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I am Not Yvonne Nelson
I Am Not Yvonne Nelson is an explosive and riveting account of a young woman who sets out to discover herself, but finds out that she has been living with a false identity. The drama and the twists and turns of this moving story have all the markings of a spell-binding movie script, except that the protagonist, who is an actor, is contending with a reality that intermittently soaks her pillow with tears. Uncharacteristic of an autobiography, the author comes to her audience stark naked. The book opens the door widely into the life of the author and exposes the good, the bad and the ugly sides, not only of her life, but also of the make-believe world of celebrities.
- GenresAutobiography
263 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2023
13 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 19, 2023
Wow
This book is just mind blowing. I think it reflects more on toxic motherhood and the effect it can have on a child. Yvonne did a great job spilling the beans. I love the woman she has become. A must read.
This book is just mind blowing. I think it reflects more on toxic motherhood and the effect it can have on a child. Yvonne did a great job spilling the beans. I love the woman she has become. A must read.
Read
June 30, 2023I say this, knowing fully well that some may mistake it as me slutshaming but I am not. I am only working with the clues available in this book.
Yvonne's mother got married at the young age of 19. Got divorced very young as well... in her 20s. She had a difficult upbringing and was determined not to go back to that life and to provide for her kids.
After the divorce, I reckon Yvonne's mother had to exchange sex for money/favours and, in the process, got pregnant with Yvonne.
Mr Nelson, despite being very accepting of all his outside kids, never accepted Yvonne. Mr Adjetey never had an idea Yvonne existed.
(Also both men are influential men in the society hinting at a pattern of being with men who could provide for her and her kids).
I think Yvonne's mother doesn't know who her father is and the process needed for Yvonne to find out who her real father is, would force her mother to declare her sexual history (for Yvonne to go to each man or his family to carry out a DNA test).
Yvonne also said her mother always said she wished she had aborted Yvonne and other unsavoury things towards her.
Those words signal regret and I think her mother wished she never existed because Yvonne is the remnant of her past. A constant reminder of how she had to live to survive.
I don't think Yvonne will ever know who her father is. Her mother will never tell her. The woman has perfected the act of selfishness and victimhood and this book Yvonne wrote has opened her mother up for judgement.
Her mother is obsessed with maintaining the current image she has curated for herself. The image of a good Christian woman without faults.
I think Yvonne needs to learn to make peace with never knowing her father.
Yvonne's mother got married at the young age of 19. Got divorced very young as well... in her 20s. She had a difficult upbringing and was determined not to go back to that life and to provide for her kids.
After the divorce, I reckon Yvonne's mother had to exchange sex for money/favours and, in the process, got pregnant with Yvonne.
Mr Nelson, despite being very accepting of all his outside kids, never accepted Yvonne. Mr Adjetey never had an idea Yvonne existed.
(Also both men are influential men in the society hinting at a pattern of being with men who could provide for her and her kids).
I think Yvonne's mother doesn't know who her father is and the process needed for Yvonne to find out who her real father is, would force her mother to declare her sexual history (for Yvonne to go to each man or his family to carry out a DNA test).
Yvonne also said her mother always said she wished she had aborted Yvonne and other unsavoury things towards her.
Those words signal regret and I think her mother wished she never existed because Yvonne is the remnant of her past. A constant reminder of how she had to live to survive.
I don't think Yvonne will ever know who her father is. Her mother will never tell her. The woman has perfected the act of selfishness and victimhood and this book Yvonne wrote has opened her mother up for judgement.
Her mother is obsessed with maintaining the current image she has curated for herself. The image of a good Christian woman without faults.
I think Yvonne needs to learn to make peace with never knowing her father.
June 24, 2023
This popular book hitting the shelves of many readers —even if most of them are intrigued by the excerpt on the moral negligence of a popular Ghanaian artist— across the country is yet another restoration in the budding reading culture among Ghanaians.
"I Am Not Yvonne Nelson" as the title suggests is not the conventional memoir, it is a short piece of a life of a woman in search for her father.
