. Set in contemporary Ghanaian society, the stories are themed on fate, romance, love and camaraderie betrayed. Everyone has a price and… their broom. You either name the price or find the broom that sweeps them off their feet!”

Tales From Different Tails as one would expect has also received an enormous number of early reviews and praises, one of which is by Ayesha Harruna Attah, Author of Harmattan Rain. ”Nana Awere Damoah’s stories have a way of taking us way back to the villages where we all have our beginnings, to University years laced with excitement and longing, and then dropping us right in the middle of bustling city life with its hustlers and everyday people struggling to earn a cedi. Each story has its lessons, both for readers and characters, sometimes tough, other times hopeful, and after reading Tales from Different Tails one is left with the sense of having lived so many lives, of having encountered so many personalities. What a delightful collection!”

Nana Damoah’s 3rd book promises to be a fantastic read and can be purchased here: Amazon USA, Amazon.co.uk (UK), and Amazon (France) & (Germany).

For those who would like to get a taster, please see below for synopsis of the stories.

October Rush

The new academic year has started and school is under siege. Reason? ‘October Rush’. Heads keep turning as students struggle to juggle academic work with relationship wahala. The freshers are tagged New Stock, sophomores as Reduce to Clear while final years are Buy One Get On Free. Follow ‘October Rush’ as it tells the intricate story of University romance. For some, it is learning the ropes, for others it is a do or die affair. Find your feet in this hot, intense, and pacey affair. The Rush is on!

Truth Floats

It is true that the one who you save the bullet for might be the one pulling the trigger. So the story goes that Kweku Ananse took the meat right out of his bosom friend, Akoto’s, mouth when he stole Ama Adoma from him. But it is also true that when they lie they will lie again because the deception never end. Amidst the lies and disloyalty truth comes to light like a calabash that has been forced in water. All said and done, did Ama fall for Kweku? How did Akoto find out about his fiancé, Ama’s, true love for him? This story teaches the values of patience, perseverance and love in the face of lies.

Dribble de Zagidibogidi

Vengeance is of God but can the human mind truly forgive and forget? Zagidibogidi (Randy) is accused of brutally raping Rose, the only lady he would catch the moon for. As things turn out, Rose is the only one who could save him from going to jail. Wicked twist? Rose has fallen into coma. But help comes from strange places. Babyface, Randy’s lawyer, vowed to do his best to prove his client’s innocence. Will justice be denied by it being delayed? Could there be some unfinished business with Babyface on Get Even Day? Revenge must be sweet when served cold and slowly…it is payback time! Yes, a broken mirror can be patched but the crack will forever be there.

Hope Undeferred

The elders say women are supposed to sell garden eggs not gun powder. But Araba’s heart aches for Kwesi. What risks can a young lady take in making her love known to the man she loves? Should she go ahead and propose love? For the most haunted spinster in Assin Kabrofo, it is only a matter of time before she loses heartthrob Kwesi. This unwritten law in African setting is eating away this beautiful village queen. But do African gods condone breaking gender ranks? Hope can only be held onto with hands and feet. And with prayer that it is not dashed to pieces as pottery on the rocks that line the banks of River Ankobra.

Kojo Nkrabeah

The only stories villagers hear of the city is that of glamour with streets paved with gold, money hanging on trees and the taps overflowing with milk and honey. This story shatters the dream of city life for Kojo Nkrabeah and Akwasi Poku. Akilipee has come to Moseaso from the city with well embellished stories. These stories lured the orphaned Kojo Nkrabeah and his friend, Akwasi Poku. In their haste to escape their mundane village lives, they learn the hard way where the grass is green. This is not your ordinary village-to-city story but one that immerses the reader into the best of both worlds.

Guardian of the Rented Well

Akos is a married woman who wants her book published. Benson wants everything in skirt. How does he draw the line between pleasure with this taken lady and the business at hand? This story shows the resolve of married women and the extent to which they go to show or betray love and trust.

Was it Akos who coveted Benson to get her way? Or it was Benson who risked his life guarding the rented well. What has all this got to do with Lieutenant Patrick Atiemo? Something has to give, but what? Follow this maze of a crazy love affair gone terribly wrong …

Face to Face – Trotro Palaver

If you have not taken a trotro, aka troski in Ghana, then either you are not a Ghanaian or haven’t visited Ghana. The ordinary man’s means of transportation in Ghana comes with lots of hustle and drama. The tight seating arrangements, the conversations, the potpourri of smells the laughter, gossips, the political debates as well as the twists, turns and trickery to outwit the police. This adventure brings you face to face as we take a short winding yet hilarious ride in the old Morris troski, with registration number ABC 4037. Join Akwasi the aplanke (drivers mate) who holds a PhD in cunning, slippery mathematics and his master, Massa Kojo, the man who uses a toothpick in his mouth like a ceiling brush, as they drive us from Pig Farm to Circle…. vroooooommmmmm…….Away bus!

