Rootless by Krystle Zara Appiah

The debut novel of Krystle Zara Appiah, a British-Ghanaian author
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Narrated by: Diana Yekinni and Clifford Samuel
Other formats available: Kindle, Hardcover, and Paperback
Book published: 2023

The book begins with a Ghanaian proverb: “Marriage is like a groundnut. You have to crack it to see what’s inside.” This proverb sets the tone for a story as intricate and layered as Efe’s life, weaving together themes of migration, young love, parental expectations, mental health, marriage, loss, abandonment, the complexities of motherhood, and the importance of support systems.

The narrative follows Efe’s journey chronologically, spanning 19 years before a pivotal event in her life. A young Ghanaian girl, Efe, moves to London with her sister to live with their aunt. The book delves into her experiences at a London high school, her university years, and beyond. Through Efe’s eyes, we witness the challenges of migrating to England at a young age and her quest to find belonging. Efe faces significant challenges at university but eventually finds stability in her career. She reconnects with her childhood love and navigates the unexpected challenges of motherhood, which she had never anticipated nor desired.

The author skillfully balances the complexities of Efe’s mental health struggles with the strength of her family support system. The writing is nuanced and deeply empathetic, portraying the multifaceted realities of motherhood. It highlights that motherhood is not every woman’s desire and explores how it can profoundly transform a woman’s life. Despite cultural and religious pressures, Efe exercises her agency, making tough decisions to safeguard her mental health and preserve her identity.

As a mother, I deeply resonated with Efe’s struggles with the idea and experience of motherhood. The book’s exploration of choice—whether regarding physical and mental health or financial and community resources—is profoundly significant. The narrative emphasises the importance of having options, including the ability to return to one’s country of origin when needed. This theme is integral to the broader experience of life in the diaspora.

Efe’s husband, Sam, is another compelling character. His pure heart and gentle soul shine through the story, making the tragic twist of fate that impacts him and his daughter all the more heart-wrenching.

The book employs a unique narrative structure, counting down to a significant event—17 years before, two months before, and so on. The reveal of this event is both shocking and heartbreaking. The final chapters left me in tears, utterly unprepared for the emotional weight of the ending. This is a testament to the author’s incredible storytelling, filled with moments of surprise that keep readers engaged and deeply moved.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. It provides a profound exploration of life’s challenges and the agency women can exercise, particularly in the context of motherhood. It touches on essential themes of identity, migration, family, and resilience.

Finally, the narrators did an exceptional job. Their voices brought the story to life, adding depth and emotion to a powerful tale.

If you enjoyed Rootless, you might also like our review of Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

About the Author

​Krystle Zara Appiah is a British-Ghanaian writer, editor, and screenwriter, born and raised in London. She holds a degree in literature and creative writing from the University of Kent. In 2020, she was selected for the London Library’s Emerging Writers Programme. Appiah’s debut novel, Rootless, has received critical acclaim for its exploration of complex themes such as migration, motherhood, and identity. In addition to her writing, she works as a children’s books editor and serves as the Head of Children’s and YA at The Novelry.