Written in a language that is characteristically provocative, somewhat honest and sharp with an overly redundant description.
The author, "Not Yvonne Nelson" detailed her short life from her time from basic school through to her rise and fame, then to her quest to find the 'real' Mr 'Nelson'.
It is however, not unnoticed how her Father Issues —the feeling of resentments towards her father 'Mr Nelson' —has kept drawing her to emotionally unavailable men (I wonder what Freud would say about you now).
The subtle text of the feministic agenda and male hegemony the author —unknowingly— keeps denoting in her work is duely noted.
Highly recommended for anyone who is curious about what's like to be a celebrity in Ghana and some of the things that happen in the entertainment industry.
"I Am Not Yvonne Nelson" as the title suggests is not the conventional memoir, it is a short piece of a life of a woman in search for her father.
Written in a language that is characteristically provocative, somewhat honest and sharp with an overly redundant description.
The author, "Not Yvonne Nelson" detailed her short life from her time from basic school through to her rise and fame, then to her quest to find the 'real' Mr 'Nelson'.
It is however, not unnoticed how her Father Issues —the feeling of resentments towards her father 'Mr Nelson' —has kept drawing her to emotionally unavailable men (I wonder what Freud would say about you now).
The subtle text of the feministic agenda and male hegemony the author —unknowingly— keeps denoting in her work is duely noted.
Highly recommended for anyone who is curious about what's like to be a celebrity in Ghana and some of the things that happen in the entertainment industry.
July 11, 2023
I can literally feel the emotional pain and desire to know who she is. This is a book for many families. We all sometimes ignore the basics. Children, most of whom got polluted by their mothers and fathers at an early age may never recover. This book should be put on the top shelves of childhood psychology.
A good read it is.
A good read it is.
July 19, 2023
Wow this is going to be a long read. But Yvonne, thank you for sharing your mind and vulnerability with us. I admire your strength and determination in life. I have taken a-lot of lessons with this book. Thank you so much and I hope you reach solitude in finding your father.
Y’all I had to get the book and look through my highlights to be able to write this review properly. This is the first book I’ve read and completed within days for almost a decade now. Thank you for pushing me back into the reading scene. I will forever cherish this journey
I do think it’ll have been great to be more in a chronological order and not just any sequence. That’s my biggest critique. Then it’d have made it a much more emotional rollercoaster. It also would have helped in placing characters and situations in the right place. It’s why I’m giving a 4 star rating.
It’s like a lot of things are foreshadowed but I wanna blame social media more for ruining the book for me before I could even buy it and read it.
From pg. 9, I knew she was someone who will always take accountability when it presents itself with time.
I thought the teacher’s “homework” on asking her parents was odd but it definitely reeks of Ghanaian culture and lack of respect. But it did bring her to where you are now in life so not much can be said.
When a mother doesn’t want to indulge the paternity of her child, it might mean a lot. I think she might not know who the father reasons being - was experiencing her own body. Could also be rape or could be sexual favors gone wrong. This is Ghana we are talking about and misogyny is a 3 course meal.
African Men being misogynistic is not a shocker. Being banned from movies and expecting sexual favors were not surprising at all. I am a bit sad that names couldn’t be revealed so we can prevent future abuse but I understand why. Safety comes first- and calling out misogyny can lead to death.
I would also like to say that (no offense but truth) her baby daddy has a fetish with black women. How he got so close to her shows your kindness. He’s not a black man in a white body (pg.106). He just has a fetish of black women and black culture. If you can’t be attracted to the people in your own race, I’m scared of ya.
Colonialism did a number on our people. It’s not something that will dismantle in this generation. Hell neo-colonialism is the new thing and it’s not going anywhere either from the looks of it.
I’m excited for all her future political endeavors. For someone studying law, I’m still learning a lot especially with her decision for choosing international relations for your masters. It shows genuineness and I hope it doesn’t fade with time.