Project Akoma

When the heart decides, it is the mind that plans. A message sent to the mind simply reads: “I have found my desire—my missing rib,” and sets the brain in motion. Stories of human love always go with sorrow, joy, deceit, unfailing dedication and jealousy. To win the heart of this striking beauty of eve’s daughter, he must climb the seven skies and back, he must scale the China wall to profess love and win her heart. A moving rollercoaster of a love story which takes readers through the steps to win Adjoa’s heart. This was so delicate and complicated it had to be handled like a final year project work on a University campus. Was this another happily ever after tale or a masterpiece of storytelling with sting at the very end?

Tales from Different Tails will be launched on 1 December 2011 at the Teacher’s Hall Complex near Workers’ College and Tigo Headoffice, Adabraka, Accra, at 6pm. This is Nana Awere Damoah’s third book, the first two being Excursions in My Mind (2008) and Through the Gates of Thought (2010).

By Nii Thompson (Source: MyWeku.com; Credits for Synopsis – Abubakar Ibrahim/Kofi Akpabli)

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Praise for Tales from Different Tails

There are many works by writers of mind-boggling intellectual ingenuity. But Nana Awere Damoah is a different breed of writer: he is not only a mind-boggler but also a literary nurse of the convalescent mind. He is an author of boundless creativity, whose wit acts as a brush that paints a beautiful picture of an analytic world that unites fiction and reality. And if there is a simple, objective term to describe him, he is simply an intellectual rebel who invests a new world of endless creativity. Nana succeeds in taking his reader to a higher level of abstraction about life without the usual uneasy sense of guilt that comes with rebelling against established norms. He bears the incisive penetration of a master surgeon.

             Business and Financial Times

 

Nana Awere Damoah’s stories have a way of taking us way back to the villages where we all have our beginnings, to University years laced with excitement and longing, and then dropping us right in the middle of bustling city life with its hustlers and everyday people struggling to earn a cedi. Each story has its lessons, both for readers and characters, sometimes tough, other times hopeful, and after reading Tales from Different Tails one is left with the sense of having lived so many lives, of having encountered so many personalities. What a delightful collection!

            Ayesha Harruna Attah, Author of Harmattan Rain

 

I have just thoroughly enjoyed reading October Rush and found it full of so much wit, suspense, empathy and humor. Well done to Nana, for so easily transporting me back to my university days, with such vivid descriptions of his characters, scenes and events. I can’t wait to buy copies of the book as gifts to my non-Ghanaian friends to give them a brilliant glimpse into one aspect of Ghanaian college or university life.

Ben Dotsei Malor, Communications Advisor, United Nations, formerly of BBC World Service

 

I started the first story October Rush and couldn’t put the book down. Made me wish I went to University in Ghana. The words used to describe events and people made me feel like I was watching a movie. What can I say – titillating!

Mariska Taylor-Darko: Author of The Secret to Detoxifying your Life and Love, Rhythms of Poetry in Motion and A Widow Must Not Speak

 

To read Nana Awere Damoah’s classics, you need a quiet place and a good drink. Reading this classic, I was on a journey with Nana’s characters, rediscovering the simple pleasures in life, wishing life could always be like what he writes, definitely a must read! Nana is a great writer always seeing the lighter side of life. NAD, thank you!

Whitney Boakye-Mensah: Events Planner, Entertainment Critic and Broadcast Journalist

 

Nana Awere Damoah’s style of writing is impeccable, waxing his stories with no efforts; lacing each line with enough pun, humor and anecdotes that will even make the humor-deprived father-of-ten beam proudly with smiles. Tales From Different Tails is a must-have book for every literature addict, anyone looking for a new lease of life in African Literature and the general reading populace. The Surgeon-General recommends Tales From Different Tails for people with cardiac problems caused by both known and unknown factors as the book is scientifically proven to contain antioxidants and other mineral-rich elements.

Qouphy Appiah Obirikorang, Writer/IT Professional

 

Tales from Different Tails is written in a free-flowing, conversational style which all will find easy to follow. Start reading and you are transported back into the “good old days” of schooling and small town life, when we were still discovering ourselves and carving niches for the future. Nana Damoah writes in a style reminiscent of the late Merari Alomele of Sikaman Palaver fame, and his writing is liberally dosed with Ghanamanisms, proverbs and metaphors unique to the Ghanaian society. Be prepared to call up your friends from college days to have a good laugh.

