‘Joyce Efia Harmer writes with such passion, honesty, and humour . . . A hugely powerful read that deserves a ginormous audience.’
- LIZ HYDER
An unforgettable, hauntingly beautiful story, written with such tenderness – a testament to the power of love and hope.’
- JP ROSE
Dearest Kweku,
Sometimes, I like the quiet. I enjoy it when there is no sound at all and a small silence around me. Have you ever noticed the quiet, Kweku? It is not something that I remember at home.
At home we hear everything! The cockerel’s early morning cry, the pounding of fufu, the stern words of Father Achim about our sins and shortcomings; there is never not sound. But here, in this green England, I have noticed that there are moments when you can hear nothing at all. I think it is because of the walls. I think they are thicker here. And the window holes all have glass in them, not just mosquito mesh. These things keep the noises out.
Within this quiet, Kweku, there are times that you can only hear your own heart beating.
You can hear it inside your chest, and even in the silence, you hear its cry.
Yours,
Adwoa
Letters to Kweku
'Dear Kweku, I am still here, writing to you again from the Obroni land. Please, will you accept this cassette recording letter from me?'
London, late 1970s. Like thousands of Ghanaians far from home, Adwoa doesn't write letters — she records them, her voice travelling home on cassette tapes for the whole village to gather round and hear.
But Adwoa's tapes are for one person only: Kweku, the best friend she left behind. She tells him about the cold, the grey, the strange new city. She tells him she is fine. She is always, always fine.
But some things can't be said out loud — not even alone, into a machine.
Inspired by true events, Letters to Kweku is a devastating and hope-filled story of courage, friendship and survival. The story of a girl who kept on talking, waiting and hoping, one tape at a time.
Letters to Kweku is published on 14 January 2027.
Available for pre-order now!
‘An unforgettable, hauntingly beautiful story, written with such tenderness – a testament to the power of love and hope.’
J.P. Rose, author of Birdie
‘An outstanding YA novel that will make readers think, and think again.’
Leila Rasheed, author of Empire’s End: A Roman Story
‘‘Joyce Efia Harmer writes with such passion, honesty, and humour . . . A hugely powerful read that deserves a ginormous audience.’
Liz Hyder, author of The Twelve
‘A moving and important story that deserves to be read and lingers long after the last page.’
Polly Crosby, author of This Tale is Forbidden
‘This book is a genuine work of art. It’s emotional, fascinating, and super relevant for all young people building empathy. A wonderful read.’
Nathanael Lessore, author of King of Nothing
‘Beautifully written . . . I loved Adwoa’s voice and the emotional connection I felt with her story.’
Keren David, author of What We’re Scared Of
‘Heartbreaking and achingly raw, Letters to Kweku is a powerful, gorgeously written and compelling story . . . In Adwoa, Harmer has created a character whose voice rings with loud authenticity, resilience, and bravery.’
Ayaan Mohamud, author of You Think You Know Me