I’m very happy for her and all her business endeavors. I wish her more success and happiness. Family isn’t always biological. I have met people in life I consider more as family and have treated me better. Not knowing who her father will only break her if she chooses it to. But I understand it’s the one thing that ponders her heart. So I wish her luck in it. Enjoy the family you have made and have while at it.
that bothers me a lot is the lack of privacy rules in Ghana. Considering everyone knew she gave birth right away was very disturbing. So many instances in the book when she had to think of her privacy first because the society and government was not even going to give it.
Ps- if you were looking for a comment regarding her abortion, honestly don’t care and nothing we do or say will bring the fetus back. It’s done, he even recorded a song for her dumsor power crisis (pg. 117)
I love you Yvonne. Since young and knowing you share a name with half the girls on my fathers side starting from my parental grandmother. Always have and always will. I won’t forget coming to your mothers’ home in Dansoman looking for you after school😂😂you weren’t home but it still made me happy.
Y’all I had to get the book and look through my highlights to be able to write this review properly. This is the first book I’ve read and completed within days for almost a decade now. Thank you for pushing me back into the reading scene. I will forever cherish this journey
I do think it’ll have been great to be more in a chronological order and not just any sequence. That’s my biggest critique. Then it’d have made it a much more emotional rollercoaster. It also would have helped in placing characters and situations in the right place. It’s why I’m giving a 4 star rating.
It’s like a lot of things are foreshadowed but I wanna blame social media more for ruining the book for me before I could even buy it and read it.
From pg. 9, I knew she was someone who will always take accountability when it presents itself with time.
I thought the teacher’s “homework” on asking her parents was odd but it definitely reeks of Ghanaian culture and lack of respect. But it did bring her to where you are now in life so not much can be said.
When a mother doesn’t want to indulge the paternity of her child, it might mean a lot. I think she might not know who the father reasons being - was experiencing her own body. Could also be rape or could be sexual favors gone wrong. This is Ghana we are talking about and misogyny is a 3 course meal.
African Men being misogynistic is not a shocker. Being banned from movies and expecting sexual favors were not surprising at all. I am a bit sad that names couldn’t be revealed so we can prevent future abuse but I understand why. Safety comes first- and calling out misogyny can lead to death.
I would also like to say that (no offense but truth) her baby daddy has a fetish with black women. How he got so close to her shows your kindness. He’s not a black man in a white body (pg.106). He just has a fetish of black women and black culture. If you can’t be attracted to the people in your own race, I’m scared of ya.
Colonialism did a number on our people. It’s not something that will dismantle in this generation. Hell neo-colonialism is the new thing and it’s not going anywhere either from the looks of it.
I’m excited for all her future political endeavors. For someone studying law, I’m still learning a lot especially with her decision for choosing international relations for your masters. It shows genuineness and I hope it doesn’t fade with time.
I’m very happy for her and all her business endeavors. I wish her more success and happiness. Family isn’t always biological. I have met people in life I consider more as family and have treated me better. Not knowing who her father will only break her if she chooses it to. But I understand it’s the one thing that ponders her heart. So I wish her luck in it. Enjoy the family you have made and have while at it.
that bothers me a lot is the lack of privacy rules in Ghana. Considering everyone knew she gave birth right away was very disturbing. So many instances in the book when she had to think of her privacy first because the society and government was not even going to give it.
Ps- if you were looking for a comment regarding her abortion, honestly don’t care and nothing we do or say will bring the fetus back. It’s done, he even recorded a song for her dumsor power crisis (pg. 117)
I love you Yvonne. Since young and knowing you share a name with half the girls on my fathers side starting from my parental grandmother. Always have and always will. I won’t forget coming to your mothers’ home in Dansoman looking for you after school😂😂you weren’t home but it still made me happy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2024
This book took me a minute to get into but once immersed in it, I had to keep going.
Yvonne tells her side of the story and raw as she experienced it and comes out clearly as a person struggling with self-identity. She just wants to know who her father is, but her mother would not give in. At some point, I was getting frustrated as well, I mean just say the name. It is clear the existence of toxicity within the family (dysfunctionality). Yvonne’s family only gets to respect her once she succeeds within the film industry. Her need to belong pushes her to continue accommodating a man who is not her real father as much as she has clearly been sidelined. (Mr. Nelson).
