# Reading the Ceiling

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***Reading the Ceiling*** is a 2007 debut novel by Dayo Forster. Forster was born in [the Gambia](/source/The_Gambia), studied at the [London School of Economics](/source/London_School_of_Economics), and she now lives in [Kenya](/source/Kenya).[1][2]

Forster's book tells the story of eighteen-year-old Ayodele and explores three paths her life could take. Ayodele is a Gambian schoolgirl entering adulthood. One path takes her to university in England, and another to polygamy and motherhood.

## Reception

Owen Richardson, reviewing the novel in *[The Age](/source/The_Age)*, compared it to [Philip Roth](/source/Philip_Roth)'s *[The Counterlife](/source/The_Counterlife)*.[1] A reviewer for *[The Point](/source/The_Point_(the_Gambia))* praised Forster's use of local terminology and accurate portrayal of Gambian society, especially regarding the roles of women.[3]

In 2007, *Reading the Ceiling* was shortlisted for a [Commonwealth Writers' Prize](/source/Commonwealth_Writers'_Prize).[4] In 2019, the novel was one of *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)'* travel selections, "52 Books for 52 Places"/[5]

## References

1. Richardson, Owen (28 July 2007). ["Reading the Ceiling"](https://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/books/reading-the-ceiling-20070728-ge5gh6.html). *The Age*. Retrieved 29 April 2021.

1. Bournand, Dawn (2 June 2015). ["TRIUM Global EMBA Alumna Proves Women In Africa Can Have A Positive Impact On The Global Economy"](https://www.topmba.com/mba-programs/executive/trium-global-emba-alumna-proves-women-africa-can-have-positive-impact-global). QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited. Retrieved 8 May 2021.

1. ["Reading The Ceiling"](https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/article/reading-the-ceiling). *The Point*. 16 May 2008. Retrieved 8 May 2021.

1. ["Dayo Forster"](https://www.deanstreetpress.co.uk/pages/author_page/24). Dean Street Press. Retrieved 8 May 2021.

1. ["52 Books for 52 Places"](https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/14/books/52-books-for-52-places.html). *The New York Times*. 14 February 2019. Retrieved 8 May 2021.

## External links

- [Author's website](https://www.dayoforster.co.uk/)

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