This Moving Novel Grapples With Queerness, Family and Faith
Briefly

Before We Hit the Ground by Selali Fiamanya is a debut novel that intricately explores human connection through the lives of a Ghanaian family in Glasgow. Set from the 1980s to the present, it follows Abena, Kodzo, and their children Dzifa and Elom. While Dzifa seemingly navigates life with ease, Elom struggles with his identity and tragic circumstances. Fiamanya's narrative unfolds in a context of personal and collective history, emphasizing the impact of cultural transitions and familial love amidst life's adversities.
Fiamanya’s multi-generational story explores the complexities of family dynamics and human connection, portraying how love often exists alongside unexpressed emotions.
The novel's structure mirrors a life archive, flipping the narrative of family home clear-outs by centering on the son’s death rather than traditional events.
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