diff --git a/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm b/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
index 0f02163cab..1b138f31b9 100644
--- a/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
+++ b/gnu/packages/python-xyz.scm
@@ -11262,8 +11262,7 @@ (define-public python2-ttystatus
          ;; and fails.
          (delete 'check)
          (add-before 'build 'check
-           (lambda _
-             (zero? (system* "make" "check")))))))
+           (lambda _ (invoke "make" "check"))))))
     (home-page "https://liw.fi/ttystatus/")
     (synopsis "Python library for showing progress reporting and
 status updates on terminals")