Synopses & Reviews
Lyrical and captivating, Kwei Quarteys debut novel brings to life the majesty and charm of Ghana–from the capital city of Accra to a small community where long-buried secrets are about to rise to the surface.
In a shady grove outside the small town of Ketanu, a young woman–a promising med student–has been found dead under suspicious circumstances. Eager to close the case, the local police have arrested a poor, enamored teenage boy and charged him with murder. Needless to say, they are less than thrilled when an outside force arrives from the big city to lead an inquiry into the baffling case.
Detective Inspector Darko Dawson, fluent in Ketanus indigenous language, is the right man for the job, but he hates the idea of leaving his loving wife and young son, a plucky kid with a defective heart. Pressured by his cantankerous boss, Dawson agrees to travel to Ketanu, sort through the evidence, and tie up the loose ends as quickly and as efficiently as possible. But for Dawson, this sleepy corner of Ghana is rife with emotional land mines: an estranged relationship with the family he left behind twenty-five years earlier and the painful memory of his own mothers sudden, inexplicable disappearance. Dawson is armed with remarkable insight and a healthy dose of skepticism, but these gifts, sometimes overshadowed by his mercurial temper, may not be enough to solve this haunting mystery. In Ketanu, he finds that his cosmopolitan sensibilities clash with age-old customs, including a disturbing practice in which teenage girls are offered by their families to fetish priests as trokosi, or Wives of the Gods.
This is a compelling and unique mystery, enriched by an exotic setting and a vivid cast. And Inspector Darko Dawson–dedicated family man, rebel in the office, and ace in the field–is one of the most appealing sleuths to come along in years.
From the Hardcover edition.
Synopsis
"Fans of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency may have a new hero: Detective Inspector Darko Dawson."--The Wall Street Journal Introducing Detective Inspector Darko Dawson: dedicated family man, rebel in the office, ace in the field--and one of the most appealing sleuths to come along in years. When we first meet Dawson, he's been ordered by his cantankerous boss to leave behind his loving wife and young son in Ghana's capital city to lead a murder investigation: In a shady grove outside the small town of Ketanu, a young woman--a promising medical student--has been found dead under suspicious circumstances. Dawson is fluent in Ketanu's indigenous language, so he's the right man for the job, but the local police are less than thrilled with an outsider's interference. For Dawson, this sleepy corner of Ghana is rife with emotional land mines: an estranged relationship with the family he left behind twenty-five years earlier and the painful memory of his own mother's inexplicable disappearance. Armed with remarkable insight and a healthy dose of skepticism, Dawson soon finds his cosmopolitan sensibilities clashing with age-old customs, including a disturbing practice in which teenage girls are offered to fetish priests as trokosi, or Wives of the Gods. Delving deeper into the student's haunting death, Dawson will uncover long-buried secrets that, to his surprise, hit much too close to home.
Praise for Wife of the Gods
"An absolute gem . . . mystery fans have an important new voice to savor."--Los Angeles Times
"Full of suspense, humor and plot twists . . . Quartey's remarkable characters give the reader a worthy whodunit."--Ebony
" A] winning debut . . . Dawson is a wonderful creation, a man as rich with contradictions as the Ghana Quartey so delightfully evokes."--Publishers Weekly
"Engrossing . . . Quartey] renders a compelling cast of characters. . . . Fans of McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency will relish the opportunity to discover yet another intriguing area of Africa."--Booklist (starred review)
Synopsis
Introducing Detective Inspector Darko Dawson: dedicated family man, rebel in the office, ace in the field—and one of the most appealing sleuths to come along in years. When we first meet Dawson, he’s been ordered by his cantankerous boss to leave behind his loving wife and young son in Ghana’s capital city to lead a murder investigation: In a shady grove outside the small town of Ketanu, a young woman—a promising medical student—has been found dead under suspicious circumstances. Dawson is fluent in Ketanu’s indigenous language, so he’s the right man for the job, but the local police are less than thrilled with an outsider’s interference. For Dawson, this sleepy corner of Ghana is rife with emotional land mines: an estranged relationship with the family he left behind twenty-five years earlier and the painful memory of his own mother’s inexplicable disappearance. Armed with remarkable insight and a healthy dose of skepticism, Dawson soon finds his cosmopolitan sensibilities clashing with age-old customs, including a disturbing practice in which teenage girls are offered to fetish priests as trokosi, or Wives of the Gods. Delving deeper into the student’s haunting death, Dawson will uncover long-buried secrets that, to his surprise, hit much too close to home.
About the Author
Kwei Quartey was raised in Ghana by an African American mother and a Ghanaian father, both of whom were university lecturers. Dr. Kwei Quartey practices medicine in Southern California, rising early in the morning to write before going to work. He is currently writing his next novel.
From the Hardcover edition.
Reading Group Guide
WIFE OF THE GODS is written by Kwei Quartey, a man. Does he portray Ghanaian women in a strong and positive light?
2. At one point in the story, Christine, the wife of the protagonist Darko Dawson, accuses him of being "male supremacist." Do you feel that was a fair accusation?
3. Detective Darko Dawson has several contrasting character traits. One of them is an explosive temper in certain situations. What accounts for this? Does that make him less likeable?
4. Arguments for and against the still-existing traditional practice of†Trokosi are presented in the book, the opposing side asserting that it is indentured servitude or even slavery, the proponents insisting that it is an age-old solution for crimes committed. What is your view?
5. Darko loved his aunt Osewa, yet he had not visited her in 25 years. Does that seem odd? What do you believe is the reason for the long absence?
6. Some reviews of WIFE OF THE GODS say there is humor in the novel. Do you agree? What humorous moments struck you?
7. Did you feel you learned anything about Ghana in this novel? What did you find remarkable, if anything?
8. How would you describe the dynamic between Darko, Christine, and Gifty, her mother?
9. Do you feel Gifty was genuinely concerned about her grandson, Hosiah, or was she just self-serving?
10. Townsfolk accused Elizabeth of witchcraft. How do you feel about that?
11. What were your feelings about Togbe Adzima, the priest, and how did you feel about the act committed against him by Efia, one of his wives?
12. Do you suspect there was a love affair between Isaac the healer and Gladys, the victim?
13. Were you surprised by the ending of the book?