Rating:3.5/5

What I like:
• The timeline from the 1990’s to the present.
• Representation of Ghana’s culture.
• Awareness of several important issues (mental health/postpartum, societal expectations, familial pressures, racism etc).
• Depth of the characters (especially Efe).

This book had me intrigued from reading the synopsis and it definitely kept me intrigued when reading it. It packed many sensitive and real topics in a powerful, emotional way that many people experience, but was interesting to see how those issues are handled within a different culture. I loved the highlighting key points with each year as a chapter, although at times it felt slow in places, so had to push through. Personally, the way the narrative was written, I wasn’t a fan and I didn’t always feel connected to the characters. This could have been resolved I think if less time was spent on flashbacks and more on the relationships and character developments. That being said, I still think Rootless is worth the read if you want a book that gets you to reflect on finding who you are as a person and pushing past familial and societal pressures.

Thank you Net Galley, Harper Collins and Krystle for accepting me as an ARC reader in exchange for an honest review.

I knew the end would be the end before it was the end. I’d imagined so many ways in which the plot would weave into that particular climax, and when it came, it still had me clutching my pearls.

“a series of small mistakes and pressure applied too soon can irrevocably change the course of a life.”

Krystle Zara Appiah nailed this stunning debut. A true ode to the African diaspora, split between trauma and expectation, culture and personhood. Krystle explores the complexity of a modern day Black woman; particularly one of dual heritage, struggling to take up space in her home (birth and the one she creates). And sensitively weaves in a much needed discussion around motherhood, choice and mental health in the African context.

She said it best, that we “measure a woman’s strength by the amount she is able to endure” and that needs to stop.

Utterly brilliant. I see this being adapted into a movie of a 4-part series.

Rootless, by Krystle Zara Appi, is a captivating novel about a woman’s quest for motherhood and her journey to reconnect with herself. With its unique and vivid setting in Ghana, the novel offers an interesting perspective on the struggles of family life and marriage. The story follows Efe as she sets out to discover her true identity, but does so in a way that seems to lack focus and direction. Let’s explore if this book is worth reading or if it falls short of expectations.

The Pros of Rootless
The best thing about this book is the setting. Appi masterfully captures the sights, sounds, and culture of Ghana which makes it easy to imagine yourself walking alongside Efe as she explores her home country. This backdrop adds an interesting dimension to the story that readers can really appreciate—especially those who are familiar with Ghanaian culture.

Another pro is the characters themselves. Appi has done a great job of creating characters with depth who feel like real people with real problems. We get a good sense of who they are based on their actions throughout the narrative and can sympathize with Efe as she tries to navigate her complicated relationships with those around her.

The Cons of Rootless
My biggest issue with this book was that it felt unfocused at times. We spent too much time in flashbacks which took away from important plot points that needed more attention like developing relationships between characters or exploring themes related to motherhood and marriage. Additionally, when we finally got an understanding for why things happened, there wasn’t enough page time for us to fully appreciate these revelations and connect emotionally with them or see any sort of resolution from them.

All in all, while Rootless did offer some interesting insight into Efe’s life in Ghana and her struggles with family life and marriage, I think it could have been better if it had been more focused on important plot points rather than relying heavily on flashbacks which ultimately resulted in some missed opportunities for meaningful character development as well as emotional connections between readers and the story itself. If you're looking for a novel set in Ghana filled with realistic characters, then this one may be worth your time; otherwise you may want to give it a pass!

WHAT A BOOK!!!

I knew I would love it just by the description and the cover. I KNEW. But it truly exceeded my expectations.

The novel follows both Efe and Sam from adolescence to adulthood, navigating relationships and work. Trying to find that balance between survival and fulfilment. Add in an unplanned pregnancy and you’ve got yourself an emotional, poignant study of what it truly means to be a person. How you find yourself after feeling rootless for so long. And how that looks differently to different people.


I had absolutely no idea how the book was going to end but I cried buckets.

Highly recommend to anyone wanting to pick up a diaspora story this year, it will not let you down.

Rootless is a book about a couple who have a fairly solid relationship that is rocked by the birth of their first child. Efe isn't sure about the pregnancy but Sam convinces her they will manage. Originally from Ghana, London doesn't give Efe the support she needs for raising a child. The timeline goes between the start of their relationship and the present day. It's an interesting look at expectations for women and mothers but I found the pacing of the novel to be a little slow in places but overall its worth a read.

✨People – even the ones who love you – can be a weight around your neck. You just have to choose which weights you want to carry.✨

Everyday, we are choosing to stay. We choose to stay with our families. We choose to stay in our jobs. We choose to stay in our home. Sometimes for us and other times for others. But what would happen if we made a decision for ourselves? Just us. Knowing it will impact others. But not letting that impact our decision.