The inability to center herself by not knowing her roots, she spirals even in her personal life. She struggles with her personal relationships with the opposite gender and every time it happens, she runs back to what she does best, becoming better in her career. (Her coping mechanism) She is clearly a good actress with a good eye and reason she ends up producing her own movies.
The book feels more like a cry for help. Her inner child yearns to know who she is and does not understand why her mother would not give her that one moment in life. She has achieved all that she could dream of in terms of elevating her life, but this one issue continues to drag her down. Hoping her father responds to her letter.
There are other areas in her life she talks about and makes us aware of, like her becoming a mother and how she brings up her child despite the challenging environment, the entertainment scene in Ghana and Nigeria. How the celebrities must carry themselves out to remain relevant and the downside of how actresses are sometimes compromised just to get roles. Her small stint in politics that almost convinced her that she could hold public office and actually went back to school to study. Yvonne is a strong woman but pained.
A pretty good and simple read that shows how dysfunctional families can get in and its effects to an individual. The day to day troubles one encounters and how we can still achieve victories despite the background noise.
Would recommend it.
Yvonne tells her side of the story and raw as she experienced it and comes out clearly as a person struggling with self-identity. She just wants to know who her father is, but her mother would not give in. At some point, I was getting frustrated as well, I mean just say the name. It is clear the existence of toxicity within the family (dysfunctionality). Yvonne’s family only gets to respect her once she succeeds within the film industry. Her need to belong pushes her to continue accommodating a man who is not her real father as much as she has clearly been sidelined. (Mr. Nelson).
The inability to center herself by not knowing her roots, she spirals even in her personal life. She struggles with her personal relationships with the opposite gender and every time it happens, she runs back to what she does best, becoming better in her career. (Her coping mechanism) She is clearly a good actress with a good eye and reason she ends up producing her own movies.
The book feels more like a cry for help. Her inner child yearns to know who she is and does not understand why her mother would not give her that one moment in life. She has achieved all that she could dream of in terms of elevating her life, but this one issue continues to drag her down. Hoping her father responds to her letter.
There are other areas in her life she talks about and makes us aware of, like her becoming a mother and how she brings up her child despite the challenging environment, the entertainment scene in Ghana and Nigeria. How the celebrities must carry themselves out to remain relevant and the downside of how actresses are sometimes compromised just to get roles. Her small stint in politics that almost convinced her that she could hold public office and actually went back to school to study. Yvonne is a strong woman but pained.
A pretty good and simple read that shows how dysfunctional families can get in and its effects to an individual. The day to day troubles one encounters and how we can still achieve victories despite the background noise.
Would recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2023
having read this book within a period of less than 24hrs.... I therefore 'proudly' declare myself a prodigy. Yes, a prodigy (but thts a story for another day). I also hv self appointed/ declared myself to b in the category of guys Yvonne Nelson wud date. If I was famous and a musician, but wht do I knw? Uh, yes, of course, spoiler alert..she's into musicians 🤦🏾♂️.
I wasn't fully acquainted with the whole Yvonne Nelson name but I think I've seen her in some Nigerian/Ghanaian movies....same applies with some of the names she quite mentions in the book. Such as Jackie Appiah, Sarkodie and Iyanya and oh John Dumelo.
To keep the review short and not spoil it for slow readers and non-readers (but who so claim to b readers). It's a good book, muchly written to target the female audience but i still found it entertaining either way. Highly recommend. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I wasn't fully acquainted with the whole Yvonne Nelson name but I think I've seen her in some Nigerian/Ghanaian movies....same applies with some of the names she quite mentions in the book. Such as Jackie Appiah, Sarkodie and Iyanya and oh John Dumelo.
