Soma Nami’s Books in Review

By Wendy Njoroge

Wendy Njoroge reviews Black Ghosts: A Journey into the Lives of Africans in China by critically acclaimed travel author and journalist Noo Saro-Wiwa.

In Black Ghosts, journalist and travel writer Noo Saro-Wiwa embarks on a compelling journey to document the lives of Africans navigating the complexities of living and working in China. It is well known that African passports are often among the least favorable for global travel. This reality raises the question: what are the experiences of Africans who,
despite these challenges, choose to live, work, and build futures in China? With Sino-African trade ties deepening and the movement of people across continents increasing, this timely book offers a unique lens into the lives of economic migrants who inhabit the margins of Chinese society.

The book takes readers through a diverse range of experiences, showcasing Africans from all walks of life. From small-scale traders to highly skilled professionals: Saro-Wiwa introduces us to a cardiac surgeon, a drug dealer, and men married to Chinese women who humorously speak English with strong Nigerian accents. Each story provides insight into the hopes,
struggles, and resilience of the African diaspora in China, illuminating how these migrants navigate the cultural and language barriers of their new environment.

At the heart of Black Ghosts is the tension between two rapidly evolving societies: China, a global economic powerhouse undergoing a massive transformation, and African nations, whose citizens are increasingly drawn to China for opportunities. Saro-Wiwa observes how Africans live in clustered communities in cities like Guangzhou, where trade and commerce are central to their livelihoods. However, the book doesn’t shy away from addressing the darker sides of this migration, including visa overstays, mistreatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rigid immigration laws that make it difficult for Africans to stay legally in China.

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Author Noo Saro-Wiwa

Saro-Wiwa’s months of research and travels through China provide a diverse array of personal stories and reflections on China’s economic rise. As she documents the growing Sino-African relationship, she also draws attention to the infrastructure projects China has invested in across Africa. These economic ties, while beneficial, are fraught with power
imbalances and a lack of mutual understanding, which she argues Africa must urgently address.

Black Ghosts is more than just a travelogue; it is an essential read for anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of global migration, economic exchange, and the human drive for survival and success. As Sino-African relations deepen, this book offers critical insights into the gaps and challenges that Africa must navigate to ensure it is correctly understood and represented in the global arena. Highly recommended for readers interested in cross- cultural narratives and the human stories behind economic migration.


You can find “Black Ghosts” and many more titles at Soma Nami Books, an independent, pan-African bookstore with locations in Kilimani and Ngara. www.somanami.co.ke