Graceland

By: Chris Abani

Narrated by: Chris Abani

The Elvis Oke of Chris Abani's novel is a child left to fend for himself in the urban jungle of Lagos, Nigeria. He has a talent for Elvis impersonations (hence the name) and wants to make it big so he can escape his violent and tumultuous life. In a place where angels fear to tread and only fools rush in, Elvis searches for redemption and a small piece of graceland.©2004 Chris Abani (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The novel offers a vibrant picture of an alien yet somehow parallel culture...the mix of surrealistic horror and cross-cultural humor is irresistible. Abani is a first novelist with a very bright future". (Booklist)

Great storytelling

While I had a hard time getting into this book at first, I'm glad I stuck with it. Authors usually do a good job of reading their own books, and this is an excellent reading. "Graceland" provides an insiders look at the ghettos of Nigeria, and it's really cool to get a view of what people think of America and its popular culture (the books is set in the 70's and 80's) who have never actually been to the US before. This book will most likely give you an appreciation of a place you've never been.

Difficult listen

This is seemingly a wonderful book, but a difficult "listen". Chris Abani has a very deliberate reading style, most likely given that English is his second language. This slow style impacted my ability to stay "with it" without my mind wandering---- certainly my problem, but all listeners should be alert to similar possibilities. I may buy this one in hard copy.

Graceland is a cultural eye-opener

I would highly recommend Graceland to anyone that wants to get an understanding of the political and social troubles in Nigeria in the 70's and 80's, presented dramatically in a way that will keep you riveted till the end. Even if you have no interest in Africa in particular this is a great story of human struggle. I had trouble listening to parts of the story because of the violence portrayed, and even found myself in tears at a point. So, if you are sensitive like me I wouldn't suggesting listening before you go to sleep. The authors writing style and narrating voice are a perfect fit for the story and really "take you" to Africa. He even mixes in a little "broken" (the nigerian version of English) to make it sound authentic. His reading is at a good pace, it is slow enough to allow me to build the story in my mind, and fast enough to keep my attention. The sample given doesn't show his style throughout the book, it's a piece where he is reading a speakers part through a megaphone, the whole book is not read that slowly.

Author reading - griot tradition

Maybe I missed it at the beginning, but I didn't realize until the end why the author was reading his own book rather than a voice actor. Apparently there is a separate category of griot Audible books. I had a really hard time getting into the story until about halfway through the book. I don't know if I just got used to the author's reading style, or if he got more interested in reading later. The book is great, so read it in print first. Then listen to it. Another reason for you to get it in print is because there are recipes sprinkled throughout the book.

Disturbing

I appreciated the creative way in which Igbo history and culture was taught and displayed. But that's about as far as the value of the book went for me. I actually found it rather disturbing that the author repeatedly included episodes of pedophilia and the rape of both male and female children. there seemed to be no limit of cruelty and sexual perversion as far as children concerned. The detail with which these things were described was unnecessary and did not really add anything to the story. It was a far cry from anything I would consider good literature.