Jemimah Etornam Kassah, Trondheim, Norway

 

Nana Awere Damoah’s Tales from Different Tails is an easy read; some stories made me laugh out and other left me thinking.  The stories bring back memories of life on campus and give an interesting look into some things we go through in life as a whole; from feeling overwhelmed on your first day on campus through, as a female, feeling like fresh meat left out with flies all over you in handling heart matters on and off campus, to dealing with the everyday life of taking troski. Tales from Different Tails sometimes. Nana Awere Damoah uses words that make it easy for people from all age groups to read and understand, and injects humor which makes you want to keep reading.  I really enjoyed this book.

Henrietta Hammond-Boadu, IT Professional

 

Having read Nana Awere’s two previous books, Through the Gates of Thought and Excursions in my Mind, I was looking forward to another riveting read and truly I haven’t been disappointed! Indeed, tales from different tails. From the interesting business of finding love on a typical university campus to the exhausting but, sometimes, hilarious task of using public transport in Ghana, Nana Awere uses his excellent story telling skills to talk about everyday life situations through his fascinating characters. Be prepared to be serenaded by Inte Gorang, the hopeful lovers Araba and Kwesi, and encounter the wily aplanke Akwasi. Well, what can I say? ‘Thumps up!’ Nana Awere Damoah.

Yvonne Amenuvor, Nurse, Avid Reader

 

If you thought the good old days of Ama Atta Aidoo are over, think again. Tales from Different Tails is totally different, refreshing, savvy and very Ghanaian. It is beautifully punctuated with some very real and identifiable African youth situations. Great story lines, sweeping clichés, easy to follow themes, funny punch lines and remarkable characters to remember long after you have read the stories. Ghanaian literature elevated. This is a must read for any lover of literature anywhere in the world!

Abubakar Ibrahim, Freelance Writer, Public Relations Practitioner

 

Everyday happenings written in simple language. Every sub-topic is as true as the word. The issue of grabbing reminds readers of how University students struggle to get attached to the opposite sex so as not to be left out of the fun or troubles associated with it. And as for the troski wahala, any Ghanaian who has not had a feel of it is missing out. It is the only platform where everybody on it has a say – the educated and uneducated alike.

Peggy Ama Donkor, Journalist of the Year (Ghana, 2005)

 

Like wine, Nana A Damoah is getting better with age. He has now outgrown the mediocrity of virginity and is writing with the aplomb of a veteran. His new book is like what a cigarette is to a smoker. If you don’t want to get hooked to it, don’t start it.

Panganai Chatapura, South Africa

 

With interesting stories like Project Akoma, Dribble de Zagidibogidi and October Rush, Nana engages his readers’ attention with very vivid descriptions and a great sense of humor. For most parts of my reading, I found myself imagining the scenes. For someone who didn’t attend a traditional Ghanaian university, I was particularly thrilled with October Rush. Tales of Different Tails is a fantastic book that readers can really relate to. I have fallen in love with Nana Awere Damoah’s art of storytelling!

Vivian Affoah, Journalist

 

A masterful survey of contemporary Ghanaian society with stories that touch and tickle in equal measure. Where Damoah excels is in drawing well rounded characters, setting them free on the page and observing the dynamic, intricate relationships that ensue…. a must read for this year.

Tendai Huchu, Author of ‘The Hairdresser of Harare’

 

Tales from Different Tails is filled with the descriptive detail of an observant anthropologist, the literary reinvention of the legendary trickster, Kwaku Ananse, combined with the humor of everyday life in Ghana. This witty account of how faith shapes individual choices as they sway between the sacred and the profane, includes the travails of friendship and betrayal, as well as the joys of love; agape et al. Nana Awere Damoah is gradually settling into his role as a muse of his generation.

Dr Harry Odamtten, Assistant Professor, African and Atlantic History, Santa Clara University, U.S.A.

 

Stunning! A fresh addition to the growing body of magnificent writing from Africa.

Geoff Gyasi, Book Blogger (Geosi Reads)    

 

These stories are panoplies of boulders shaped and molded by the currents that drive Nana Awere Damoah’s distant and close experiences. Tales from Different Tails is an ingenious craft linking past with present and core issues with words. The tales streamed over pages in this book are bolstered by the author’s duteous attentiveness to details.

Joseph Omotayo, Writer, Book Blogger

 

Nana Awere Damoah’s Tales from Different Tails encapsulates the everyday life of an African. His choice of words are ‘magical’ and the graphic mental picture is eccentric. This is a must-read for lovers of African literature.

Fidelis Mbah, News Correspondent for Nigeria, BBC World Service

 

In this collection of stories, Nana Damoah, once again, makes the ageless art of African story-telling attractive. Tales from Different Tails weaves a diversity of refreshingly familiar sceneries to portray the rich tapestry of African culture, employs humor to espouse timeless lessons, and adopts simple language to subtly reveal the complexities of the human nature. This book will teach you, encourage you, comfort you and set you thinking.

