Tail of the Blue Bird
A journey through mystery and cultural intersections
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Vintage Publishing
Published:3rd Jun '10
Should be back in stock very soon
In Tail of the Blue Bird, a forensic pathologist confronts the clash between scientific logic and ancient traditions in a mysterious Ghanaian village.
In the heart of Ghana lies Sonokrom, a village that has remained unchanged for centuries. Here, the community thrives in harmony with nature, speaking the language of the forest and honoring their ancestors through rituals and traditions. The tranquility of this village is disrupted when sinister remains are discovered, possibly human, alongside the mysterious disappearance of a local man. This unsettling event prompts the arrival of Kayo, a young forensic pathologist who believes that scientific reasoning can unravel even the most perplexing mysteries.
As Kayo partners with Constable Garba, they navigate the complexities of the case, which intertwines the ancient beliefs of the villagers with the logical frameworks of modern science. The investigation challenges Kayo's convictions, forcing him to confront the limitations of Western logic in the face of deeply rooted cultural practices and supernatural elements. The story unfolds as the clash between old and new worlds intensifies, revealing truths that transcend mere scientific explanation.
Tail of the Blue Bird is not just a mystery; it is a profound exploration of the relationship between tradition and modernity in developing Africa. The narrative invites readers to reflect on the ways in which these worlds intersect, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of both the characters and the cultural landscape they inhabit.
A delightful book that combines the basic tug of the whodunit with the more elegant pleasures of the literary novel * Independent *
A lyrically beautiful tale * Arise *
A deeply complex novel; each character, every line entices the reader into feeling the beating heart of urban and rural Ghanaian lives... Parkes' steady, assured writing weaves a cosmological mystery that keeps you guessing to the very last page * Courttia Newland *
A brilliant new voice * Time Out *
A magical and engaging read -- Margaret Busby
ISBN: 9780099526124
Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 11mm
Weight: 129g
176 pages