Rootless explores this through the everydayness of motherhood. And as a new mother, Efe had my heart from the get go.

Motherhood is so many things. Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's great. Sometimes it's beautiful. Sometimes it's not. It brings out the best of us and it brings out the worst. And Krystle has done a brilliant job in showing the different facets to this journey.

No matter who you are and no matter the role that motherhood plays in your life, I urge you to read this book. At the most, you will find it relatable and at the least, you will find a way in which to be empathetic to those it doesn't come easy to. Because it doesn't come easy to everyone.

And the foundation on which this book is built on is a question we are all familiar with: is love enough?

Amazing - I felt everything all these characters were feeling. I could relate to their hopes and dreams and fears as well as dealing with the heaviness of life. Proof that love isn't every thing but it helps keep it together.

The story follows Efe and Sam as they find their way in this crazy world. Highly recommended.

Rootless is Appiah's debut novel and it's an accomplished rollercoaster of emotions.
This was immediately engaging and drew me into the story from the start. We open with Sam finding that his wife Efe has disappeared, leaving him to look after their daughter alone while he tries to track her down. Each chapter that follows is a flashback, starting from when Efe and Sam meet and counting down to what we think will be an explanation of the opening scene. Where has Efe gone and why?

What follows is a story that takes its time, exploring issues surrounding immigration, race relations, marriage, expectations, parenting and being parented, post-natal depression, art, careers and more. As a reader you find yourself rooting (pun intended) for both Efe and Sam at different times (though mainly Efe by the second half for me) The book takes place in London and in Ghana, and involves a supporting cast of Sam and Efe's family and friends, who have a range of issues and interweaving issues themselves and aren't just there to serve the main.

There were some obvious places the plot could have gone and it was a relief that this didn't always happen, but the ending, when you realise, is pretty devastating.

I enjoyed this, and polished it off very quickly. It's a deftly written debut with well rounded characterisation and an observant eye on the realities of modern relationships and the clash of expectations.

Rootless
by Krystle Zara Appiah

A character driven story about love and marriage, expectations and resentments, communication and understanding and the overwhelm of motherhood. The two main characters are written with such precision and heart. Efe, a Ghanaian woman who has moved to Britain and is struggling to achieve her family's expectations. Sam, he considers Britain his home, he is ambitious and focused. Their love story is perfect. But something has gone horribly wrong and the book opens with Sam's realisation that Efe has fled to Ghana, leaving him to cope with their young daughter alone. How did the perfect marriage come to this?

The story pulls us backwards in time to understand how and through alternating narratives we see how badly Sam wants a family and how alien motherhood is to Efe. It speaks of the alienation and sacrifice that motherhood can bring, but also what can happen when one is unseen and feels trapped in a reality that they haven't chosen for themselves.

I really like the way the author plays with the sense of Home, be it a location or a group of people. I love the parts set in Ghana among the streets of Accra. I like the way she introduces us to African culture and family with their traditional attitudes to morality and ethics. Trigger warnings abound.

She brings the story together very well at the end, but I wish the past was much shorter. I know what she was doing, she was reinforcing all the ways the marriage let both Efe and Sam down, how he didn't see it coming and was so ignorant of his wife's core values, but it went on too long and lost some momentum.

I have to commend both narrators for bringing Efe and Sam to life. I appreciated the pronunciation of the Twi phrases, and I loved the voices they gave to each character, especially the Ghanaian accents.

Overall a very accomplished debut with strong voices and complex themes. I can't wait to see what this author produces next.

Publication date: 16th March 2023
Thanks to #netgalley and #harpercollinsuk for the eGalley

Mini review:
Although I felt the book had a slow start, I was gripped by every page. I loved how we got to learn about Efe and Sam as individuals from their childhoods and I was also a fan of how the couple weren't pushed together from the start but were allowed to discover who they were, as well as other relationships too. Out of all the books I've read so far this year, Rootless has the most authentic feel to it. As it progressed, I found myself feeling for Efe & Sam but also grew frustrated with them, especially when it came to them acting without communicating clearly, but again-the book was written so well I was rooting for them right up to the very end. In all honesty, Rootless took me on an emotional roller coaster and it's the first book in 2023 that has had me sobbing.

Rootless is a compelling debut novel that had me drawn into the story from the first page, and left me reeling with its denouement. Krystle Zara Appiah is a talented, exciting new author and, if Rootless is anything to go by, has a bright future ahead of her.

