This Side Jordan

Book excerpt: A novel of Africans and British, community and exile, set against the backdrop of the Ghanaian fight for independence: “A talented writer.”—The New York Times It is a time of change in West Africa, as the land known as the British Gold Coast is transformed into a new, independent nation known as Ghana. This lyrical, vivid novel follows multiple characters—a schoolteacher torn between his loyalty to his tribe and his hopes for his country’s future; a British business executive who distrusts Africans; a passionate nationalist—as they experience all the tensions of the time, the excitement, anticipation, and dread. A novel that confronts issues of race, gender, and the effects of colonialism, This Side Jordan is by Margaret Laurence, the author of The Stone Angel and a winner of two Governor General’s Awards, one of Canada’s most prestigious literary prizes. “Artistically and expertly written and constructed…unusual and noteworthy.”—Kirkus Reviews “A first novel of rare excellence.”—Mary Renault, Saturday Review “Highly recommended.”—Library Journal