The Opposite House

Helen Oyeyemi

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Maja Carmen Carrera, the daughter of a black Cuban couple, was only five years old when the family emigrated from the Caribbean to London, leaving her with one complete memory: a woman singing eerily at the farewell party while little Maja and an older girl peered out from beneath a table. Now, almost twenty years later, Maja herself is a singer with a small band, in love with her boyfriend, pregnant and haunted by what she calls 'her Cuba.' Growing up in London, she struggles to negotiate her history and the sense that speaking the Spanish or the English of her people's conquistadors makes her less of a black girl. But she is unable to find in herself the Ewe, Igbo, or Swahili of her roots.

It seems all that's left is silence. Distance from Cuba deepens Maja's mother's faith in Santeria - the fusion of Catholicism and West African religion - and its Yoruba gods, but it also divides the family as her father rails against his wife's superstitions and the lost dreams of the Castro revolution. On the other side of the reality wall, Yemaya Saramagua lives in the Somewherehouse with two doors: one opening to London, the other to Lagos. Yemaya is troubled by the ease with which her fellow gods have disguised themselves as saints and reappeared under different names and faces. As Yemaya and Maja seek out their own truth as to where home lies, they come to the realization that transformation can be at once painful and exhilarating indeed.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Dual Narratives: The story might be structured around dual narratives or parallel storylines, often interconnected in unexpected ways.

  2. Cultural Fusion: Oyeyemi's writing often incorporates elements from different cultures, intertwining folklore, mythology, and contemporary life.

  3. Magical Realism: Expect elements of magical realism where fantastical occurrences or surreal events coexist with everyday life, blurring the line between reality and imagination.

  4. Exploration of Identity: The book may explore themes of identity, belonging, and self-discovery, often through the experiences of multifaceted characters.

  5. Cross-Cultural Connections: Expect exploration of connections between different cultures and their impact on individuals' lives and perceptions.

  6. Complex Characters: Oyeyemi tends to create complex and multifaceted characters, each with their own stories, motivations, and conflicts.

  7. Exploration of Relationships: The novel may delve into various relationships—family dynamics, friendships, romantic connections—often with layers of complexity and depth.

  8. Symbolism and Allegory: Look out for symbolic elements and allegorical themes woven throughout the narrative, offering deeper meanings beyond the surface story.

  9. Lyrical Writing Style: Oyeyemi is known for her lyrical and evocative prose, which may include vivid descriptions and poetic language.

  10. Interplay of Reality and Fantasy: Expect a narrative that blurs boundaries between reality and fantasy, inviting readers to question perceptions of what is real and what is imagined.

Language English
ISBN-10 0747590672
ISBN-13 9780747590675
No of pages 272
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published Date 01 Jan 2008

About Author

Author : Helen Oyeyemi

1 Books

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