The novel opens 'Five Months Before' with our protagonist, Efe Owosu-Mensah, having left her husband, Sam, and young daughter, Olivia, without explanation. From there we are taken back in time to Efe and Sam's first meeting in September 1997, with Efe newly-arrived from Ghana to complete her education.

And so begins a delicately-crafted, utterly believable love story, which we see develop over the course of almost two decades in the first part of the story. We also witness Efe and Sam growing up and figuring out who they are and what they want to do, as well as getting to know their families - Sam's in London and Efe's in Accra, Ghana - and realising how the weight of their families' expectations influences the course of their lives. Told through a series of carefully-chosen vignettes at roughly yearly intervals, some in Britain and some in Ghana, the first part of the story made me invested in Efe as a character and the relationship with Sam, so the second half of the book had far more emotional resonance.

With a structure reminiscent of David Nicholls' One Day, Rootless instantly intrigued me; the chapters are labelled 'Nineteen Years Before' and so on, yet Appiah keeps the reader speculating as to 'before what' the whole way through. I changed my mind several times as to what the story was counting down to, and was still completely stunned by the ending.

In many ways, Rootless reminded me of Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Just as Adichie did with her native Nigeria, Appiah does a beautiful job of bringing Ghana to life - with authentic details such as the role of the Elders, the hierarchical family relationships, the food and even the Supermalt - and of highlighting the struggles of young people torn between the culture and social norms of their West African homeland and those of the Western country they have made a home in. The story will resonate with anyone who can relate to the experience of having a dual heritage.

Both Sam and Efe bear scars from their upbringing, whether visible or not, and, both are unconsciously trying to use the other to help heal their past trauma, which ultimately pushes them away from each other. As the story unfolds, we learn how being raised in a culture of just getting on with it, not dwelling on or even really talking about emotions, and one of rigid expectations for men and women, can damage an individual - or a relationship - in different ways.

Rootless is, at its heart, a deeply moving love story, but it is also a commentary on the perils of trying to change, or expecting someone else to change, for love, and on how family and culture shapes us, for better or worse.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Rootless is a story of friendship, family, societal obligation and motherhood. But above all, it’s a story of love. Such a well crafted novel, compelling enough to pull you through and very quick read. I enjoyed it so much from the first page till the end. A good story like this needs a quiet afternoon, a sofa and a warm blanket. Moving and heartfelt! Enjoy!

Rootless, a heartbreaking debut on friendship, family, motherhood and societal pressures and expectations.

Efe and Sam meet in the 1990’s in London, we transported back through time up to the current day in the characters lives. We see Efe and Sam’s relationship move from friendship to marriage and are witness to their struggles.

Sam wants children, Efe doesn’t. When Efe finds herself pregnant, they’re forced to confront their differences.

I really liked the portrayal of family and societal expectations. Rootless highlights the difficulties that can arise within families where cultures clash and who you’re supposed to be is dictated to you. Relationships are complicated, whether that’s between mother and daughter, mother and son, or husband and wife.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Sam’s character development. I found him much more likeable at the beginning and found it hard to grasp that he once saw Efe as a best friend but once married, only saw her as a mother and child bearer. Efe’s character wasn’t very consistent and I always felt like I was reading about someone else. The last few chapters of the book the pacing was off. The novel was generally slow and towards the end it picked up and had a major twist which felt like it was done just for shock-value. It didn’t really do anything for me and then it just ended very quickly.

I really liked the themes and ended up reading this in one sitting. It was a really good debut novel and I’m looking forward to see what else the author puts out!

A tale about relationships. Relationship with our parents, our siblings, our friends, and our Children. This is a story about wanting to keep your own identity while trying to make your marriage work. This is a book about living between two different cultures, and knowing where home is: "I wonder why we measure a Woman's strength by the amount she is able to endure'....An excellent well written tale

The Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah
Earc:NetGalley
Publisher:HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, The Borough Press
Publication Date:11 April 2023
Genre:General Fiction

This outstanding novel follows Efe and Sam, best friends who become will-they-won't-they lovers, husband and wife, and parents. It appears to be a simple romantic story, but it isn't. Efe didn't want any of it: a long-term relationship, marriage, or children.

#NetGalley #bookstagram #bookreview #goodreads #generalfiction #rootless

Oh, this book broke my heart. Sam and Efe's story was compelling, sweeping, exploring themes of regret, obligation, mental health, parental pressure, all while feeling propulsive at the same time. This is one so many are going to love and discuss.

4.5 stars!

UPDATE: Review is now on my TikTok!