Theo Aryee, Poet/Banker

 

Every story in Tales from Different Tails is intriguing, keeping you engaged till you finish. Nana makes you part of his stories. He makes you feel you live within the settings of the story. I will possibly name his stories ’3D imaginary images’. He takes you through a reading cruise where you wish the reading never ends. Really it cannot be taken from him, he is such a prolific writer

Yvonne Boateng, Pharmacist

 

Tales from Different Tails is another classic book by Nana Damoah. Typical of Nana’s style of writing, it is an excellent mix of humor, excitement and lessons. This book leaves you smiling long after you are done. How can one forget Sulley Maame’s waakye which has an aroma that promises heaven but delivers something close to hell! Or Ebo who tries to win a woman’s heart literary with game, akrantie? Or perhaps my favorite guy Inte Gorang. Bravo, Nana. This is very well done.

Dr Frank A Asante-Peprah, Dr. Of Pharmacy and Dip Marketing (CIM)

 

 

Every age has its geniuses who are blessed with the ability to bring meaning to African cultural life. Nana Awere Damoah does this through incredible story telling spiced with humour, passion and with the sharp eye of an ardent social observer. Tales from Different Tails is a clarion call not only to reminisce but also to reach for the insights of current contemporary Ghanaian cultural life. My favourite in this wonderful collection of stories is Face To Face – Tro Tro Palaver. In the time it takes to smile and nod at the musings of the characters, Nana Damoah has skilfully moved in for the coup de grace leaving me wanting more.

  Nii Thompson, Editor, MyWeku.com

 

I found October Rush to be an entertaining rendering of University life in Ghana. Your characters’ plights are relatable, and for those who’ve passed through the Ghana university system, October Rush will, no doubt, bring back fond memories of various escapades similar those of your characters. While the end of the story was largely expected, you included a little twist that brought all the characters full circle. And who doesn’t like a happy ending where the good people get rewarded for their goodness and the bad get what’s coming to them.

Empi Baryeh, Writer and Author of upcoming book Chancing Faith

 

The short stories in Tales from Different Tails are simple and sweet. Brief and beautifully detailed. They are not too long to tail off at endings; beautifully brief but conclusive in the manner of African tales. Even if you hate reading, you can’t resist TALES FROM DIFFERENT TAILS!

 Stanley Courage Dugah, Writer/Poet

 

In Tales From Different Tails, Nana Awere Damoah dipped into his bank of wits and pulled out an absorbing tale written with a breezy expertise. It is an edge of the seat breed of story that will keep you tearing through the pages.”

Seth Bokpe, Journalist, Graphic

 

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Tales from Different Tails published as e-book on Amazon!

Dear Friends,

I am really excited to inform you that Tales from Different Tails, my 3rd book, has just been published as an ebook on Amazon.

 

For Amazon.com (USA), see: http://www.amazon.com/Tales-from-Different-Tails-ebook/dp/B005ZI69RA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319622962&sr=8-1

 

For Amazon.co.uk (UK), see: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Tales-from-Different-Tails-ebook/dp/B005ZI69RA/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1319647207&sr=1-1

 

For Amazon.co.de (Germany), see: http://www.amazon.co.de/

 

For Amazon.fr (France), see: http://www.amazon.fr/Tales-from-Different-Tails-ebook/dp/B005ZI69RA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1319647436&sr=8-1

 

Enjoy!

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Review of Tales from Different Tails – by Business & Financial Times

There are many works by writers of mind-boggling intellectual ingenuity. But Nana Awere Damoah is a different breed of writer: he is not only a mind-boggler but also a literary nurse of the convalescent mind. He is an author of boundless creativity, whose wit acts as a brush that paints a beautiful picture of an analytic world that unites fiction and reality. And if there is a simple, objective term to describe him, he is simply an intellectual rebel who invests a new world of endless creativity. Nana succeeds in taking his reader to a higher level of abstraction about life without the usual uneasy sense of guilt that comes with rebelling against established norms. He bears the incisive penetration of a master surgeon.

Business and Financial Times

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Tales from Different Tails: a review – by Ben Dotsei Malor

I have just thoroughly enjoyed reading October Rush and found it full of so much wit, suspense, empathy and humour. Well done to Nana, for so easily transporting me back to my university days, with such vivid descriptions of his characters, scenes and events. I can’t wait to buy copies of the book as gifts to my non-Ghanaian friends to give them a brilliant glimpse into one aspect of Ghanaian college or university life.

Ben Dotsei Malor, Communications Advisor, United Nations, formerly of BBC World Service

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