What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
STORY: This is an autobiographical fictional story of an elderly African immigrant in America telling his grandson his life story so that his grandson can learn lessons from it to lead his own life.
INSPIRATION: After I retired, I suddenly found myself with plenty of time to indulge in my lifelong passion—reading. I read a lot of biographies and memoirs, along with various novels. This led me to examine and reflect on my own life story, and I came to the conclusion that my life story was compelling and inspiring enough to share with the world.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Like A Rolling Stone by Bob Dylan.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
My favorite genre to read is Literary fiction, and it is my favorite for writing.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Sankofa by Chibundu Onuzo
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
The scene where Joseph visits Africa in 1985; particularly the scene where he goes to his old room and finds his small metal trunk intact.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
Not really, but I normally write first thing in the morning, now that I have retired.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
I live by the motto that there is always hope.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
That no matter how dire the circumstances one finds himself/herself in, one must always have hope and never give up. It is possible, through hard work, perseverance, and even some help from providence, to emerge victorious from those circumstances. Joseph was able to lead a successful life in spite of his difficult beginning and the various financial and health challenges he faced throughout his life.
Kwadwo Abrokwa is the author of the new book Joseph of Africa and America