To keep the review short and not spoil it for slow readers and non-readers (but who so claim to b readers). It's a good book, muchly written to target the female audience but i still found it entertaining either way. Highly recommend. 5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 13, 2023
I’ve known about Yvonne Nelson since the mid-2000s. My mum and I used to binge-watch her movies on the African Movie Magic Channel while growing up. I call it “binge” because like most Ghollywood movies were , her movies were often divided into parts one, two, and three. So, it felt natural to read her memoir, as I've always been drawn to her films.
Now, as the title suggests, she isn't actually "Yvonne Nelson." The contents of this book feel genuine, and I was easily transported to Accra, Lagos, and London. The premise of the book revolves around her search for her biological father, whom unbelievably her mother refuses to share any information about.
Now, as the title suggests, she isn't actually "Yvonne Nelson." The contents of this book feel genuine, and I was easily transported to Accra, Lagos, and London. The premise of the book revolves around her search for her biological father, whom unbelievably her mother refuses to share any information about.
September 22, 2023
Personally, I find the book badly written. This is coming from someone who prefers fiction, so it could just be that. HOWEVER, I understand why this book was written; it’s a letter to her father and I sincerely hope she gets to meet him before he is no more. Her mother’s reaction towards all of this is very odd but sadly, also very African. My heart goes out to Yvonne, she deserves a loving family.
The book itself though is a 2/5 ⭐️ for me. She often got lost in irrelevant details like the history of the schools she attended and often felt like she was trying to reach a specific word count. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend.
The book itself though is a 2/5 ⭐️ for me. She often got lost in irrelevant details like the history of the schools she attended and often felt like she was trying to reach a specific word count. Wouldn’t necessarily recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2023
This account peers into those things people are rarely allowed to let out into the public domain. She did well by penning this in simple and plain English. The story in itself was complex and required no further complexity in the expression of language. This is a must read for anyone interested in understanding how those closest to us might hide what is so dear to us. It's a story telling of how we can be misguided in our judgements. It provides a case for thinking again whenever there's a rush to assume. I hope Yvonne finds the peace she needs.
June 21, 2023
Name calling
Congratulations Yvonne! It was great to share in your experiences via reading this piece. I loved the fact that i got to know the real YN and events that have unfolded in your life however the mentioning of names is what got me confused. If that was really the case, each encountered individual should have their names printed but instead you stuck to a few and referred to others as 'a politician' 'a pastor' etc. This is not the brave Yvonne we all know and perceive but all the same. Well done!
Congratulations Yvonne! It was great to share in your experiences via reading this piece. I loved the fact that i got to know the real YN and events that have unfolded in your life however the mentioning of names is what got me confused. If that was really the case, each encountered individual should have their names printed but instead you stuck to a few and referred to others as 'a politician' 'a pastor' etc. This is not the brave Yvonne we all know and perceive but all the same. Well done!
June 22, 2023
It’s never what it seems
I believe this book is a therapeutic exercise and outlet!
She is so misunderstood in the industry that she is setting the record straight and hopefully unloading the unnecessary weight added to her name. We get to see who , Yvonne really is and what really matters to her. She is human too ! Let take everything we see in the media as floored until the celebrity or person in question tells you the real deal.
Yvonne you are a real warrior and great example to the misfits. Your story will encourage us to keep going !
Great read
I believe this book is a therapeutic exercise and outlet!
She is so misunderstood in the industry that she is setting the record straight and hopefully unloading the unnecessary weight added to her name. We get to see who , Yvonne really is and what really matters to her. She is human too ! Let take everything we see in the media as floored until the celebrity or person in question tells you the real deal.
Yvonne you are a real warrior and great example to the misfits. Your story will encourage us to keep going !
Great read
June 20, 2023
While I appreciate the honesty and boldness the author presents in this memoir, it felt rushed. I think it could have been made into a better narrative, focusing on categorical issues one at a time rather than the way it was presented in the book.
In the end though, the question of identity the author is left to solve is one that leaves the reader hoping for a positive resolution. No one deserves to be left hanging regarding one of the most important questions of life.