TW BEFORE YOU READ THE BOOK: self-harm, racism, attempted sexual assault, depression, a tiny bit of battery, postpartum (does that count as a TW?).
There’s probably more but I couldn’t keep up with them as I was reading.

A beautiful story about motherhood, family, love, losing yourself under the heavy expectations of others’ desires for your life and then finding yourself. Stunning.

The very first page I sent a voicenote to my friend and said I know this is a premature comment but I have found the book for this year that my mind has been searching for to kick off my 2023 and stay with me - This is the book I’ve been waiting for and now that it’s finished, Krystle Zara Appiah has not put me to shame or made me regret that comment AT ALL.

Firstly I love that it’s unapologetic Ghanaian. Many writers in the diaspora have the tendency to write with a white audience in mind, always translating their native languages or over describing ethnic food items and meals and I LOVE LOVE LOVE that Appiah didn’t do this. It was very much “the girls that get it get it… and if you don’t, use google translate or ask a Ghanaian friend OR guess the context”. Which was refreshing as I’ve only seen authors who live in Nigeria or Ghana, for example, do this.

Ok to the actual story. Appiah drops you straight in the middle of the dramatics at the very beginning and then pulls you back to 20 years before up and each chapter works it’s way up until that very moment, before going past it. Appiah weaves a tale so well and on such a journey, you see the relationship between Efe and Sam for all its beauty and incredibly blinding imperfections. even when you hate them as individuals, or together, you’re invested in how their story pans out - whether in a good or bad way you just want the closure for yourself.

I think everyone in this book was so imperfect, you see the fullness of the stupidity, selfishness and madness of human beings and growing up in an African (Ghanaian in this case) context can look like and it can be hard to have it shown to you in this way - the good and the really bad.

The only thing I can fault it on was that at some point Efe was carrying a CD player but like two paragraphs later it turned into a Walkman, lool. Oh and lack of TWs.

I don’t even think I have all my words yet but I need you to know RIGHT now whilst I’m still stunned and raw from it that this book was both amazing and horrible. My heart is still sore 8 hours later. The ending, I hated it, was uncalled for but at the same time I get it. I think everyone will definitely be divided on it for sure.

In conclusion though, f*ck Sam forever. I’ll never forgive him.

Krystle Zara Appiah YOU DESERVE YOUR FLOWERS! What a debut!

Hold on a minute and let me catch my breath. Gasp. Gasp. Gasp.

This excellent novel tells the story of Efe and Sam, best friends turned will-they-won't-they lovers turned husband and wife turned parents. It is a simple love story, except that it isn't. Efe didn't want any of it: not a steady relationship, not marriage, certainly not children.

The ending is shocking, yet appropriate. I read it three times just to be sure.

If you're someone who finds it hard to live by societal norms and standards, this book is for you. If you're someone who enjoys a good book, you won't go wrong with this one.

For a novel, Rootless is very good. For a debut, it is astonishing. Krystle Zara Appiah should be on everyone's watchlist.

Five stars for outstanding storytelling.

Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah is a powerful and poignant debut that will grab hold of the reader's heartstrings and keep on pulling to the very last page.
Efe and Sam meet as teenagers in London in the 1990's. Sam has grown up there while Efe and her sister have recently moved from Ghana. As the years pass the friends become lovers and despite some ups and downs eventually marry. Despite knowing that Efe does not want children Sam still dreams of becoming a dad, so when Efe accidentally falls pregnant deciding what to do is something that could tear them apart.
This is such a powerful piece of storytelling, easily one of the best and most memorable books I have read in a very long time. I found myself thinking about it long after I finished, and I already know it will be on my best of 2023 list at the end of the year.
The structure of the book is interesting, each chapter is titled using a time - " five months before" "nineteen years before" etc , driving the reader to want to know what is coming while allowing the author to really show the longevity of the relationship between the characters. While we do have chapters from both Sam and Efe's perspectives , I was most drawn to Efe's , I found the chapter's describing her life in Ghana, her family and their expectations etc fascinating, a real glimpse into another culture and way of life . I also found that many aspects of her character resonated with me, like wanting to live up to her parent's hopes and expectations for her and even her thoughts and decisions about having children. That being said, I think the author did an exceptional job of showing that there are two sides to every story and that it is impossible for those outside a relationship to know the truth about what is happening within it, in fact sometimes even those within it can be oblivious to what is going on. I found myself really rooting for these characters , I was completely emotionally involved in their journey and that is what made the book so special for me.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

I’d describe this book as realistic fiction. The author has done an amazing job of creating imaginary characters and situations that depict the world and society. The characters focus on themes of growing, self-discovery and confronting personal and social problems. This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.