Published 9th April 2026 by Magpie.
From the cover of the book:
Sika's holiday to Ghana is the trip of a lifetime, until she uncovers a family secret that changes her life...
When Sika is invited to a lavish family party in Accra, she jumps at the chance. Her life might be in London – with a high-powered job, demanding boss and intense friendships – but she's itching to get to know her cousins, aunts and uncles, and explore the country her mother left just after Sika was born.
The holiday is better than she could have imagined, especially when handsome, charismatic Danso steps onto the scene. But on the night of the big party, as her happiness soars, Sika discovers a dark secret that will change everything – for everyone – forever.
From an award-winning writer, Sister of Mine is a poignant and heartfelt novel about family ties, family lies and the truths we withhold to protect the ones we love.
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Twenty-seven years ago, Selom left Ghana and headed for Britain with her young baby, Sika. Neither of them have been back since, so Sika is very excited to finally be travelling to Akkra for a big family celebration. This will give her the chance to meet the people she has heard so much about, to get to know something about the country of her parents - and to have a break from her demanding boss.
Sika is overwhelmed by the heat and noise of Akkra, and both charmed and bemused by the people she meets. She is especially pleased to meet handsome, charismatic Danso, and feels an instant connection with him.
But on the night of the party, Sika overhears a conversation that brings into question everything she thought she know about herself and her family. Can she ever move past the dark secret that has shattered her happiness?
This beautifully written, poignant novel follows Sika to Ghana, where she is in high anticipation of having a great time in the company of the friends and family. She also hopes to discover all she can about her own roots, and learn more about what lies behind the stories her mother has shared with her.
Ghana is an assault on Sika's senses - loud, bright, hot, and so different from her life in Britain. Many of the people she meets offer a warm welcome, especially her mother's oldest friend Larjey (whose wedding anniversary they are here to celebrate), but there is an awkward distance between Selom and her older sister, ultra-religious Edem, which Sika cannot fathom.
Soon, Sika is fully immersed in her Ghanaian adventure, spending time with gentle Danso, navigating uncomfortable situations as well as joyful ones, and getting caught up in preparations for the lavish party. But her happiness is cut short when she overhears a conversation that was not meant for her ears. Distraught, she cuts short her holiday, and flies home alone without saying goodbye to anyone. Sika's life has been derailed by the impact of what she has learned, and she does not know how she will begin to deal with what this means for her whole family.
Amuah does not shy away from exploring the light and shade of Ghana in this compelling novel, and she does the same with her wonderful cast of characters, who range from warm and loving to downright monsters in both Ghana and Britain. The characters are utterly captivating, especially Selon, and Larjay, who I cried heart-felt tears with - such amazing strong women, who are totally unforgettable.
Echoing themes weave throughout that cut you right to the quick. Amuah touches on so much in Sika's story, especially when it comes to loss, sacrifice, heart-rending trauma, and complicated family relationships. The moments of shocking hypocrisy and religious fakery are very bitter pills to swallow too.
There are lovely moments of humour, and much needed love and romance to lighten the pain though. And I revelled in the Devil Wears Prada vibe when is comes to Sika's high-pressure job - with shades of Miranda Priestley in the awful Caitlyn, and more than a touch of Nigel in Sika's fab 'work husband' Julian. I am so impressed how Amuah ties the work-side of Sika's story into the themes of the novel, which I did not see coming.
This is the kind of novel that takes you on an emotional journey at the side of its characters. I loved it from thought-provoking prologue to gorgeous uplifting ending.
Sister of Mine is available to buy now in paperback, ebook and audio formats.
Thank you to Oneworld for sending me a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
About the author:
Marie-Claire is a British Ghanaian author.
One for Sorrow, Two for Joy (Oneworld 2022) was her debut novel. In 2021, she was awarded the John C Laurence Award by the Society of Authors in support of her writing. In 2023, Marie-Claire was named winner of the Diverse Book Awards for adult fiction.
She combines her work as an author with her legal career as a barrister specialising in white collar crime.
In her spare time, Marie-Claire enjoys long walks with her French bulldog, Blue, travel to tropical isles and cocktails with friends.
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