In the end though, the question of identity the author is left to solve is one that leaves the reader hoping for a positive resolution. No one deserves to be left hanging regarding one of the most important questions of life.
June 22, 2023
Quite a story !
It was such a beautiful story of one's life that encompasses resilience, courage ,winning, and sadness.. Even though mom has made her life in the latter, unbearable psychologically and emotionally, her sacrifices for her is worth noting and I hope she will divulge the truth asap to prevent further damage to her daughter's mental health💔. Knowing one's identity is key and an important piece of information to better understand the self and it's existence.
It was such a beautiful story of one's life that encompasses resilience, courage ,winning, and sadness.. Even though mom has made her life in the latter, unbearable psychologically and emotionally, her sacrifices for her is worth noting and I hope she will divulge the truth asap to prevent further damage to her daughter's mental health💔. Knowing one's identity is key and an important piece of information to better understand the self and it's existence.
June 19, 2023
A true daughter of Ghana has spoken her truth..
The icon, the showstopper, the material girl, the woman she has become..this is 1 of the most powerful books I have ever read and just like everyone else I want to send my heartfelt love and appreciation to you for being so strong and saying her truth. "Onyame nkyekyere wo we're wai obaapa".
The icon, the showstopper, the material girl, the woman she has become..this is 1 of the most powerful books I have ever read and just like everyone else I want to send my heartfelt love and appreciation to you for being so strong and saying her truth. "Onyame nkyekyere wo we're wai obaapa".
June 20, 2023
4.5 stars.
I feel the goal of any memoir/autobiography is to leave the reader with a heightened sense of empathy and renewed interest towards the writer and that’s exactly what happened here.
I was so invested and she didn’t disappoint. Very relatable on so many levels. Sending you so much love, Yvonne!
I feel the goal of any memoir/autobiography is to leave the reader with a heightened sense of empathy and renewed interest towards the writer and that’s exactly what happened here.
I was so invested and she didn’t disappoint. Very relatable on so many levels. Sending you so much love, Yvonne!
June 21, 2023
Wonderful book
Wow, this is a must-read! A book full of lessons and relatable content. YN, may God help you find the answers to the most important question.
Your second book could be 'I am Yvonne ...'
Wow, this is a must-read! A book full of lessons and relatable content. YN, may God help you find the answers to the most important question.
Your second book could be 'I am Yvonne ...'
July 13, 2023
Inspirational
I loved everything about this book as it details the very real and relatable side of Yvonne Nelson. Her life is truly inspiring, and I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
I loved everything about this book as it details the very real and relatable side of Yvonne Nelson. Her life is truly inspiring, and I would highly recommend this book to everyone.
August 18, 2023
I'm done, not dusted! You simply can't finish a book like this and remain the same. I mean this is more than just an exposé into the life of Yyonne but also insight into the flashy celebrities world. A book for everyone who wants the wealth, influence and fame. —Booqmonk's Reviews
July 22, 2025
This memoir is another reason why we shouldn't "judge a book by its cover"
A lot of these public figures have been unfairly judged by the media, without knowing the demons they have to fight behind closed doors.
This was such a beautiful read and I genuinely hope that Yvonne finds her father.
A lot of these public figures have been unfairly judged by the media, without knowing the demons they have to fight behind closed doors.
This was such a beautiful read and I genuinely hope that Yvonne finds her father.
June 20, 2023
Surprisingly, this was very raw and interesting and well written. Laughed out loud at the Aggrey Memorial description. I don't think she's a good actress but she's a great writer !
November 8, 2025
While a compelling story, this book could have used several edits. So much of this book is poorly written and could have been omitted. There were parts where the writer (YN) just came across unlikeable and I think it came down to writing and editing style; at times it was painful to read or you were just rolling your eyes. Yvonne makes gross generalizations and sometimes the writing is just immature and bad. I think she has the ability to tell a good story, it felt like a relaxed conversation but it does not translate well into print. I think what was produced could have gone through several edits or perhaps a better editor should have been hired, but overall the storyline was interesting.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews